What is the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET)? Everything Indian teacher-aspirants should know
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level examination conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Its purpose is to assess whether candidates are academically and professionally eligible to become teachers in central-government schools (such as Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti) and other institutions that accept CTET scores. The exam is increasingly relevant for aspiring teachers across India.
Here’s a detailed, evergreen overview of CTET — what it is, why it matters, its structure, current status, and what aspirants should keep in mind.
Why CTET matters
- Eligibility requirement: According to guidelines issued under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act), passing the CTET is considered a ey qualification for teacher appointments for Classes 1–8 in certain central and state schools.
- Standardising teacher quality: By testing pedagogical and subject knowledge of candidates across India, the CTET seeks to create a national benchmark for teacher eligibility.
- Wide participation: Each cycle attracts large numbers of applicants, reflecting how the teaching profession remains a major pursuit for educated youth in India.
- Certificate validity: The CTET certificate (for qualified candidates) now has lifetime validity, removing the previous restriction of validity duration.
Recent updates & upcoming exam details
- The CBSE has announced that the CTET (21st edition) will be held on 8 February 2026 in 132 cities across India, and the exam will be offered in 20 languages.
- The detailed notification (eligibility, fee, application process) for CTET 2025/26 is expected soon and will be available on the official website:
Exam structure and pattern
- CTET consists of two papers:
- Paper 1 for those who wish to teach Classes 1–5.
- Paper 2 for those who intend to teach Classes 6–8.
A candidate may appear for both papers if they wish to be eligible for both categories.
- Each paper is of 150 marks, and the duration is 2 ½ hours (150 questions, each 1 mark). There is no negative marking.
- Subjects covered (for Paper 1) include Child Development & Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies. Paper 2 covers Child Development & Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, and two subject-specific areas (depending on if the candidate chooses the non-language route).
Eligibility criteria
- Minimum age is 18 years (no upper age limit for CTET).
- Educational qualifications differ:
- For Paper 1 (Classes 1–5 teaching): Candidates must have passed Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and either a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (DElEd) etc.
- For Paper 2 (Classes 6–8): Candidates must typically have a graduation degree with minimum 50% (varies) and a B.Ed degree (or equivalent) or 2-year DElEd for the upper primary level.
- There is no maximum age limit, and the test can be taken multiple times if needed.
Qualifying marks and certificate validity
- For the General category, the minimum qualifying percentage is 60%. For reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD), it is 55%.
- Once qualified, candidates receive a CTET certificate which holds lifetime validity as per recent revision.
Significance for India’s teacher recruitment ecosystem
- A teacher who clears CTET becomes eligible (though not guaranteed) to apply for teaching posts in eligible central schools (KVS, NVS, and schools in Union Territories) — and many state governments and private schools increasingly recognise CTET qualification.
- For aspirants, passing CTET adds credibility to their profile and often improves chances of selection in recruitment processes where it is mandated.
- For Indian education standards, CTET helps anchor a baseline of teaching competence, which is important given India’s size, diversity of teacher training quality, and the need for uniformity in teacher eligibility.
What aspirants should watch and prepare for
- Keep track of the official notification at for correct dates, application timelines, fee structure, and centre citie
- Understand the syllabus and pattern well — paying special attention to Child Development & Pedagogy, as many candidates find this section unfamiliar.
- Time management: With 150 questions in 150 minutes, speed and accuracy matter. Since there is no negative marking, attempting all questions is advisable.
- Practice in preferred language(s): The exam is offered in multiple languages; choose Language I and Language II carefully depending on your proficiency.
- Stay updated on recruitment rules: Even after clearing CTET, applicants must monitor state or central recruitment processes, as passing CTET alone does not ensure job placement.
- Beware of malpractices: There are strict rules — impersonation, cheating or mis-credentials can lead to legal consequences. A recent Supreme Court order upheld custodial interrogation in a case of impersonation.
Final word
For aspiring teachers in India, the CTET remains a cornerstone of eligibility. It is not the only criterion for securing a teaching post, but it is a key qualification that often opens doors in central and many state recruitment processes. With the upcoming February 2026 exam scheduled and a lifetime-valid certificate at stake, preparation driven by clarity on eligibility, exam format and sustained study will serve candidates best. The test underscores India’s broader ambition: to enhance teacher quality and ensure every child has access to well-qualified educators.
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Last Updated on: Saturday, October 25, 2025 2:49 pm by Sakethyadav | Published by: Sakethyadav on Saturday, October 25, 2025 2:49 pm | News Categories: News
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