CTET Selection Process 2026: Check for Paper 1 & 2 Here

CTET 2026 Selection Process

The CTET is an OMR-based single-stage written exam with two papers: Paper 1 for teaching classes 1-5 and Paper 2 for classes 6-8. Candidates can appear for either or both papers. The exam determines whether the candidate is eligible to apply for teacher recruitment for Classes 1 to 8 in Central schools such as KVS, NVS, and so on. The selection process is likely tocommence after the release of the CTET 2026 results which will be released in March 2026. CBSE will supervise the selection process for CTET, which is the examination conducting authority. The official guidelines set by CBSE outline the selection and examination procedures. Candidates will be evaluated based on their performance in the written test. To be eligible for consideration, General Category candidates must secure a minimum of 60%, while Reserved Category candidates require 55%. The CTET passing marks stand at 90 out of 150 for the General/UR category and 82 out of 150 for the SC/ST/PwD category.

It's important to note that the minimum marks criteria for eligibility vary depending on the candidate's category. Applicants from scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, other backward classes, and specially-abled categories may receive concessions in accordance with the reservation policies of certain schools. CBSE conducts the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) every year to shortlist the eligible candidates for the posts of Class I to Class VIII teachers. Check out the detailed information about the Selection and Counselling process of CTET.

Detailed Selection Procedure of CTET 2026

Given below is the detailed CTET selection process 2026 as affixed by CBSE: 

• Candidates are shortlisted on the basis of their performance in the written exam.

• In order to qualify for the written exam, candidates should score a minimum of 60% or above.

• Candidates must also meet the minimum eligibility criteria on the basis of qualifying for the CTET 2026 paper.

• Persons belonging to SC/ST, OBC, differently-abled persons, etc. may get concessions from some schools as per their reservation policy.

• Once candidates clear CTET 2026, they can apply to schools for the relevant teacher posts and undergo the selection procedure for appointment.

• Candidates who clear the CTET 2026 will be issued certificates, which can remain valid lifetime from the date of announcement of the result.

• After obtaining their certificates, candidates can apply to private and central govt. schools as and when there is an announcement of vacancies.

• Candidates may note that qualifying the CTET would not confer a right on any person for recruitment/employment as it is only one of the eligibility criteria for appointment.

• Those who have qualified for the exam but are not satisfied with their scores may appear again for improving their scores. Also, there is no restriction on the number of attempts a person can take for acquiring a CTET certificate. 

Stages of CTET Selection Process 2026

The CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) selection process involves several stages that candidates need to go through to be considered eligible for teaching positions in primary and elementary schools. Listed below are the stages involved in the CTET selection process 2026:

Eligibility Check

• Candidates need to ensure they meet the educational qualifications and age requirements specified for the respective paper (Paper I for classes I-V and Paper II for classes VI-VIII) they intend to appear for.

Application Process

• Candidates must apply for the CTET examination through the official website during the application window.
• They need to fill out the application form with accurate personal and educational details.
• The application fee must be paid online using the prescribed methods.

Admit Card Download

• Admit cards are issued to eligible candidates a few weeks before the examination date.
• Candidates need to download the admit card from the official website using their registration details.
• The admit card contains important information such as the exam center, timing, and roll number.

Examination

• On the designated exam date, candidates need to appear for the CTET exam as per the schedule mentioned on their admit cards.
• The exam is conducted in two sessions, with Paper I in the morning and Paper II in the afternoon.

Response Sheet and Answer Key

• After the exam, the CTET conducting authority releases the response sheets of the candidates. The response sheet contains the recorded answers chosen by the candidate during the exam.
• Official answer keys are also released, which contain the correct answers for the questions asked in the exam.

Challenge Mechanism

• Candidates have the option to challenge the official answer keys if they believe there is an error in the provided answers.
• Challenges are usually submitted through the official website within a specified period, along with a fee.

Result Declaration

• The CTET results are announced on the official website.
• The result shows the candidate's marks obtained in the exam along with their qualifying status.

Qualifying Marks and Cut-off

• Candidates need to score a certain minimum percentage of marks to qualify in the CTET examination.
• The cut-off marks are set by the CTET authority and vary for different categories.

CTET Certificate

• Candidates who qualify receive the CTET Certificate, which is valid for a certain number of years (usually 7 years).
• This certificate confirms their eligibility to apply for teaching positions in schools across India.

The CTET selection process is designed to ensure that candidates meet the required standards of teaching competence and subject knowledge before they are entrusted with the responsibility of educating students in schools.