Aspiring teachers get ready. The Central Teacher Eligibility Test CTET will take place on February 8, 2026.
This national level exam by the Central Board of Secondary Education CBSE is an important step for teaching jobs in central government schools like Kendriya Vidyalaya and Navodaya Vidyalaya.
The new exam date and lifetime certificate rule have again made CTET the centre of talk for all teacher aspirants.
Key Takeaways
- CTET 2026 exam date is February 8, 2026
- Certificate has lifetime validity
- Conducted in 132 cities with 20 languages
- Two papers for Classes 1 to 5 and 6 to 8
- Detailed notification expected in October 2025
Why CTET 2026 Is in News
The CBSE shared a fresh notice on October 24, 2025. The 21st edition of CTET was earlier planned for December, but now the exam is shifted to February 2026.
This gives more time to prepare. Still, aspirants on X are sharing mixed reactions.
Some are happy to get extra months and others are facing issues on the official website and delayed alerts.
Important Points Every Aspirant Should Know:
- Exam Date and Format: The exam will be conducted in two different shifts. Paper 1 for Classes 1 to 5 and Paper 2 for Classes 6 to 8. It will be held offline with 150 multiple choice questions and no negative marking. Duration will be 2.5 hours
- Notification: It is expected by October 25, 2025 on ctet.nic.in. It will cover eligibility, fees and syllabus
- Application Form: Likely to open in late October or early November 2025. Fees are ₹1,000 for one paper and ₹1,200 for both. For reserved categories ₹500 and ₹600
- Languages: Exam available in 20 languages
- Certificate Validity: Certificates are now valid for lifetime which reduces pressure to repeat the test.
How to Register for CTET 2026
The registration process is simple. Every step must be completed carefully so that your form is not rejected. Below are the steps.
Steps to Complete Registration
- Step 1: Visit the official CTET website
- Step 2: Select the Apply Online option
- Step 3: Fill the online application form and keep your registration or application number safe
- Step 4: Upload your latest scanned photograph and signature
- Step 5: Pay the exam fee using debit or credit card or net banking
- Step 6: Download and print the confirmation page for reference
How to Prepare for CTET 2026
Preparation should start now because the competition is strong. Below are some tips.
List to Focus for Strong Preparation:
- Understand syllabus fully. Child development and pedagogy is very important
- Practice mock tests every week. Timing and accuracy are key
- Solve previous year papers for the exam pattern
- Study topics like inclusive education and digital learning as per NEP 2020
- Check updates on ctet.nic.in for every new notice
CTET 2026: Quick Look
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Date | February 8, 2026 Sunday |
| Papers | Paper 1 Classes 1 to 5, Paper 2 Classes 6 to 8 |
| Mode | Offline pen and paper |
| Fee | ₹1,000 for one paper, ₹1,200 for both |
| Languages | 20 languages in 132 cities |
| Certificate Validity | Lifetime since 2024 |
What People Are Saying on X
On social media the exam is trending. Many posts say CTET is helping students from every region because of language and city reach.
But website issues are hurting the process. Some users are also unhappy because recruitment in schools is slow.
Even then many aspirants are supporting each other and sharing study resources to keep motivated.
Why This Update Matters
CTET 2026 brings hope for teaching careers. The extra preparation time and lifetime certification is a big advantage.
If you want to be a teacher and make a real change in students lives, this is your moment.
Stay alert on the official updates and continue your preparation to secure your place in schools across India.