The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 will be conducted as per the prescribed examination framework. The exam is designed to assess the eligibility of candidates for teaching at different school levels. Candidates must appear for the paper corresponding to the level at which they wish to teach.
Papers Conducted in CTET 2026
- The CTET 2026 examination will be conducted in two separate papers
- Each paper is meant to evaluate teaching eligibility for a specific class level
Paper I
- Conducted for candidates aspiring to teach at the primary level
- Applicable for teaching Classes 1 to 5
Paper II
- Conducted for candidates aspiring to teach at the upper primary level
- Applicable for teaching Classes 6 to 8
Examination Shift Details
- The CTET 2026 examination will be held in two different shifts
- Paper II will be conducted in the morning shift
- Paper I will be conducted in the afternoon shift
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Candidates must report to the examination center strictly according to the shift and timing mentioned on their admit card
- Entry will not be allowed in any shift other than the one allotted to the candidate
- Candidates reporting to the wrong shift will not be permitted to appear for the examination
Key Highlights of CTET 2026
The CTET 2026 examination is designed to evaluate candidates’ teaching aptitude and subject knowledge in a fair and transparent manner. Below are the important details related to the exam pattern, marking scheme, and qualifying criteria.
Exam Pattern Overview
- The examination will consist of 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Each question will carry 1 mark
- The total duration of the exam will be 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes)
- There will be no negative marking in the examination
- Candidates will not lose marks for incorrect answers, so attempting all questions is advisable
CTET 2026 Result Update: Answer Key, Objection Window & Expected Date
Minimum Qualifying Marks
The category-wise minimum percentage required to qualify the CTET 2026 exam is given below:
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage |
|---|---|
| General | 60% |
| OBC / SC / ST | 55% |
Validity of CTET Certificate
- Candidates who qualify the CTET 2026 examination will be awarded a CTET eligibility certificate
- The CTET certificate will remain valid for a lifetime, allowing candidates to use it for future teacher recruitment processes
CTET 2026: Reporting Time and Examination Duration
Candidates appearing for the CTET 2026 examination must strictly follow the reporting time mentioned for their respective shifts. Entry to the examination center will be allowed only within the prescribed time, and no candidate will be permitted to enter once the gates are closed.
Paper-II (Morning Shift)
- Reporting Time: 7:30 AM
- Gate Closing Time: 9:30 AM
- Examination Timing: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
👉 Candidates arriving after 9:30 AM will not be allowed to enter the examination center under any circumstances.
Paper-I (Afternoon Shift)
- Reporting Time: 12:30 PM
- Last Entry Time: 2:30 PM
- Examination Timing: 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM
👉 Entry to the examination hall will be strictly prohibited after 2:30 PM.
Shift-Wise Schedule Overview
| Paper | Reporting Time | Gate Closing | Examination Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-II | 7:30 AM | 9:30 AM | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Paper-I | 12:30 PM | 2:30 PM | 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM |
Documents Required for CTET 2026
Candidates appearing for CTET 2026 must carry the following documents to the examination center. Entry will not be allowed without these essential items:
- Printed CTET 2026 Admit Card, with the photograph and signature clearly visible
- Original government-issued photo ID proof, such as:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Driving License
- Passport
- Two recent passport-size colored photographs
- Blue or black ballpoint pen for marking answers
CTET 2026 Dress Code and Prohibited Items
To ensure smooth security checks and maintain discipline at the examination center, candidates are required to follow a specific dress code.
Dress Code Guidelines
- Wear light-colored, simple clothing
- Avoid outfits with large buttons, heavy embroidery, or decorative designs
- Clothes with multiple pockets should not be worn
- Half-sleeve shirts or T-shirts are considered most suitable
Prohibited Items at the Exam Center
Candidates are strictly prohibited from carrying the following items inside the examination hall:
- Shoes, thick-soled footwear, or heavy sandals
- Any kind of jewelry or ornaments
- Wristwatches
- Electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, or Bluetooth devices
- Any other restricted or unauthorized items
⚠️ Failure to follow these instructions may lead to disqualification or removal from the examination center.
CTET 2026: Rules to Be Followed Inside the Examination Hall
After entering the examination hall, all candidates must strictly follow the prescribed rules to ensure a smooth and fair examination process.
- Each candidate must sit only at the desk allotted to them, which will display their roll number
- Biometric attendance may be conducted at several examination centers, and candidates are required to cooperate fully
- The answer booklet will be provided in a sealed condition
- Candidates are allowed to open the answer booklet only after receiving instructions from the invigilator or examination superintendent
- Signing the attendance sheet and providing a thumb impression is mandatory for all candidates
- No candidate will be allowed to leave the examination hall before the completion of the full exam duration (2 hours and 30 minutes), even if they finish the paper early
⚠️ Any violation of these rules may lead to disciplinary action or disqualification.
Conclusion
Candidates appearing for the CTET 2026 examination are advised to carefully read and follow all the guidelines issued by the authorities. Adhering to the reporting time, carrying the required documents, following the dress code, and maintaining discipline inside the examination hall are essential for a smooth and stress-free exam experience. Any failure to comply with the prescribed rules may result in denial of entry or disqualification. Therefore, candidates should remain alert, stay well-prepared, and strictly follow all instructions to avoid any last-minute inconvenience.
CTET 2026 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. On which date will the CTET 2026 examination be conducted?
Answer: The CTET 2026 examination will be held on 7 & 8 February 2026.
Q3. How many questions are asked in each CTET paper?
Answer: Each CTET paper consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q3. What is the duration of the CTET 2026 examination?
Answer: The total duration of each paper is 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes).
Q4. Is there any negative marking in CTET 2026?
Answer: No, there is no negative marking in CTET 2026. Marks are not deducted for incorrect answers.
