The Central Board of Secondary Education has officially confirmed that the CTET 2025 December session will be held on February 8, 2026—a date that caught thousands of aspiring teachers off guard. Unlike previous December cycles, which typically occurred in mid-December, this year’s exam has been pushed into early 2026, sparking confusion and concern among candidates already preparing for teaching roles in Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, and other Central Government schools. The exam will be conducted in offline mode across 132 cities in India, using OMR sheets, and will be offered in 20 languages, from Assamese to Urdu, allowing candidates to choose their preferred language regardless of their test center location.
Why the Delay? A Shift in the Calendar
For years, the CTET followed a predictable rhythm: July and December sessions, each spaced roughly six months apart. But this year, the December session vanished from its usual slot. No official reason was given for the delay, though insiders speculate it may be tied to logistical coordination with state education boards or a strategic move to align with academic calendars. The announcement came on October 24, 2025—barely four months before the exam—leaving many candidates scrambling. "It feels like they moved the goalposts," said Priya Mehta, a final-year B.Ed student from Lucknow who had planned to take the exam in December and now faces a six-month gap before eligibility for teaching posts. "I was ready. Now I have to keep my momentum alive for another half-year."
Exam Structure, Eligibility, and Logistics
The exam will be split into two papers, both with 150 multiple-choice questions and no negative marking. Paper I, for primary teachers (classes I–V), runs from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Paper II, for upper primary (classes VI–VIII), takes place in the morning, 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Candidates can appear for both papers if they qualify for both levels. The syllabus—covering Child Development, Pedagogy, Language I and II, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, and Science or Social Science—will be detailed in the official notification released on October 25, 2025, on ctet.nic.in.
Eligibility remains unchanged: for Paper I, candidates need a two-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.Ed) or be in their final year. For Paper II, a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) or equivalent is required. The National Council for Teacher Education mandates CTET qualification for teaching in Central Government schools—a non-negotiable rule that makes this exam a critical milestone.
Test centers are spread across 132 cities, and candidates can select any center regardless of their home state. A candidate from Patna can sit for the exam in Chennai and still choose Bengali as their Language II paper. "This flexibility is a win," said Dr. Anil Verma, a former CBSE advisor. "It removes regional barriers and gives candidates more control over logistics."
Application Timeline and What’s Still Unclear
The application window opens in November 2025, but the exact start and end dates remain unconfirmed. While some news portals like NDTV claimed forms would be available "this week," and Testbook.com confirmed registration hadn’t started, the official site still lists only the exam date. The admit card will be released one week before the exam—likely January 31, 2026—so candidates must monitor ctet.nic.in closely.
There’s no word yet on application fees, though last year’s fees were ₹1,000 for one paper and ₹1,500 for both. The payment gateway will likely be through net banking, UPI, or debit/credit cards. Candidates are warned: once submitted, applications cannot be edited. "I’ve seen too many people lose their chance because they clicked submit too soon," said Ritu Singh, a CTET coach in Jaipur. "Read every line. Double-check your language choice. Your center can be changed, but your paper selection can’t."
Who’s Affected? The Real Impact
This delay doesn’t just inconvenience candidates—it disrupts entire career trajectories. Thousands of candidates, especially those from rural areas or working as contract teachers, rely on CTET to secure permanent positions. With the academic year already underway, many schools are waiting for CTET-qualified applicants to fill vacancies. "We’ve had 17 teaching positions open since August," said a principal at a KVS school in Chandigarh. "We can’t hire without CTET certification. We’re stuck."
Meanwhile, coaching centers across the country are adjusting schedules. Online platforms like Unacademy and BYJU’S have extended their CTET prep courses into early 2026. "We’re seeing a 40% spike in enrollments since the date announcement," said a spokesperson for Testbook. "People are now treating this like a January exam, not a December one."
What’s Next? The Road to February 8, 2026
The next critical date is November 1, 2025—widely expected to be the application launch day. Candidates should prepare their documents: identity proof, educational certificates, category certificates (if applicable), and passport-sized photos. Those who missed the July session should not assume they’ll get another chance in 2026—there’s no confirmation yet of a July 2026 CTET.
Experts advise: don’t wait for the notification to start studying. The syllabus hasn’t changed since 2023. Focus on pedagogy, child psychology, and language comprehension. Practice with past papers. The exam isn’t about rote memorization—it’s about understanding how children learn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the CTET 2025 exam be conducted online or offline?
The CTET 2025 December session will be conducted offline using OMR answer sheets, as has been the standard since 2019. There are no plans for a computer-based test this year. Candidates must bring their own black or blue ballpoint pens and admit card to the exam center.
Can I change my exam center after submitting my application?
No, once the application is submitted, the exam center cannot be changed. However, candidates can select any of the 132 cities during registration, regardless of their state of residence. This flexibility was introduced to reduce travel burdens, but the choice is final after payment.
Is CTET mandatory for private school teachers?
No, CTET is mandatory only for teaching positions in Central Government schools like KVS, NVS, and institutions under the Ministry of Education. Many private schools prefer CTET-qualified candidates but are not legally required to hire them. However, in states like Delhi and Maharashtra, CTET is increasingly becoming a de facto requirement even in private institutions.
What happens if I don’t clear CTET 2025? Will there be another chance?
There is no guaranteed second attempt in 2026. The Central Board of Secondary Education has not announced a July 2026 session. Candidates who miss this window may have to wait until December 2026, which could delay their employment by over a year. The certification is valid for life, so passing later still counts—but timing matters for job applications.
Why are 20 languages offered, and how does that affect scoring?
The 20-language option ensures equitable access for non-English speaking candidates, especially in states like Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Jharkhand. Scoring is standardized across languages—questions are translated with linguistic equivalence, and cut-offs are adjusted only for difficulty, not language. Your language choice has no impact on your marks or eligibility.
Who is responsible for conducting CTET 2025—NTA or CBSE?
The Central Board of Secondary Education remains the sole conducting authority for CTET. Despite misleading reports from some websites claiming the National Testing Agency is in charge, CBSE has consistently managed the exam since its inception in 2011. Always verify updates on ctet.nic.in, not third-party portals.