CTET Qualifying Marks 2026: Category-Wise Passing Marks & Stream Details

INTRODUCTION

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has set a clear benchmark for aspiring educators through the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET). For students aiming to secure their spot in the teaching stream in 2026, understanding the CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 is the first step toward a successful academic journey. Whether you are appearing for Paper 1 (Primary Stage) or Paper 2 (Elementary Stage), your success is measured against a standardized percentage of marks that differs based on your category.

In this guide, we break down the qualifying standards, the stream-specific curriculum, and how the 2026 passing marks impact your eligibility for central-level teaching courses.

CTET 2026 Exam Overview: The Eligibility Benchmark

The CTET is not a competitive exam where you fight for a rank; it is a qualifying examination. This means that as long as you hit the predefined CTET Qualifying Marks 2026, you are eligible for the certificate. The 2026 session, scheduled for February 8, 2026, follows the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) guidelines regarding passing percentages.

CTET qualifying marks 2026 for Different Categories

The passing criteria for CTET are divided into two main brackets: Unreserved (General) and Reserved (OBC/SC/ST).

Category	Passing Percentage	Qualifying Marks (Out of 150)
General / Unreserved	60%	90 Marks
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)	55%	82 Marks
Scheduled Caste (SC)	55%	82 Marks
Scheduled Tribe (ST)	55%	82 Marks
Differently Abled	55%	82 Marks

Marks are calculated as whole numbers. Since there is no negative marking, students are encouraged to attempt all 150 questions to reach the CTET Qualifying Marks 2026.

Stream-Wise Course Details: Paper 1 vs. Paper 2

Students must choose their academic stream carefully based on the classes they intend to teach. The structure of the course and the marks distribution for both papers remain consistent for the 2026 cycle.

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

This stream focuses on the psychological development of children aged 6–11. To qualify, students must master five core subjects.

• Child Development and Pedagogy: 30 Marks

• Language I (Compulsory): 30 Marks

• Language II (Compulsory): 30 Marks

• Mathematics: 30 Marks

• Environmental Studies (EVS): 30 Marks

2. Elementary Stream (Paper 2: Classes VI to VIII)

This stream is for candidates specializing in specific academic areas. Students must choose between the Science & Mathematics stream or the Social Science stream.

• Child Development and Pedagogy: 30 Marks

• Language I & II: 30 Marks each

• Subject Specific (Math & Science OR Social Science): 60 Marks

Why CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 Matter for Your Career Stream

Qualifying the CTET is a mandatory requirement for students who wish to pursue teaching in Central Government-aided schools like KVS, NVS, and EMRS. Once you achieve the CTET Qualifying Marks 2026, your certificate remains valid for a lifetime. This allows you to apply for teaching positions whenever vacancies arise without the need to retake the exam, unless you wish to improve your score.

Related Article: CTET 2026 Notification: Stream Details & Eligibility

Factors Affecting the CTET Passing Criteria

While the CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 are fixed at 60% and 55% respectively, the difficulty level of the exam and the number of candidates appearing can influence the "cut-off" used by specific recruitment bodies. However, for the purpose of receiving the CTET certificate, the marks remain constant.

1. NCTE Guidelines: Any change in the minimum eligibility criteria is governed by the NCTE.

2. Difficulty Level: If the 2026 paper is exceptionally difficult, the board does not lower the passing marks; rather, the number of qualifying students decreases.

3. No Negative Marking: This helps students bridge the gap to the 90-mark or 82-mark threshold easily.

How to Check Your CTET 2026 Results & Marks

Once the CBSE conducts the exam on February 8, 2026, the results are expected in March 2026.

• Visit the official CTET website.

• Log in using your Roll Number and Date of Birth.

• Your scorecard will clearly indicate if you have met the CTET Qualifying Marks 2026.

• Qualified candidates can download their digital certificates from Digi Locker.

Check out: How to Choose the Right B.Ed College in 2026

FAQs: CTET Qualifying Marks 2026

Q1: What are the CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 for General category students?

A: General category students must secure a minimum of 60%, which translates to 90 out of 150 marks, to pass the exam.

Q2: Are the CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 different for OBC and SC/ST candidates?

A: Yes, candidates belonging to reserved categories like OBC, SC, ST need to score at least 55% (82 out of 150 marks) to meet the CTET Qualifying Marks 2026.

Q3: Is there a sectional cut-off to reach the CTET Qualifying Marks 2026?

A: No, there is no sectional cut-off in CTET. You only need to achieve the aggregate CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 for your specific category.

Q4: Does the CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 change if the paper is very hard?

A: No, the qualifying marks are fixed by the CBSE as per NCTE norms. The CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 remain 90 for General and 82 for Reserved categories regardless of paper difficulty.

Q5: Will meeting the CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 guarantee a job?

A: No, meeting the CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 only provides you with an eligibility certificate. You must still apply for and clear the recruitment process of specific schools or government bodies.

Conclusion

The CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 serve as the gateway for every aspiring teacher in India. By focusing on the core subjects of your chosen stream—be it the primary or elementary level—you can easily navigate the 150-mark paper. Remember, the goal is consistency and a deep understanding of pedagogical concepts rather than just rote learning.

If you are looking for more detailed guidance on teacher training courses or need help choosing the best B.Ed. streams for your future, visit collegesimplified.in for expert counseling and simplified exam guides.