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

CTET 2026 Selection Process

The CTET 2026 exam is an OMR-based, single-stage written test conducted by CBSE, comprising two papers: Paper 1 for Classes I–V and Paper 2 for Classes VI–VIII. Candidates may appear for either or both papers. Qualifying CTET makes candidates eligible to apply for teaching positions in Central Government schools such as KVS, NVS, and other CTET-accepting institutions.

The CTET 2026 selection process will begin after the declaration of the CTET 2026 result, expected in March 2026. Candidates are shortlisted purely on the basis of their performance in the written examination, as per the official CBSE guidelines. The CTET passing marks 2026 are 60% (90 out of 150) for General/UR candidates and 55% (82 out of 150) for SC/ST/OBC/PwD categories. Reserved category candidates may also receive relaxations as per applicable reservation policies of recruiting schools.

CBSE conducts the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) annually to determine eligibility for teaching posts from Class I to Class VIII. Candidates are advised to check the detailed CTET Selection Process 2026 for complete information.

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 must meet the prescribed CTET 2026 eligibility criteria to appear for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test conducted by CBSE. The eligibility conditions vary for CTET Paper 1 (Classes I–V) and CTET Paper 2 (Classes VI–VIII).

For CTET 2026 Paper 1, candidates should have passed Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with the required percentage and possess a Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed), B.El.Ed, or Diploma in Special Education, or be graduates with D.El.Ed, as per NCTE norms.

For CTET 2026 Paper 2, candidates must hold a Graduation degree along with B.Ed, D.El.Ed, B.A/B.Sc.Ed, or B.Ed (Special Education), in accordance with NCTE guidelines.

Candidates appearing in the final year of the prescribed teacher training course are also eligible to apply for CTET 2026. There is no upper age limit for appearing in the CTET exam. Qualifying CTET 2026 makes candidates eligible to apply for teaching positions in Classes I to VIII in KVS, NVS, and other CTET-accepting schools, subject to recruitment rules.

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.