CTET February 2026 application window closes today: Check paper-wise eligibility and last-minute steps to apply

The application window for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026 is scheduled to close today, December 18, as per the official notification issued by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Candidates aspiring to teach at the primary and upper primary levels in central government schools and other CTET-recognising institutions must complete their application and fee payment before the deadline.

The CTET February 2026 examination is going to be conducted on February 8, 2026. With the final hours remaining, CBSE has advised candidates to avoid last-minute technical delays and ensure successful submission of the online application form through the official website, ctet.nic.in.

CTET February 2026: Key dates candidates must note

According to the official schedule, the CTET February 2026 registration process began on November 27, 2025. The application window will close today at 11:59 pm. Candidates who successfully submit the form will be allowed to make limited corrections during the correction window, which is expected to open later this month.

The CTET examination will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode across designated centres nationwide.

Paper I and Paper II: Understanding the difference

CTET is conducted for two distinct papers. Paper I is meant for candidates who wish to teach Classes 1 to 5 (Primary Level), while Paper II is for those intending to teach Classes 6 to 8 (Upper Primary Level). Candidates meeting eligibility conditions for both levels can apply for both papers. Selection of the paper(s) must be made carefully during the application process, as changes are not permitted after the correction window closes.

CTET February 2026 paper-wise eligibility criteria

For Paper I, candidates must have passed Senior Secondary (Class 12) with at least 50 per cent marks and completed or be appearing in the final year of a two-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed). Candidates with 45 per cent marks in Class 12 under earlier NCTE norms, those with a four-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed), or graduates with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree are also eligible, subject to prescribed conditions.

For Paper II, applicants must hold a graduation degree along with a two-year D.El.Ed, or a B.Ed with at least 50 per cent marks. Candidates with a four-year B.A.Ed or B.Sc.Ed degree, or other NCTE-recognised equivalent qualifications, are also eligible. There is no upper age limit for appearing in the CTET examination.

CTET February 2026: Step-by-step application process

The application window for CBSE CTET February 2026 session will close shortly. Here is how aspirants can register online, if they have not done it yet.

• Visit the official CTET website at ctet.nic.in.
• Click on the link titled “Apply for CTET February 2026” on the homepage.
• Complete the new registration by entering basic details such as name, date of birth, mobile number and email ID to generate the application number.
• Log in using the application number and password created during registration.
• Fill in the CTET application form by entering personal details, choosing Paper I, Paper II or both, and selecting language options and exam city preferences.
• Enter educational qualification details as per the eligibility criteria prescribed for the selected paper(s).
• Upload scanned copies of a recent passport-size photograph and signature in the specified format and size.
• Review all entered details carefully before proceeding to payment.
• Pay the application fee online using debit card, credit card or net banking.
• Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.

Direct link to apply for CTET February 2026.

Application fee structure

The application fee for CTET February 2026 is Rs. 1,000 for one paper and Rs. 1,200 for both papers for General and OBC (NCL) candidates. For SC, ST and PwD candidates, the fee is Rs. 500 for one paper and Rs. 600 for both papers. The fee must be paid online through debit card, credit card or net banking.

How CTET qualification helps

Qualifying CTET is mandatory for teaching positions in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, central government schools and several state government and private schools that recognise CTET scores. While clearing CTET does not guarantee employment, it is an essential eligibility condition for recruitment notifications issued by various education authorities.

Candidates who are yet to apply are advised to complete the process immediately through ctet.nic.in to avoid missing the deadline.
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