CTET February 2026 Answer Key released on 12 March 2026 — Check at ctet.nic.in.
? Important Dates
| Exam Date | 07–08 February 2026 |
| Answer Key Released | 12 March 2026 ✅ |
| Objection Window | As per CTET / CBSE notification |
| Final Answer Key | To be notified |
| Result Date | Expected soon after final answer key |
? Application Fee
| Paper I or II only — General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 1,000/- |
| Paper I or II only — SC / ST / PH | ₹ 500/- |
| Both Papers (I & II) — General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 1,200/- |
| Both Papers (I & II) — SC / ST / PH | ₹ 600/- |
| Payment Mode | Online: Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI |
? Age Limit
| Minimum Age | No specified minimum |
| Maximum Age | No age limit for CTET |
| Note | CTET is a qualifying test; age limit applies to the recruiting authority, not CTET itself |
? CTET Paper Structure
| Paper I — For teaching Class 1 to 5 | 150 MCQs, 150 marks, 2.5 hours |
| Paper II — For teaching Class 6 to 8 | 150 MCQs, 150 marks, 2.5 hours |
| Minimum Qualifying Score — General | 60% (90/150 marks) |
| Minimum Qualifying Score — SC/ST/OBC/PH | 55% (82.5/150 marks) — per NCTE norms |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking |
| Validity of Certificate | Lifetime (as per 2021 CTET policy revision) |
? Eligibility Criteria
For Paper I (Class 1–5 Primary Teacher):
- Senior Secondary (12th) with minimum 50% marks AND 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed), OR
- Senior Secondary with minimum 45% AND D.El.Ed. (for candidates who passed before 2002 NCTE norms), OR
- Senior Secondary with 50% AND 4-year B.El.Ed., OR
- Senior Secondary with 50% AND Special Education 2-year diploma, OR
- Graduation with D.El.Ed.
For Paper II (Class 6–8 Upper Primary Teacher):
- Graduation AND B.Ed. from a recognized university, OR
- Graduation with 50% marks AND B.Ed. (Special Education), OR
- Senior Secondary with 50% AND 4-year B.El.Ed., OR
- Senior Secondary with 50% AND 4-year B.Sc.Ed. / B.A.Ed.
? CTET Exam Pattern (Both Papers)
| Paper | Section | Questions / Marks |
| Paper I | Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 Qs / 30 marks |
| Paper I | Language I (Compulsory) | 30 Qs / 30 marks |
| Paper I | Language II (Compulsory) | 30 Qs / 30 marks |
| Paper I | Mathematics | 30 Qs / 30 marks |
| Paper I | Environmental Studies | 30 Qs / 30 marks |
| Paper II | Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 Qs / 30 marks |
| Paper II | Language I (Compulsory) | 30 Qs / 30 marks |
| Paper II | Language II (Compulsory) | 30 Qs / 30 marks |
| Paper II | Science/Math or Social Studies (Paper specific) | 60 Qs / 60 marks |
⬇️ How to Download CTET February 2026 Answer Key
1. Open your browser and visit the official CTET website: ctet.nic.in
2. On the homepage, find the 'Latest Announcements / CTET February 2026' section.
3. Click on the 'CTET February 2026 Answer Key' link.
4. A candidate login page will appear.
5. Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth.
6. Enter the captcha/security code and click Login.
7. Your Response Sheet along with the official Answer Key will be displayed.
8. Download and save the answer key PDF for future reference.
9. Calculate your expected score (60% minimum needed to qualify for General category).
10. If you wish to challenge any answer, click on the objection link and submit your challenge with the required fee within the deadline.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is CTET?
A: CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) is a national qualifying exam conducted by CBSE for candidates who wish to teach in Central Government schools (KVS, NVS, Central Tibetan Schools, etc.) for Classes 1 to 8.
Q: How many times is CTET conducted in a year?
A: CTET is usually conducted twice a year — once in July and once in December/January/February, though the schedule can vary.
Q: Is CTET mandatory for government school teaching?
A: Yes, CTET certificate is mandatory for teaching positions in KVS, NVS, and other central government schools. State TET (STET) is required for state government schools.
Q: When was CTET February 2026 Answer Key released?
A: The answer key was released on 12 March 2026 on ctet.nic.in.
Q: How long is a CTET certificate valid?
A: Since 2021, CTET certificates are valid for a LIFETIME. Previously, they were valid for 7 years only.
Q: What is the official website for CTET?
A: The official website is https://ctet.nic.in/
