CTET 2026 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 eligibility criteria define the academic qualifications and age requirements that candidates must fulfill to appear for the exam. These criteria are set by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in accordance with the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) guidelines.

The CTET is conducted to assess the teaching eligibility of candidates aspiring to become teachers for Classes I to VIII in schools affiliated with the Central Government (such as KVS, NVS, and DSSSB) as well as private institutions that accept CTET scores.

The eligibility requirements differ for the two papers:

• Paper I – for candidates aspiring to teach Classes I to V (Primary Level)
• Paper II – for candidates aspiring to teach Classes VI to VIII (Upper Primary Level)

Each paper has distinct educational qualification criteria based on teacher training courses like D.El.Ed, B.Ed, or equivalent programs recognized by NCTE.

In addition to educational qualifications, candidates must also ensure they meet other requirements such as minimum percentage marks, subject combination, and relevant teaching training eligibility.

Meeting the CTET eligibility criteria is a mandatory condition for appearing in the examination. Failure to meet any of the specified requirements may result in disqualification, even if the candidate clears the written test.

In essence, the CTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria ensure that only qualified, trained, and competent individuals enter the teaching profession, maintaining high standards in education and classroom effectiveness across the country.

Here’s the CTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria in Detail, covering educational qualifications, age requirements, and paper-wise eligibility as per CBSE and NCTE norms.

Age Criteria

• There is no minimum or maximum age limit to appear for CTET 2026.
• However, candidates applying for teaching positions may need to meet age limits specified by individual schools or recruitment boards.

Educational Qualification – Paper I (Primary Level, Classes I–V)

Subject-wise eligibility for Paper II

• Mathematics / Science Teachers: Candidates with a science or math graduation + B.Ed.
• Social Science / Language Teachers: Candidates with relevant graduation + B.Ed.

Candidates appearing in the final year of the qualifying program are eligible to apply.

Relaxation for Reserved Categories

• Candidates belonging to SC / ST / OBC / PwD categories may have relaxation in minimum percentage required by their respective teacher education programs.
• Typically, qualifying marks in teacher education programs may be 45–50% for reserved categories.

Nationality

• Candidate must be a citizen of India.
• Some schools (like Kendriya Vidyalaya or Navodaya Vidyalaya) may accept Indian-origin candidates from abroad, subject to additional documentation.

Click Here For CTET 2026 Exam Pattern

CTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria FAQs

Q1. Who can appear for CTET 2026?

Ans. Candidates who meet the educational qualifications and teacher training requirements for Paper I (Primary Level) or Paper II (Upper Primary Level) can appear. This includes those who have completed or are in the final year of the relevant teacher education program.

Q2. What are the minimum educational qualifications for Paper I?

Ans. To appear for Paper I (Classes I–V), candidates must have one of the following:

• Senior Secondary (or equivalent) + 2-year D.El.Ed / BTC / JBT
• Senior Secondary + 4-year B.El.Ed
• Graduation + 2-year D.El.Ed / B.Ed
• Diploma in Education (Special Education)

Q3. What are the minimum educational qualifications for Paper II?

Ans. To appear for Paper II (Classes VI–VIII), candidates must have:

• Graduation in a relevant subject + 2-year B.Ed / BTC / D.El.Ed
• Senior Secondary + 4-year B.El.Ed
• Graduation + 1-year B.Ed (as per new NCTE norms)
• Diploma in Education (Special Education)

Q4. Is there an age limit for CTET 2026?

Ans. No, there is no minimum or maximum age limit to appear for the exam. However, individual recruitment boards may specify age requirements for teaching posts.

Q5. Can candidates appearing in the final year of the teacher training course apply?
Ans. Yes, candidates appearing in the final year of D.El.Ed, B.El.Ed, B.Ed, or equivalent programs are eligible to apply, provided they complete the course before appointment.