CTET 2026 Exam Date, Admit Card & Result Timeline

INTRODUCTION

The CTET 2026 Exam Date has been officially confirmed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for February 8, 2026. As one of the most significant national-level eligibility tests in India, the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) serves as the primary gateway for aspiring educators to qualify for teaching positions in Classes 1 to 8.

Whether you are aiming for the Primary Stage (Classes I–V) or the Elementary Stage (Classes VI–VIII), staying updated on the official timeline—from the release of the city intimation slip to the final result declaration—is crucial for a stress-free experience. This comprehensive guide details the entire schedule, course structure, and stream-specific information you need for the February 2026 session.

CTET 2026 Exam Date & Important Schedule

The 21st edition of the CTET will be conducted in an offline (OMR-based) mode across 136 cities. The application window, which closed in December 2025, has set the stage for the upcoming examination in February.

Event	Date / Timeline
Official Notification Release	November 27, 2025
CTET 2026 Exam Date	February 8, 2026 (Sunday)
City Intimation Slip Release	January 26, 2026 (Expected)
Admit Card Download Link	2-3 Days before the exam
Provisional Answer Key	Last week of February 2026
CTET 2026 Result Date	March 2026 (Tentative)

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Stream and Course Details for CTET 2026

The CTET is divided into two specific papers based on the teaching stream and class level the candidate intends to pursue. Understanding the course requirements for each paper is essential for selecting the right stream.

1. Paper I (Primary Stage: Classes I to V)

This paper is designed for candidates who wish to teach at the primary school level. The curriculum focuses on child psychology and basic educational foundations.

• Duration: 2.5 Hours

• Total Marks: 150 (MCQs)

• Core Subjects: Child Development & Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies.

2. Paper II (Elementary Stage: Classes VI to VIII)

This paper is for those targeting the upper primary or elementary levels. Candidates must choose a specific stream based on their academic background (Science & Math or Social Science).

• Duration: 2.5 Hours

• Total Marks: 150 (MCQs)

• Stream Choice:

  • Mathematics & Science Stream: For candidates with a B.Sc or related background.

  • Social Studies/Social Science Stream: For candidates with a B.A. or related background.

CTET 2026 Admit Card and City Intimation Slip

The CBSE follows a two-step process for releasing hall tickets to manage logistics and candidate travel plans.

City Intimation Slip

Before the formal admit card is released, the board issues a City Intimation Slip. For the CTET 2026 Exam Date of February 8th, this slip is expected to be available on the official website (ctet.nic.in) by January 26, 2026. This document informs you of the specific city where your exam center is located but does not contain the exact venue address.

Official Admit Card

The final admit card, which includes your roll number, exam center address, and shift timings, is typically released 2 to 3 days prior to the exam.

• Shift 1 (Paper-II): 09:30 AM to 12:00 PM

• Shift 2 (Paper-I): 02:30 PM to 05:00 PM

Eligibility and Qualifying Marks for 2026

To qualify for the CTET 2026, candidates must meet the educational stream requirements set by the NCTE. Generally, a Senior Secondary degree with 50% marks and a Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) is required for Paper I, while a Graduation degree with a B.Ed is the standard for Paper II.

Qualifying Criteria:

• General Category: Must score at least 60% (90 out of 150 marks).

• OBC/SC/ST/PwD: Must score at least 55% (82 out of 150 marks).

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CTET 2026 Result and Certificate Validity

Following the CTET 2026 Exam Date on Feb 8th, the CBSE will release the provisional answer keys within 15-20 days. Candidates can expect the CTET 2026 Result to be declared in March 2026.

Once declared, the mark sheets and qualifying certificates will be available for download via DigiLocker. It is important to note that the CTET qualifying certificate now has lifetime validity, meaning once you pass, you do not need to appear for the exam again unless you wish to improve your score.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the official CTET 2026 Exam Date for the February session?

A: The official CTET 2026 Exam Date is February 8, 2026. The exam will be conducted in two shifts: Paper II in the morning and Paper I in the afternoon.

Q2: When can I download the CTET 2026 Admit Card?

A: While the city slip is released around 10 days early, the final admit card for the CTET 2026 Exam Date is usually available for download 2 days before the exam (around February 6, 2026).

Q3: Is there negative marking in the CTET 2026 Exam?

A: No, there is no negative marking in the CTET 2026. This allows candidates to attempt all 150 questions across their chosen streams without the fear of losing marks for incorrect answers.

Q4: Will the CTET 2026 Exam Date be postponed?

A: As of now, there is no indication of a delay. The CTET 2026 Exam Date remains February 8, 2026. Always check the official website, ctet.nic.in, for the latest notifications.

Q5: Can I change my exam city after the release of the CTET 2026 city slip?

A: No, the city allotted in the intimation slip is final. The board does not entertain requests for changes in the exam center or city after the registration and correction windows have closed.

Q6: What is the expected CTET 2026 Result date?

A: Following the CTET 2026 Exam Date in February, the results are tentatively expected to be announced in March 2026 on the official CBSE portal.

Conclusion

The CTET 2026 Exam Date of February 8th is a milestone for thousands of teaching aspirants. By understanding the timeline—from the January city slip to the March result—you can focus entirely on your pedagogical preparation. Ensure you choose your stream (Math/Science or Social Science) carefully, as this determines your future eligibility in specific school departments.

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