CBSE Announces 21st CTET Exam Date: February 8, 2026; Registration to Begin Soon | EduAdvice
- CBSE to Conduct 21st CTET on February 8, 2026; Registration Expected in October–November 2025
New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced that the 21st edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The national-level examination will take place in 132 cities across India and be offered in 20 different languages.
CBSE’s Official Announcement
In its latest notice, CBSE stated, “The Central Board of Secondary Education will conduct the 21st Edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) on February 8, 2026 (Sunday). The detailed Information Bulletin containing examination details, syllabus, eligibility criteria, examination fee, examination cities, and important dates will be available on the CTET official website shortly.”
The Board has advised aspirants to apply only through the official website ctet.nic.in and carefully read the Information Bulletin before submitting their applications.
About CTET
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a qualifying examination for candidates aspiring to teach in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), and other central government schools. The exam evaluates teaching aptitude and subject knowledge for elementary and upper primary levels.
- Paper I: For teaching Classes 1 to 5
- Paper II: For teaching Classes 6 to 8
Each paper consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and carries no negative marking. Traditionally, Paper II is conducted in the morning session (9:30 am – 12 noon), while Paper I is held in the afternoon session (2 pm – 4:30 pm).
Expected Registration Schedule
Based on previous CTET cycles, CBSE typically opens the registration window two to three months before the examination date. For the February 2026 session, the registration period is expected to open between late October and early November 2025, providing candidates around 60–90 days for preparation after form submission.
Reference Timelines from Previous Sessions
| Session | Registration Period | Exam Date | Gap (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTET July 2024 | March 7 – April 5, 2024 | July 7, 2024 | 93 |
| CTET December 2024 | September 17 – October 16, 2024 | December 14, 2024 | 59 |
Following this trend, aspirants can anticipate a similar schedule for the February 2026 exam.
Why CTET July 2025 Was Not Conducted
The CBSE has not provided an official reason for skipping the July 2025 CTET session. However, reports indicate that the change may have been made to realign the CTET examination calendar with teacher recruitment schedules and the academic year. The February 2026 session effectively replaces the December 2025 cycle, ensuring continuity for aspiring teachers nationwide.
Guidelines for Aspirants
Candidates planning to appear for CTET 2026 should:
- Regularly visit the official portal https://ctet.nic.in for updates.
- Download and read the upcoming Information Bulletin carefully before registration.
- Prepare as per the official CTET syllabus and exam pattern for Papers I and II.
- Ensure all documents and eligibility proofs are ready before applying.
- Source: CBSE official notification. For updates, visit ctet.nic.in
By: EduAdvice News Desk
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