CTET Registrations Opening Soon – Complete Guide
If you are aspiring to become a teacher for Classes 1-8 in India, then the upcoming Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) registration window is your big chance.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts this national-level exam that serves as a gateway to teaching jobs in central government schools like Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) and other recognised schools. According to recent official updates, the notification for the next CTET session has been released and registration will begin soon.
In this in-depth article we’ll cover everything you need to know: eligibility criteria, registration process, fee structure, key dates, syllabus & exam pattern, important tips & mistakes to avoid — all in one place so you can be fully prepared when the link goes live.

1. What is CTET & Why It Matters
What is CTET?
CTET stands for Central Teacher Eligibility Test. It is an eligibility examination conducted by CBSE under the guidance of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) for aspiring teachers for Classes 1–8.
There are two papers:
- Paper I – for teaching Classes 1-5
- Paper II – for teaching Classes 6-8
Why CTET is Important
- Many central government schools (KVS, NVS, central schools in UTs) require candidates to pass CTET to be eligible for teacher recruitment.
- Passing CTET enhances your credentials and broadens your job opportunities.
- The certificate from CTET has long-term validity (in many cases lifetime) which means you can use it for future recruitment.
Recent Update
According to the latest news, the CTET notification has been released and the exam date for the next cycle is declared as 8 February 2026. So the registration window will open soon. Make sure you don’t miss your chance!
2. Key Dates You Should Know
Though the official detailed schedule will be shared by CBSE, here are the tentative and confirmed dates you should note:
| Event | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| Notification release | Recently released (or about to be) |
| Registration start date | To be announced – keep an eye on official site |
| Last date to apply | Will be announced in the notification |
| Exam date | 8 February 2026 for next cycle |
Tip: As soon as the registration link is active on the official website (ctet.nic.in), complete your registration without delay. Last-minute rush often causes website slowdowns or errors.
3. Eligibility Criteria
Before you apply, you must ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for CTET. Here are the core eligibility criteria:
Age Criteria
There is no upper age limit for applying to CTET. The minimum age is generally 18 years.
Educational Qualification
Depending on which paper you plan to take:
- For Paper I (Classes 1–5): You’ll generally need to have passed Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and have passed or appearing in final year of 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (or D.El.Ed) or 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed) etc.
- For Paper II (Classes 6–8): You’ll need a Graduation and 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education or B.Ed or equivalent (exacts vary – check the latest notification).
The qualification details change periodically, so always refer to the current information bulletin.
Other Conditions
- You should be a citizen of India.
- You must upload correct documents (photo, signature, identity proof).
- If you belong to a reserved category (SC/ST/OBC or PwD), keep supporting certificate ready.
4. Registration & Application Process – Step by Step
When registration opens you’ll need to follow these steps carefully. Below is a step-by-step guide drawn from recent CTET cycles.
Step 1: Visit Official Website
Go to the official website: ctet.nic.in CTET
Step 2: New Candidate Registration
Click on “New Candidate Registration” and fill in basic details: name, father’s name, mother’s name, date of birth, mobile number, email ID, create password etc.
Step 3: Fill Application Form
After registration you’ll log in and fill out the full form: choose Paper I/Paper II or both, select exam language, choose exam centre, fill educational details (10th,12th,Graduation, etc), address, category etc.
Step 4: Upload Scanned Documents
You must upload:
- Recent photograph (as per dimensions)
- Signature (as per specified size)
- Identity proof details (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport etc)
Make sure the formats (JPG/JPEG) and sizes are as per instructions.
Step 5: Pay Application Fee
After uploading documents, pay the fee either online (debit/credit card, net banking) or offline (e-challan) if allowed. Fee varies by category and whether you choose one paper or both.
Step 6: Print Confirmation Page
Once submission and payment are done, download and print the confirmation/acknowledgement page for your records. This will serve as proof of your application.
Step 7: Correction Window (if applicable)
CBSE may provide a correction window in which candidates can rectify minor mistakes in their application (within specified dates).
5. Application Fee Structure
Here is the approximate fee structure based on recent cycles:
| Category | For One Paper | For Both Papers |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC (NCL) | ₹1,000 | ₹1,200 |
| SC / ST / Differently Abled Person | ₹500 | ₹600 |
Note: These fees are indicative. Always check the latest notification for exact amount and mode of payment.
6. Exam Pattern & Syllabus Highlights
Exam Pattern
- The test is offline, pen-and-paper mode (OMR sheet).
- For Paper I: for candidates of Classes 1-5 teaching; for Paper II: for Classes 6-8.
- Each paper has multiple sections: Child Development & Pedagogy, Language I & II, Mathematics, Environmental Studies (Paper I) / and other subjects (Paper II).
- Total marks and number of questions are as per official brochure (usually 150 questions, 150 marks).
Syllabus Highlights
- Child Development & Pedagogy: Understanding learning and teaching, child psychology, inclusive education.
- Language I & II: Proficiency in the language selected, comprehension, grammar, teaching methodology.
- Mathematics & EVS (Paper I): Content knowledge and pedagogy – how to teach.
- For Paper II: Content and pedagogy of specific subjects (Maths/Science OR Social Studies), language sections.
- You can download previous information bulletin to see detailed syllabus.
Tip: Cover both subject knowledge and pedagogy. Many candidates focus only on content but skip pedagogy which causes mistakes.
7. Mistakes to Avoid During Registration & Preparation
Being well prepared isn’t just about studying syllabus – you must also avoid the common mistakes which cost many aspirants.
- Mismatch of personal details: Ensure name, date of birth exactly match your school/ID documents.
- Incorrect upload of photo or signature: Pay attention to size, format, background colour.
- Paying fee late or missing deadline: submit early rather than waiting till the last moment.
- Submitting multiple forms: Only one application should be submitted; duplicates may lead to rejection.
- Not selecting preferred exam centre correctly: Choose multiple options if allowed, but verify your preference.
- Ignoring communication: Use correct email & mobile number – CBSE will communicate updates via these.
- Under-estimating pedagogy section in preparation: Many students focus only on content; pedagogy is equally important.
- Waiting for correction window to rely on mistakes: While a correction window may be provided, you should aim to fill correctly in the first go.
8. Preparation Strategy When Registrations Open
When the registration link is active and you’ve submitted your application, you should immediately start or continue your preparation with a smart plan:
Build Your Timeline
- Download the syllabus and mark the sections you are weak in.
- Create a study schedule: allocate topic-wise hours.
- Include mock tests and previous years’ papers.
Focus on Key Areas
- For Paper I: Child Development & Pedagogy, EVS, language teaching methods.
- For Paper II: Subject pedagogy, discipline-specific content, language teaching.
- Practice time management – 150 questions in a set time.
Use Good Study Resources
- Use latest information bulletin and syllabus from official website.
- Solve previous year question papers and sample tests.
- Revise important concepts for child psychology and teaching methodology.
Mock Tests & Revision
- Take full-length timed mock tests to build stamina and familiarity.
- After each mock test, analyse mistakes – especially pitfalls in pedagogy questions or grammar sections.
Stay Updated
- Because CTET mode, fees, or pattern can change slightly each session; always keep checking the official website for updates.
9. After Submission: What Next?
Once you’ve submitted your application and paid the fee:
- Download the confirmation page and keep a print-out.
- Remember your application number and password – required for future login, admit card download.
- Keep tracking your email and mobile for any updates or correction window announcement.
- When the admit card is issued, download it and check your exam city, date, timing, centre.
- On exam day: carry required ID proof, admit card, a few extra photographs (if required), arrive early.