The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is expected to release the notification and start the registration process for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) December 2025 session soon. The dates have been announced for CTET February 2026 exam, that is, February 8, 2026. For thousands preparing to enter India’s schools, this exam is not optional—it is a mandatory gateway that decides who qualifies to teach classes 1 to 8 in CBSE-affiliated and recognised institutions. Once the notification is released, the registration window—expected to begin soon—will open with strict timelines and limited flexibility.
CBSE CTET exam eligibility 2025: Check details here
CBSE’s eligibility structure ensures only qualified candidates are allowed to sit for the test.Paper I (Classes 1–5)
- Senior Secondary or equivalent with at least 50% marks
- Completed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education
Paper II (Classes 6–8)
- A Bachelor’s degree
- Completed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education
- There is no upper age limit, while the minimum eligible age is 18. The full eligibility framework will be detailed in the notification.
CBSE CTET exam pattern 2025
CTET is conducted in a pen-and-paper mode using multiple-choice questions. Despite the absence of negative marking, the exam remains challenging due to its breadth, depth and emphasis on pedagogy.
- Paper I: Morning shift
- Paper II: Afternoon shift
The syllabus is anchored in NCERT curriculum for Classes 1 to 8 and includes:
- Child development and pedagogy
- Languages I and II
- Mathematics
- Environmental studies
- Subject-specific sections for Paper II
The exam tests classroom understanding, conceptual clarity, and teaching aptitude, not memorisation.
CTET December 2025: Steps to apply
Candidates can follow the steps mentioned here to apply for the CTET December 2025 exam:Visit the official website
- Go to ctet.nic.in, the only authorised portal for registration and updates.
- Click on the CTET December 2025 Registration Link
- The homepage will display the new session link once the board activates it.
Create a new account
- First-time applicants must:
- Register with their name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number
- Verify the OTP sent to their contact details
- Generate a login ID and password
Fill the online application form
- Log in and enter: Personal details, Educational qualifications, Category and identity information
- Preferred paper (Paper I, Paper II, or both), Choice of exam city
Upload required documentsUpload the following in the exact specifications mentioned in the notification:
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Signature
- Relevant certificates
- Improper size, blurred images, or incorrect formats can invalidate the application.
Pay the application feeMake the payment online using:
- Debit/credit card
- Net banking
- UPI (if available)
The portal confirms the fee only after successful transaction.Review the application one final timeVerify every detail. Even a minor error in spelling, category or document can create problems later.Submit the applicationOnce satisfied, click Final Submit. Edits are not allowed after this stage unless the board opens a correction window.Download and save the confirmation page
- This is the only proof of successful submission. Candidates must:
- Save a digital copy
- Print at least two hard copies
- The confirmation page will be required during future verification and at several recruitment stages.
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