
CTET 2026 Exam Date Announced: CBSE to Hold Test on February 8 Across 132 Cities
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced that the 21st edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) will take place on Sunday, February 8, 2026. This national-level examination will be conducted in 132 cities across India and will be available in 20 different languages, offering flexibility and accessibility to candidates from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
A detailed Information Bulletin containing crucial details such as the exam syllabus, fee structure, eligibility conditions, test cities, and other key instructions will soon be released on the official CTET website (ctet.nic.in). CBSE has strongly advised all applicants to download official documents only from the official portal and to apply online exclusively through the same site once the registration window opens.
Purpose and Importance of CTET
The CTET, administered by CBSE under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, serves as an essential qualifying exam for aspiring teachers who wish to teach Classes I to VIII in schools governed by the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. Successful candidates become eligible to apply for teaching positions in central government schools such as Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, as well as schools under the administrative control of Union Territories.
The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has made the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) a mandatory qualification for all teacher appointments. Introducing TET aimed to set uniform national teaching standards, promote academic excellence in teacher education institutions, and reinforce the government’s focus on improving the quality of school education in India.
Exam Preparation and Candidate Guidelines
CBSE has reminded candidates to base their preparation on authentic NCERT textbooks and the syllabus prescribed by NCTE. The board reiterated that the examination and selection process remain fair, transparent, and merit-based. Candidates’ success will depend solely on their effort, understanding, and preparation strategy.
Applicants are encouraged to check ctet.nic.in regularly for the most recent updates, notifications, and access to the official Information Bulletin. Staying informed through official channels ensures accuracy and prevents the spread of misinformation through unofficial sources.



