When Central Board of Secondary Education announced that the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) December 2025 sessionIndia will be held on February 8, 2026, teachers‑to‑be across the country took a collective breath. The date, confirmed for 132 cities and 20 languages, locks in the calendar for millions of aspirants eyeing classrooms in Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti schools.
Why the Announcement Matters
Here’s the thing: CTET isn’t just another exam. It’s the gateway that validates a candidate’s ability to teach Classes 1‑8 in central government schools, and the score stays valid for seven years. A timely notification means candidates can plan their study schedule, register, and secure a seat before the competition spikes each year.
Background of the CTET
The test, launched in 2011, marks its 21st edition this December session. Since its inception, the National Council for Teacher Education has mandated that all teachers in central schools hold a CTET certificate. The exam follows an OMR‑based, offline format split into two papers: Paper 1 for Class 1‑5 aspirants, Paper 2 for Class 6‑8 hopefuls. Both papers will be administered on the same day, a practice that has persisted since the first edition.
Exam Schedule and Key Dates
According to a timeline compiled by Testbook, the rollout looks like this:
- Late October 2025 – Official public notice posted on ctet.nic.in
- Early November 2025 – Detailed notification released (expected)
- Mid‑November 2025 – Application form opens (online)
- End of December 2025 – Last date to submit applications
- January 2026 – Admit cards generated and mailed
- February 8, 2026 – Exam day across 132 cities
- Mid‑February 2026 – Answer key published
- Early March 2026 – Results declared
“The notification will be out soon, and candidates should keep an eye on the portal,” said Durva Gupta, a senior journalist at Careers360, in a statement on October 25, 2025.
Eligibility and Career Opportunities
Eligible candidates must hold a graduate degree and meet the age criteria set by the NCTE. Successful applicants become eligible for teaching posts in schools under the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, and any state‑run school that recognises CTET scores. For many, the exam is the first step toward a stable government job with benefits that include housing, medical facilities, and pension plans.
What Candidates Need to Know
First, the exam will be conducted in 20 languages, ranging from Hindi and English to regional tongues like Marathi, Tamil, and Assamese. Second, the OMR format means candidates should practice fill‑in‑the‑bubble techniques to avoid unnecessary marks loss. Third, the fee structure is modest – ₹850 for General/OBC candidates and ₹450 for SC/ST/PD categories, payable through the online portal.
Experts recommend a two‑month focused preparation window after the application deadline. “Since the exam date is fixed, a strategic study plan that allocates equal time to pedagogy and subject knowledge yields the best results,” notes an education consultant at Shiksha.com.
Implications for India’s Teaching Workforce
With the government aiming to fill over 30,000 teaching vacancies in central schools this year, the CTET results will directly influence the quality of education delivered to millions of students. A larger pool of certified teachers also eases the pressure on private tutoring markets, potentially lowering tuition costs for families.
Moreover, the multilingual rollout reflects the Ministry of Education’s push for inclusive education – allowing candidates from Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 towns to sit for the exam without language barriers. This move could gradually diversify the teaching cadre, bringing in educators with varied cultural backgrounds.
What’s Next?
Watch for the official notification on the CTET portal by the third week of October 2025. Once released, the application window will likely open within a few days, giving aspirants a narrow but clear timeframe to submit documents. After February 8, 2026, candidates can expect their results in early March, at which point merit lists will be forwarded to KVS, NVS, and other participating institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can candidates start applying for CTET December 2025?
The application form is expected to go live on the official portal in early November 2025, with a submission deadline at the end of December 2025. Candidates should keep their documents ready to avoid last‑minute hassles.
Which languages will the CTET be offered in?
The exam will be available in 20 languages, including Hindi, English, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Assamese, and several others, ensuring regional accessibility.
What is the validity period of a CTET certificate?
A CTET qualification remains valid for seven years from the date of result declaration, giving candidates ample time to apply for teaching posts.
How will the CTET results affect recruitment in KVS and NVS?
Results will feed directly into the merit lists used by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti for their recruitment cycles, accelerating the appointment of qualified teachers to vacant posts.
Where is the CBSE headquarters located?
The New Delhi serves as the central office for the Central Board of Secondary Education, from where all official notices are disseminated.
