CTET 2026 online Application Form: Today’s the Last Day to Apply Online, Eligibility, and Exam Details

CTET 2026 online APPLICATION FORM submission and other news: The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is one of the most important qualifying exams for those looking to start a teaching career in India’s central government-run and CTET-recognised schools. Conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), CTET serves as a national standard to evaluate the teaching skills and subject knowledge of candidates seeking jobs at the primary and upper primary levels. With the CTET February 2026 application window closing today, December 18, 2025, thousands of candidates are racing against the clock to finish their registrations and secure a chance to take the exam scheduled for February 8, 2026.

This final day is critical—not only will applications not be accepted after midnight, but missing CTET could delay teaching goals by months or even years. This article provides a complete overview of the CTET February 2026 examination, including important dates, eligibility for each paper, application procedures, fee structure, and the long-term importance of passing CTET.

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CTET 2026 Application February 2026: Why the Deadline Matters

According to the official notice from CBSE, the CTET February 2026 registration process started on November 27, 2025, giving candidates just over three weeks to apply. The application window closes today at 11:59 PM, making December 18 the last chance for candidates to submit their application forms and complete the fee payment.

CBSE has repeatedly warned candidates not to wait until the last minute. Heavy traffic on the official website can cause technical issues, payment failures, or incomplete submissions. Only those who submit the application form and fee on time will be eligible to download admit cards and take the exam.

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CTET Exam Schedule and Mode

The CTET February 2026 examination will take place on February 8, 2026, in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode at designated exam centres across the country. The CBT format ensures transparency, efficiency, and faster result processing. Candidates will be assigned exam centres based on their preferences selected during the application process, depending on availability.

A correction window is expected to open later in December, allowing candidates to make limited changes to their application forms. However, not all fields can be edited, and certain details, like the choice of paper, cannot be changed after the correction window closes.

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Understanding CTET Paper I and Paper II

CTET is conducted for two different teaching levels. Candidates must choose the appropriate paper(s) based on their qualifications and career goals.

Paper I: Primary Level (Classes 1 to 5)

Paper I is for candidates who want to teach at the primary level. It tests a candidate’s knowledge of child development, pedagogy, language skills, mathematics, and environmental studies.

Paper II: Upper Primary Level (Classes 6 to 8)

Paper II is for those looking to teach middle school classes. In addition to child development and language tests, candidates must select a subject-specific paper, such as Mathematics and Science or Social Studies.

Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements for both levels can apply for both Paper I and Paper II, increasing their job opportunities.

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Paper-Wise Eligibility Criteria Explained

The eligibility criteria for CTET are set by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) and must be met at the time of application.

Eligibility for Paper I (Classes 1–5)

Candidates are eligible if they meet at least one of the following conditions:

• Passed Senior Secondary (Class 12) with at least 50% marks and completed or are enrolled in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed)
• Passed Class 12 with 45% marks (according to earlier NCTE rules) along with D.El.Ed
• Completed or are enrolled in the final year of a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed)
• Graduates with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree, based on specific NCTE conditions

Eligibility for Paper II (Classes 6–8)

Candidates must meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Graduated with a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed)
• Graduated with B.Ed (minimum 50% marks)
• Completed or are enrolled in the final year of 4-year B.A.Ed or B.Sc.Ed
• Any other qualification recognised by NCTE as equivalent

Importantly, there is no upper age limit for taking the CTET exam, making it open to candidates at various stages of their careers.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for CTET February 2026

Candidates who have not yet applied must complete the following steps today:

1. Visit the official CTET website: ctet.nic.in
2. Click on the link titled “Apply for CTET February 2026”
3. Complete new registration by entering basic details such as name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID
4. Generate the application number and create a password
5. Log in using the generated credentials
6. Fill in personal details, select Paper I, Paper II, or both, choose languages and exam city preferences
7. Carefully enter educational qualification details as per eligibility requirements
8. Upload scanned images of a recent passport-size photograph and signature in the required format
9. Review all details thoroughly before proceeding
10. Pay the application fee online
11. Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference

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Application Fee Structure

The CTET February 2026 application fee varies based on category and number of papers selected:

• General / OBC (NCL): ₹1,000 for one paper; ₹1,200 for both papers
• SC / ST / PwD: ₹500 for one paper; ₹600 for both papers

The fee must be paid online using debit card, credit card, or net banking. Applications without successful fee payment are considered incomplete and will be rejected.

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Why CTET Qualification Is Important

Passing CTET is a required step for teaching jobs in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), central government schools, and many state government and private institutions that accept CTET scores. While passing CTET does not guarantee a job, it is essential for taking part in recruitment exams conducted by different education authorities.

CTET certification boosts a candidate’s professional credibility, opens up teaching opportunities across various states, and remains valid for a lifetime, allowing candidates to apply for teaching positions whenever recruitment notifications come out.

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Final Advice for Candidates on Deadline Day

With only hours left before the application window closes, candidates are strongly urged to:

• Complete the application well before midnight
• Ensure stable internet connection during fee payment
• Double-check personal and academic details
• Save copies of the confirmation page and payment receipt

Missing today’s deadline could mean waiting for the next CTET cycle, significantly delaying career plans. Aspiring teachers should act quickly and complete their applications through the official website to secure their chance to appear for CTET February 2026.

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In conclusion, CTET February 2026 represents more than just an exam—it is a pathway to a stable and respected teaching career. As the application window closes today, prompt action, careful attention to eligibility, and accurate submission of details are essential steps to getting closer to the classroom.

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