CTET Eligibility Criteria 2026: Check Educational Qualification for Paper 1 & 2 and Age Limit

CTET Eligibility Criteria 2026: The Central Teacher Eligibility Test, commonly known as CTET, is one of the most important exams for anyone who wants to become a government school teacher in India. The CTET test is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The CTET test for September 2026 will be held on 6th September 2026, and the application process starts from 11th May to 10th June 2026. Candidates must verify their eligibility before registering for the exam. 

CTET Eligibility Criteria 2026: Highlights

Candidates must meet all the given eligibility criteria. If anyone fails to do or mention any incorrect or incomplete information, then this may lead to cancellation of the application at any stage of the selection process. Check the given table for CTET Eligibility criteria key highlights as follows:

CTET Eligibility Criteria 2026: Educational Qualification

Educational qualification is one of the most important parts of the CTET eligibility. Before applying, candidates should meet the educational qualifications mentioned below:

Paper I  (Classes I to V)

As per NCTE Regulations 2002, candidates who want to teach Classes 1 to 5 must meet any one of the following requirements:

• Senior Secondary (Class 12) with at least 50% marks + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed)

• Senior Secondary with at least 45% marks + 2-year D.El.Ed

• Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks + 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed)

• Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks + 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education)

• Graduation in any stream + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed)

Paper II (Classes VI to VIII)

As per NCTE Regulations 2002, candidates who want to teach Classes 1 to 5 must meet any one of the following requirements:

• Graduation with at least 50% marks + 1-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)

• Graduation with at least 45% marks + 1-year B.Ed 

• Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks + 4-year B.El.Ed

• Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks + 4-year BA/BSc.Ed or BA.Ed/BSc.Ed

• Graduation with at least 50% marks + 1-year B.Ed (Special Education)

• Graduation in any stream + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed)

Eligibility for Both Papers

Interested candidates who want to teach both levels, Classes I to V and Classes VI to VIII, must appear in both Paper I and Paper II.  

The candidate must separately meet the eligibility conditions for each paper.

Candidates in Final Year

• Candidates appearing in the final year of their qualifying degree or diploma are also eligible to apply.

• Such candidates can select "Appearing in Final Exam" as their status while filling out the online application form. 

• They must complete the required qualification before joining any teaching post.

CTET Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit

Age limit is one of the key factors in CTET eligibility. Before applying, the candidate must check the age limit carefully to avoid being disqualified.

Age limit

• Minimum age should be 18  years. with no maximum age limit. 

Age Relaxation 

Eligible candidates fromreserved categories are given some relaxation in the age limit as per government rules. 

• OBC candidates: 3 years 

• SC/ST candidates: 5 years 

• PwBD candidates: 10 years 

Nationality

Candidates applying for the RBI Grade B Recruitment 2026 must be citizens of India.

Steps to apply for CTET 2026

Eligible candidates can apply online through ctet.nic.in or cbse.gov.in from 11th May to 10th June 2026. Here are the Following steps to follow:

Step 1: Visit at ctet.nic.in or cbse.gov.in and click on the "Apply Online" link

Step 2: Fill the Authentication Form with your Name, Date of Birth, Gender, and other required details, Also enter the Security Pin as shown on the screen

Step 3: Now fill the Application Form with Father's Name, Mother's Name as per the Class 10th certificate, Select Papers, and your Category 

Step 4: Upload scanned documents like photograph, signature, and certificate

Step 5: Pay the application fee

Step 6: Review and submit the form

Step 7. Download for future references