CTET answer key for every year is published on the official CTET website, based on which the marks are given
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level qualifying examination conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). To increase transparency, the CTET answer key is uploaded on the official website around 2 to 3 weeks after the exam is held. This allows the candidates to challenge any answers that they think are wrong. Let's get more details to better understand the entire process.
CTET Answer Key 2026
The CTET answer key for 2026 and other previous exams are available on the official CTET website. Here is the link to check the CTET answer key 2026 - https://ctet.nic.in/previous-year-final-answer-key/. As mentioned earlier, the CTET answer key is uploaded around 2-3 weeks after the exam is held. This is a provisional answer key, which candidates can challenge by paying a refundable fee.
CTET is usually held twice a year. In 2026, the Session 1 (21st Edition) exam was conducted on February 7 and February 8. Answer key for this exam session has already been released in March 2026 and is available on the official CTET website. Results of the exam were declared in March 2026.
Session 2 (22nd Edition) of CTET 2026 is scheduled to be held on December 12 and December 13. These are the new dates, after the earlier September schedule was delayed. Answer key for Session 2 CTET 2026 is expected to be available in late December or early January 2027. Final results of the exam are expected by January or February 2027.
Candidates who want to challenge CTET answer key can do so online by paying a fee of Rs 1,000 per question. This is refundable if the challenge is found accurate by subject matter experts. It is to note that results are calculated strictly based on the subsequent Final Answer Key.
CTET exam pattern and structure
CTET is an offline, pen-and-paper (OMR-based) exam consisting of 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for 150 marks, with a duration of 2.5 hours per paper. There is no negative marking. Clearing CTET is mandatory to apply for teaching positions (Classes 1 to 8) in central government schools. These include Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), Central Tibetan Schools, and various UT/private schools.
The exam includes Paper 1, which is the primary stage for Classes 1 to 5. This covers 30 questions each on Child Development & Pedagogy, Language 1, Language 2, Mathematics and Environmental Studies. Paper 2 is the elementary stage, which is for Classes 6 to 8. This includes 30 questions each on Child Development & Pedagogy, Language 1 and Language 2. An additional 60 questions are for Mathematics & Science (for Math/Science teachers) OR Social Studies/Social Science (for Social Studies teachers). Candidates wishing to teach Classes 1 to 8 can appear for both papers.
CTET eligibility criteria
While the minimum age is 17-18 years for CTET, there is no upper age limit. Also, candidates can give any number of attempts. Candidates in the final year of their teacher-training programs are also eligible to apply.
For Paper 1, the candidate should have at least 50% marks in the Senior Secondary (12th) exam. They should have also passed or appearing in a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed), 4-year B.El.Ed, or 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education).
For Paper 2, the candidate should be a graduate with at least 50% marks. They should have also passed or appearing in a 1-year or 2-year B.Ed, 2-year D.El.Ed, 4-year integrated B.A.Ed / B.Sc.Ed, or Post-Graduation (55% marks) with a 3-year integrated B.Ed-M.Ed. It is to note that NCTE (National Council for Teacher Education) has clarified that CTET for Classes 9 to 12 will not be introduced before 2027.
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