CTET 2026 – Eligibility Test for KVS, NVS & Govt Teaching Jobs

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026, conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), serves as the mandatory eligibility certification for candidates aspiring to secure teaching positions in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), and other central government schools across India. As the gateway qualification for PRT, TGT, and PGT level posts, CTET certification has become an indispensable requirement for central teaching recruitment. The 2026 cycle is expected to maintain its biannual schedule, with the February session anticipated to be announced shortly by CBSE.

Exam Highlights

Eligibility & Applicability

Who Can Apply

• Nationality: Indian citizens

• Age Limit: Minimum 18 years; no upper age limit

• Educational Qualification: Varies by paper level:

• Paper-I (Classes I-V): Senior Secondary (12th) with minimum 50% marks + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) OR 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed) OR equivalent

• Paper-II (Classes VI-VIII): Graduation with minimum 50% marks + 2-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) OR 4-year integrated B.Ed.-M.Ed program OR equivalent

CTET Role for Teaching Levels

• PRT (Primary Teacher): CTET Paper-I qualification mandatory

• TGT (Trained Graduate Teacher): CTET Paper-II qualification mandatory

• PGT (Post Graduate Teacher): CTET Paper-II qualification mandatory

Mandatory Requirement

CTET certification is compulsory for all teaching posts in KVS, NVS, and central government schools. Without a valid CTET certificate, candidates cannot apply for teaching positions in these institutions.

Exam Pattern

As per CBSE norms; detailed pattern will be specified in the official notification. The examination typically comprises two papers with objective-type multiple-choice questions covering Child Development & Pedagogy, Language I & II, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, and subject-specific content.

Validity of CTET Certificate

The CTET certificate is valid for lifetime as per recent CBSE guidelines, making it a valuable long-term credential for teaching eligibility across central government schools.

Important Dates

How to Apply

Step 1: Visit Official Portal
Navigate to the official CTET website at ctet.nic.in.

Step 2: Read Notification
Download and carefully read the complete CTET 2026 notification PDF to understand eligibility criteria and exam details.

Step 3: New Registration
Click on "New Registration" and provide basic details including name, email ID, mobile number, and date of birth. A provisional registration number and password will be generated.

Step 4: Complete Application Form
Log in using credentials and fill the detailed application form with personal information, educational qualifications, and paper preference (Paper-I, Paper-II, or both).

Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of:

• Recent passport-size photograph (20-50 KB, JPG/JPEG format)

• Signature (10-20 KB, JPG/JPEG format)

• Educational certificates

Step 6: Pay Application Fee
Pay the applicable examination fee through online payment modes (debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI).

Step 7: Final Submission & Printout
Review all entered details carefully and submit the application. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

Important Links

• Official Website: ctet.nic.in

• Notification PDF: To be available upon release

• Apply Online: Link will be activated post-notification

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who needs to qualify CTET 2026?
All candidates aspiring to teach in central government schools including Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), and other central schools must qualify CTET to be eligible for teaching positions.

Q2: Is CTET mandatory for KVS and NVS recruitment?
Yes, CTET is mandatory for all teaching posts in KVS and NVS. Without a valid CTET certificate, candidates cannot apply for PRT, TGT, or PGT positions in these institutions.

Q3: What is the validity period of CTET certificate?
The CTET certificate is valid for lifetime as per current CBSE guidelines, allowing candidates to use it for teaching applications throughout their career.

Q4: What is the mode of CTET examination?
CTET is conducted in offline mode (OMR-based) at designated examination centers across India.

Q5: Who conducts the CTET examination?
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is the conducting authority for CTET, responsible for notification, application process, examination, and result declaration.

Q6: Can I apply for both Paper-I and Paper-II in CTET 2026?
Yes, candidates can apply for both papers if they meet the eligibility criteria for both levels, allowing them to teach from Class I to Class VIII.

Q7: What is the purpose of CTET certification?
CTET serves as a minimum eligibility qualification that ensures candidates possess the requisite teaching competencies and subject knowledge required for effective classroom instruction in central government schools.