CTET 2026 Notification: Stream Details, Course Curriculum & Eligibility
- laxmi mane
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
INTRODUCTION
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the CTET 2026 Notification for the February session. This national-level eligibility test is the gateway for aspiring educators to join the teaching stream in prestigious institutions like KVS, NVS, and other Central Government schools. For students looking to build a stable and impactful career in education, understanding the specific course structure, stream requirements, and eligibility standards is the first step toward success.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into every detail of the CTET 2026 Notification, focusing on the academic streams, course syllabus, and the specific qualifications required to navigate the February 2026 examination cycle.
CTET 2026 Notification Overview
The February 2026 session of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is scheduled for February 8, 2026. This session marks a critical point for graduates and diploma holders in education to validate their pedagogical skills.
Event | Official Date |
CTET 2026 Notification Release | November 27, 2025 |
Online Application Start | November 27, 2025 |
Last Date to Apply | December 18, 2025 |
Admit Card Release | February 6, 2026 (2 days before exam) |
CTET 2026 Exam Date | February 8, 2026 |
Declaration of Result | March 2026 (Tentative) |
Understanding the CTET Streams: Paper I and Paper II
The CTET 2026 Notification categorizes the examination into two primary papers based on the academic stream and the class level one intends to teach.
1. Primary Stream (Paper I)
This stream is designed for candidates who wish to teach Classes I to V. The course curriculum for this paper focuses on the psychology of primary-age children and foundational subjects.
2. Elementary Stream (Paper II)
This stream is for those aiming to teach Classes VI to VIII. It is subject-specific, allowing candidates to choose between the Science & Mathematics stream or the Social Science stream based on their graduation background.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria for 2026
Eligibility for the CTET 2026 Notification is strictly governed by NCTE (National Council for Teacher Education) norms.
Educational Qualification for Paper I (Primary Stage)
Senior Secondary (10+2): Minimum 50% marks with a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education.
Alternative: 10+2 with 50% marks and a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education.
Appearing Candidates: Students in the final year of their teaching diploma/degree are also eligible to apply.
Educational Qualification for Paper II (Elementary Stage)
Graduation: Must have completed or be in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education.
B.Ed. Stream: Graduation with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in a 1-year bachelor's in education (B.Ed.).
Integrated Course: Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and a 4-year B.A/B.Sc. Ed or B.A.Ed./B.Sc. Ed.
Course Curriculum and Exam Pattern
The CTET 2026 Notification outlines a syllabus that tests both conceptual knowledge and pedagogical application. The exam is conducted offline (OMR-based) and lasts 150 minutes per paper.
Syllabus Breakdown for Paper I
Child Development and Pedagogy (30 MCQs): Focuses on the psychology of teaching 6–11-year-olds.
Language I & II (30 MCQs each): Tests proficiency and instruction methods in two chosen languages.
Mathematics (30 MCQs): Content and pedagogical issues.
Environmental Studies (30 MCQs): NCERT-based syllabus for primary classes.
Syllabus Breakdown for Paper II
Child Development and Pedagogy (30 MCQs): Focuses on the 11–14-year age group.
Language I & II (30 MCQs each): Formal and functional language skills.
Subject-Specific Section (60 MCQs):
Mathematics & Science Stream: For Science teachers.
Social Studies/Social Science Stream: For Arts/Humanities teachers.
How to Apply for CTET February 2026
Follow these steps to complete your application as per the CTET 2026 Notification guidelines:
Visit the official website: ctet.nic.in.
Click on the "Apply for CTET Feb 2026" link.
Fill in the registration details to generate an Application Number.
Upload scanned images of your photograph and signature (JPEG format).
Pay the examination fee via Net Banking or Debit/Credit Card.
Download the confirmation page for future reference.
Application Fee Structure
Category | Single Paper (I or II) | Both Papers (I & II) |
General/OBC (NCL) | ₹1,000 | ₹1,200 |
SC/ST | ₹500 | ₹600 |
Key Highlights of CTET 2026
No Negative Marking: Candidates are encouraged to attempt all 150 questions.
Qualifying Marks: General category candidates must score at least 60% (90/150), while reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) require 55% (82/150).
Validity: The CTET qualifying certificate is valid for a lifetime.
Offline Mode: The exam remains a pen-and-paper test despite rumors of digitalization.
FAQ: CTET 2026 Notification
Q1: What is the official website for the CTET 2026 Notification?
A1: The official website for all updates regarding the CTET 2026 Notification is ctet.nic.in. Candidates should rely only on this portal for the information bulletin and application links.
Q2: When is the last date to apply as per the CTET 2026 Notification?
A2: According to the CTET 2026 Notification, the last date for online registration and fee payment for the February session is December 18, 2025.
Q3: Can B.Ed. students apply for Paper I under the CTET 2026 Notification?
A3: As per current NCTE guidelines mentioned in the CTET 2026 Notification, B.Ed. holders are primarily eligible for Paper II (Classes 6-8). It is recommended to check the specific state-wise variations if applying for state-level PRT posts.
Q4: Is there an age limit mentioned in the CTET 2026 Notification?
A4: No, the CTET 2026 Notification does not specify an upper age limit. Any candidate who meets the educational qualifications can appear for the exam.
Q5: What are the qualifying marks for the General category in the CTET 2026 Notification?
A5: The CTET 2026 Notification states that General category candidates must secure at least 60% marks (90 out of 150) to be considered "CTET Qualified."
Conclusion
The CTET 2026 Notification for the February session provides a structured pathway for students to enter the professional teaching stream. By understanding the rigorous course requirements and the specific eligibility for Paper I and Paper II, candidates can better align their preparation strategies. Remember, the CTET is not just a test of facts, but a test of your ability to facilitate learning in a diverse classroom.
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