The Central Board of Secondary Education has revised the schedule of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test 2026, shifting the examination to a two-day format on February 7 and 8, 2026. The announcement affects a large number of teaching aspirants nationwide, altering the previously announced single-day timetable and introducing revised shift timings for both Paper I and Paper II. The decision follows administrative assessments linked to candidate volume and examination logistics.
Background: CTET and its role in teacher recruitment
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test is a national-level examination conducted to assess the eligibility of candidates for appointment as teachers for Classes I to VIII. The test is a mandatory qualification for recruitment in central government schools and other institutions that adopt CTET as an eligibility benchmark. These include Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and schools affiliated with central education systems.
CTET is conducted under the framework prescribed by the National Council for Teacher Education. It evaluates candidates through two separate papers aligned with different teaching levels. Paper I is intended for candidates seeking eligibility to teach Classes I to V, while Paper II is for those aiming to teach Classes VI to VIII. Candidates may appear for one or both papers depending on their career plans.
Over the years, CTET has become a key qualifying examination for teaching aspirants across India, with participation numbers consistently rising. The February session is considered one of the major testing cycles, drawing candidates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
Revised schedule and official communication
In February 2026, the examination authority issued a public notice confirming that CTET would be conducted over two days instead of a single day. The notification clarified that the decision was taken in view of the large number of registered candidates and the need to ensure smooth conduct of the examination across centres.
The revised schedule sets the examination dates as Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026. Candidates will be allotted specific dates and shifts as mentioned on their admit cards. The authority stated that the change would help reduce congestion at examination centres and improve administrative coordination.
Two-day exam format and new timings
Under the revised plan, CTET 2026 will be held in two sessions each day. Paper II will be conducted in the morning session, while Paper I will take place in the afternoon session on both days.
The morning session for Paper II is scheduled to begin at around 9:30 am and conclude at 12:00 pm. The afternoon session for Paper I is set from approximately 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Each paper will continue to have a duration of two hours and thirty minutes, consistent with previous examination cycles.
The revised format allows the examination authority to distribute candidates more evenly across sessions and centres. It also enables examination venues to implement verification, seating and invigilation procedures more efficiently.
Admit cards and reporting requirements
Candidates are required to carry their CTET admit cards along with valid photo identification to the examination centre. Admit cards will specify the allotted date, shift, reporting time and centre address.
Candidates must report to their assigned centres well before the reporting time indicated on the admit card to complete identity verification and other mandatory formalities. Entry to the examination hall will not be permitted after the scheduled closing time of the gates.
Rationale behind the schedule change
The primary reason cited for the revision is the significant increase in the number of applicants for the February 2026 CTET session. Conducting the examination over two days is intended to ease operational pressure on examination centres and staff.
The revised schedule is also aimed at ensuring uniform testing conditions and maintaining examination integrity. By spreading the exam across multiple sessions, authorities are better positioned to manage logistics, security arrangements and candidate movement.
Examination pattern remains unchanged
Despite the change in schedule, the structure and syllabus of CTET remain unchanged. Both papers will continue to consist of multiple-choice questions, and there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
Paper I covers child development and pedagogy, language, mathematics and environmental studies, while Paper II includes child development and pedagogy, language and subject-specific sections based on the candidate’s chosen discipline.
The examination will continue to be conducted in offline mode using pen and paper. Standard protocols relating to question paper security, invigilation and evaluation will remain in place.
Impact on candidates
The shift to a two-day examination format has implications for candidate planning and preparation. For many aspirants, the revised schedule provides clarity and allows for better management of travel and accommodation arrangements, particularly for those appearing at centres outside their home cities.
Candidates appearing for both papers may benefit from reduced fatigue compared to a single-day format. The separation of sessions also allows candidates to focus more effectively on each paper.
At the same time, candidates are advised to carefully check their admit cards for session details and ensure timely arrival at the examination centre, as sessions are strictly time-bound.
Provisions for candidates with disabilities
The examination authority has reiterated guidelines for candidates with benchmark disabilities seeking facilities such as scribes and compensatory time. These provisions are aligned with statutory requirements and aim to ensure equal opportunity for eligible candidates.
Candidates seeking such facilities are required to submit relevant documentation and comply with the procedures outlined in official notices. Approved candidates will be provided additional support during the examination as per prescribed norms.
Arrangements at examination centres
Examination centres across the country, largely comprising government and affiliated schools, are making preparations to conduct CTET over two days. Additional supervisory staff and support personnel have been deployed to manage crowd control, verification and examination conduct.
Local administrations and school authorities have been instructed to ensure that infrastructure, seating arrangements and security measures meet examination standards. Candidates are expected to follow all instructions issued by invigilators and centre administrators.
Administrative context and future outlook
CTET continues to be governed by existing eligibility and examination norms prescribed by national teacher education authorities. While discussions on broader teacher education reforms are ongoing at the policy level, no changes to CTET structure or eligibility criteria have been notified for the 2026 cycle.
The revised schedule for CTET 2026 reflects an administrative adjustment rather than a policy shift. Similar changes have been implemented in past examination cycles when candidate volumes warranted additional logistical measures.
The revision of the CTET 2026 schedule to a two-day examination format marks an important update for teaching aspirants across India. With the exam now scheduled for February 7 and 8 and revised shift timings in place, candidates are advised to stay informed through official notifications and carefully review their admit cards once released. The change is aimed at ensuring smooth conduct of the examination and accommodating the growing number of applicants, while maintaining established standards of fairness and transparency.
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Last Updated on: Thursday, February 5, 2026 11:30 am by Digital Herald Team | Published by: Digital Herald Team on Thursday, February 5, 2026 11:30 am | News Categories: News, Education, India