The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is one of the most searched competitive exams among teaching aspirants in India. Conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), CTET is mandatory or preferred for recruitment of teachers for Classes 1 to 8 in central government schools and many private institutions. With rising competition, candidates are actively searching for details related to CTET exam city 2026, exam pattern, syllabus, exam date, admit card, hall ticket, and previous year question papers. This article answers all these queries in one place.
The CTET 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted on February 7 & 8, 2026, as per the official CBSE notification cycle. Preparing for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 requires a clear understanding of the schedule, structure, and required documentation. Whether you are aiming to teach primary classes (I–V) or upper primary classes (VI–VIII), the following guide consolidates all critical updates for the February 2026 session.
CTET 2026 Exam Dates and Timing
For the first time in recent years, the CBSE has expanded the examination window. Due to a record-breaking 25 lakh+ applicants, the exam is now conducted over two days instead of one to ensure smooth administration across the country.
| Date | Paper | Shift | Time |
| Feb 7, 2026 | Paper-II (VI–VIII) | Morning | 09:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Feb 7, 2026 | Paper-I (I–V) | Evening | 02:30 PM – 05:00 PM |
| Feb 8, 2026 | Paper-II (VI–VIII) | Morning | 09:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Feb 8, 2026 | Paper-I (I–V) | Evening | 02:30 PM – 05:00 PM |
Note: Candidates must report at least 120 minutes (2 hours) before the commencement of the exam. The entry gate closes strictly 30 minutes before the start time.
CTET Exam Pattern 2026
The CTET remains an offline (Pen-and-Paper) OMR-based test. Both papers consist of 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) to be completed in 150 minutes.
Key Highlights:
- Marking Scheme: +1 mark for every correct answer.
- Negative Marking: There is no negative marking.
- Language: The paper is bilingual (Hindi and English), except for the language sections.
Paper-I (Classes I to V) Structure
- Child Development and Pedagogy: 30 Questions
- Language I (Compulsory): 30 Questions
- Language II (Compulsory): 30 Questions
- Mathematics: 30 Questions
- Environmental Studies: 30 Questions
Paper-II (Classes VI to VIII) Structure
- Child Development and Pedagogy: 30 Questions
- Language I (Compulsory): 30 Questions
- Language II (Compulsory): 30 Questions
- Mathematics & Science OR Social Studies/Social Science: 60 Questions
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION PAPERS
- Question Paper Dec 2024
- Question Paper July 2024
- Question Paper January 2024
- Question Paper August 2023
- Question Paper December 2022
- Question Paper December 2021
- Question Paper January 2021
- Question Paper December 2019
- Question Paper July 2019
- Question Paper December 2018
Syllabus and Preparation
The CTET Syllabus 2026 focuses heavily on the NCERT curriculum and pedagogical understanding.
- Child Development & Pedagogy: Focuses on educational psychology and understanding the diverse needs of children (Inclusive Education).
- Mathematics & Science/Social Science: For Paper-II, the content is based on NCERT textbooks for Classes VI–VIII, but the difficulty level can extend to Senior Secondary (12th grade).
- Previous Year Question Papers: Practicing CTET Previous Year Question Paper 2 is crucial for understanding the logic behind pedagogical questions, which often repeat in theme if not in exact wording.
Admit Card & Exam City
How to Download the CTET Hall Ticket 2026
The official admit card was released on February 5, 2026. You can download it through the following steps:
- Visit the official website: ctet.nic.in.
- Click on the link “Download Admit Card – CTET February 2026”.
- Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth.
- Enter the Security Pin (Captcha) and click Submit.
- Print your hall ticket in color and save a digital PDF.
Exam City Intimation
The City Intimation Slip (pre-admit card) was released on January 23, 2026. This slip only specifies the city to help candidates plan their travel. The final venue address is only found on the official Admit Card. For the 2026 session, the exam is being held across 140 cities nationwide.
Important Checklist for Exam Day
- Admit Card: A printed copy of the CTET 2026 Admit Card.
- Valid Photo ID: Original Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport.
- Stationery: Good quality Blue/Black Ball Point Pen for marking the OMR sheet.
- Prohibited Items: Electronic gadgets, calculators, watches, and notebooks are strictly banned.
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