Securing a CTET eligibility certificate requires successfully navigating the application and offline examination process conducted by CBSE. Candidates who achieve the minimum qualifying score earn a lifetime valid certificate to apply for teaching positions across schools nationwide.
Selection Stages
Step 1: Apply online
Candidates must fill out the CTET application form online on the official websites (ctet.nic.in or cbse.gov.in). This involves basic registration, entering personal and educational details, uploading a scanned photograph and signature, and paying the required application fee (₹500 for single paper or ₹600 for both papers for SC/ST/PwD; General/OBC fees apply accordingly).
Step 2: Download Admit Card
Admit cards are generated for candidates who submit their complete application forms and successfully process their fee payments. Downloading and printing the hall ticket is mandatory to secure entry into the designated examination center.
Step 3: Written Examination
Candidates appear for Paper I (for Classes 1 to 5), Paper II (for Classes 6 to 8), or both depending on their selected preference. The examination is conducted in offline pen and paper mode using OMR sheets. Each paper contains 150 multiple choice questions carrying 150 marks with a duration of 150 minutes, and there is no negative marking.
Step 4: Check Answer Key
After the test, CBSE releases the provisional answer keys online. Candidates are given an opportunity to review their responses and file challenges against provisional keys before the final official key is prepared.
Step 5: Examination Results
CBSE evaluates all OMR sheets against the finalized answer key and declares the official individual results online.
Step 6: Issuance of Eligibility Certificate
Candidates meeting or exceeding the minimum cut-off marks receive an official CTET Eligibility Certificate through DigiLocker. This certificate remains valid for a lifetime.
How The Final Merit Is Made
CTET is strictly a qualifying examination and does not generate a merit list for direct recruitment. To qualify, General category candidates must score at least 60% (90 out of 150 marks). Candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, and PwD categories must secure at least 55% (82 out of 150 marks). Achieving these marks earns the candidate a CTET certificate, enabling them to apply for teacher recruitment drives conducted by various government and private institutions.
Documents You'll Need
- Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or PAN Card)
- Printout of the CTET Admit Card
- Educational qualification certificates and mark sheets (Diploma or Degree in Elementary/Secondary Education)
- Category or Caste Certificate (for SC, ST, OBC, or PwD relaxation)
- Passport size photographs matching the application upload
Selection FAQs
Is CTET a qualifying exam or a direct recruitment test?
CTET is purely a qualifying exam. Securing a passing certificate makes you eligible to apply for teaching vacancies in schools, but it does not directly guarantee a job appointment.
What are the passing marks for CTET September 2026?
General category candidates must score 60% (90/150 marks). Candidates from SC, ST, OBC, and PwD categories require a minimum of 55% (82/150 marks) to qualify.
How long is the CTET eligibility certificate valid?
The CTET eligibility certificate is valid for a lifetime from the date of result declaration.
Is there any negative marking in the CTET examination?
No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in either Paper I or Paper II of the CTET exam.