The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has released the CTET 2026 notification, announcing a major update by reintroducing the B.Ed. qualification option for both primary and junior level exams. Check the complete details regarding the CTET February 2026 examination from here.
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 application process is now live on the official website ctet.nic.in. The significant change in this cycle is the reinstatement of the B.Ed. option, a key update for teaching aspirants. Eligible candidates can apply online until December 18, 2025, for the exam scheduled on February 8, 2026.
CTET 2026 Notification: Major Update
The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has officially reintroduced the B.Ed. qualification as an eligible option for candidates applying for both Paper-I (Primary) and Paper-II (Junior) levels. This update marks a pivotal change, expanding the pool of eligible candidates for teaching positions across India.
Source – Check Here
CTET 2026 Notification – Direct Download Link
Interested candidates can check the detailed official information bulletin through the link below.
CTET 2026 Information Bulletin PDF – Click to Download
CTET 2026 Recruitment: Key Highlights
A quick overview of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026 session is provided in the table below.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 |
| Vacancy For | Teaching positions across central and state government schools (Eligibility Test) |
| Major Update | B.Ed. option reintroduced for Primary (Paper-I) & Junior (Paper-II) levels |
| Registration Dates | November 27 to December 18, 2025 (till 11:59 PM) |
| Exam Date | February 8, 2026 |
| Educational Qualification | As per NCTE norms (Varies for Paper-I and Paper-II) |
| Application Fee | Gen/OBC: ₹1,000 (One Paper), ₹1,200 (Both Papers) SC/ST/PwD: ₹500 (One Paper), ₹600 (Both Papers) |
| Selection Process | Written Examination (Objective Type) |
| Official Website | https://ctet.nic.in |
CTET 2026 Exam Schedule
The examination will be conducted in two shifts on the same day.
| Paper | Level | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-II | Junior Level (Classes VI-VIII) | 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon |
| Paper-I | Primary Level (Classes I-V) | 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM |
CTET 2026 Application Process
Candidates must follow these steps to apply online:
- Visit the official website: ctet.nic.in
- Click on “Apply Online” and complete the authentication form to generate a Registration Number.
- Fill in the detailed application form with personal, academic, and communication details.
- Upload scanned images of your photograph and signature as per the specified size and format.
- Pay the application fee online via Debit/Credit Card or Net Banking.
- Download the Confirmation Page for your records after successful fee payment.
Direct Apply Online Link of CTET 2026
FAQs
1. What exactly is the “B.Ed. option” that has been reintroduced for CTET 2026?
This change means that candidates who hold a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree are now explicitly eligible to appear for both CTET Paper-I (for classes I-V) and Paper-II (for classes VI-VIII). Previously, the eligibility rules were more restrictive, often requiring specific diplomas like D.El.Ed for primary levels. This update simplifies the process, allowing B.Ed. graduates to apply for either level of the teaching eligibility test directly.
2. I am a B.Ed. holder. Should I now apply for Paper-I, Paper-II, or Both?
This depends on your career goal:
- Apply for Paper-I: If you wish to be eligible for teaching positions in Primary Classes (I to V).
- Apply for Paper-II: If you wish to be eligible for teaching positions in Junior Classes (VI to VIII).
- Apply for Both: If you want to be eligible for teaching positions across both primary and junior levels, which maximizes your job opportunities.
The key change is that your B.Ed. degree now qualifies you for both papers, whereas before it may have been limited.
3. Does this change mean that other qualifications like D.El.Ed are no longer valid?
No, not at all. The reintroduction of the B.Ed. option is an expansion of eligibility, not a replacement. Traditional qualifications like Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) or B.El.Ed remain fully valid and eligible for their respective papers as per the existing rules. The NCTE has simply added B.Ed. as a qualifying degree for a wider range of candidates, giving more aspirants a pathway to become teachers.