The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a revised examination schedule for the February 2026 session of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET). Instead of being conducted on a single day as originally planned, the examination will now be held over two days—February 7 and February 8, 2026.
In an official notification, CBSE stated that the decision to extend the examination period was taken in response to a significant increase in the number of registered candidates. Conducting the test over two days, the board said, will help examination centres manage logistics more effectively and ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of the exam across the country.
CTET February 2026: Dates, Shifts and Centres
CBSE has confirmed that both Paper I and Paper II will be conducted in two shifts on each of the two days. The examination will be held in 140 cities nationwide. Candidates are advised to carefully review their admit cards for details regarding their allotted exam date, paper, shift timing, reporting time, and other instructions.
Paper-wise Schedule
February 7, 2026
- Paper II: 9:30 am to 12:00 noon
- Paper I: 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm
February 8, 2026
- Paper II: 9:30 am to 12:00 noon
- Paper I: 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Each paper will be of two hours and 30 minutes duration.
Reporting Time and Entry Rules
CBSE has directed candidates to report to their respective examination centres at least one hour before the scheduled start of the examination. The board has also made it clear that no candidate will be allowed to enter the examination hall after the commencement of the test.
CTET is a mandatory eligibility examination for candidates aspiring to teach Classes I to VIII in government and government-aided schools. The test is conducted by CBSE on behalf of the Ministry of Education.
