The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is one of the most significant exams for aspiring teachers in India. The official answer key for CTET 2026, covering both Paper 1 and Paper 2, is an essential resource for candidates to evaluate their performance, estimate scores, and raise objections if they find discrepancies. This comprehensive guide provides detailed insights into the answer key process, how to access it, raise objections, and understand the eligibility criteria and cutoff trends.
Overview of CTET 2026 Answer Key
The CTET official answer key for 2026 is issued by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on its official portal, ctet.nic.in. The exam was conducted on February 7 and 8, 2026. As of February 20, 2026, the provisional answer key has not yet been released, but it is expected soon, potentially by late February or early March 2026, following the re-examination at two centers in Vaishali, Bihar.
This answer key plays a crucial role in allowing candidates to verify their responses against correct answers provided by CBSE, facilitate self-assessment, and identify any possible errors in the provisional key. The process ensures transparency and fairness in the selection process.
Key Dates and Updates for CTET 2026 Answer Key
While the exam took place in early February 2026, the key updates are as follows:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 7-8, 2026 | CTET 2026 Examination conducted |
| By late February – early March 2026 | Expected release of provisional answer key and response sheets |
| Post re-examination (in Vaishali centers) | Completion of re-test and finalization of answer key |
It is advised to keep monitoring the official CTET website for the latest notifications regarding the answer key release, objections window, and final results.
How to Check the CTET 2026 Answer Key (Paper 1 & Paper 2)
Accessing the answer key is straightforward if candidates follow the correct procedure. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the official CTET website: ctet.nic.in.
- Look for the link titled “CTET 2026 Provisional Answer Key” or similar under the “Latest Updates” or “Important Links” section.
- Click on the link; you will be prompted to log in using your credentials, typically your application number or roll number, and date of birth or password.
- Select the relevant paper (Paper 1 or Paper 2).
- The answer key PDF will open, displaying question paper sets/codes and the corresponding correct answers.
- Review the answer key and your response sheet, which also can be accessed for cross-verification.
- Download or save the answer key PDF for future reference and score estimation.
Additional Tips
- Ensure you have your registration details handy for smooth login.
- Compare your answers with the official key meticulously to estimate your probable score.
- Use the downloaded answer key to prepare for any further steps, including raising objections.
How to Download the CTET 2026 Answer Key
Once the answer key is available on the official portal, follow these steps to download it:
- Click on the relevant link leading to the answer key PDF.
- Use the download icon in the PDF viewer or your browser’s download option to save the file.
- Save the document to a designated folder on your device.
- Optionally, print a hard copy for detailed comparison and to note down the answers you wish to challenge or verify.
Procedure to Raise Objections Against the CTET 2026 Answer Key
If candidates notice discrepancies or errors in the provisional answer key, they have the opportunity to challenge it during the objection window.
Objection Window Period
The challenge window typically opens within 2–3 days after the release of the provisional answer key. Candidates must submit their objections within this period, after which no further claims are entertained.
Steps to Raise Objections
- Go to the official CTET portal: ctet.nic.in.
- Find and click the “CTET 2026 Answer Key/Objection” or challenge link.
- Log in with your credentials (application number/roll number and date of birth/password).
- View the provisional answer key and your response sheet to identify questions with potential errors.
- Select “Raise Objection” or “Submit Challenge” for specific questions.
- Propose the correct answer choice and provide any supporting explanation or documents (if required).
- Pay the applicable non-refundable fee (around ₹1000 per question in recent cycles). Payments are usually made online through net banking, credit/debit cards, or digital wallets.
- Submit the challenge and keep the acknowledgment receipt for records.
Important Notes on Objections
- Objections are considered valid only if they are supported by appropriate evidence or logical reasoning.
- The fee is non-refundable, even if the challenge is rejected.
- CBSE’s experts review all valid objections; if an objection is upheld, the answer key is revised accordingly.
- The final answer key, post-approval of challenges, is published on the official website.
Why Was the CTET Answer Key Release Delayed?
The release of the answer key for CTET 2026 has been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. Specifically, a re-examination was scheduled at two centers in Vaishali (Hajipur), Bihar, namely St. John’s Academy, Basmati Nagar (code 125016) and Lakshya International Academy (code 125014). The examination at these centers was canceled owing to unavoidable reasons, prompting a re-test within 15 days of the original date.
CBSE ensures the fairness and transparency of the evaluation process by completing the re-examination before releasing the answer key. Consequently, the official provisional answer key is expected to be published shortly after re-exam completion, which may be by late February or early March 2026.
Qualifying Criteria for CTET 2026
Minimum Qualifying Marks
To qualify for CTET, candidates must score a minimum percentage of marks in Paper 1 or Paper 2:
| Category | Total Marks | Minimum Percentage | Qualifying Marks (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 150 | 60% | 90 marks |
| OBC | 150 | 55% | 82–83 marks |
| SC | 150 | 55% | 82–83 marks |
| ST | 150 | 55% | 82–83 marks |
| PWD | 150 | 55% | 82–83 marks |
Significance of Qualifying
Qualifying in CTET makes candidates eligible to apply for teaching positions in central and state government schools across India. It is also a mandatory requirement for recruitment in many government teaching vacancies. Candidates who pass Paper 1 are eligible for primary teaching (Classes 1–5), while Paper 2 qualifiers are eligible for upper primary teaching (Classes 6–8).
Certificate Validity and Reattempts
The CTET certificate is now valid for a lifetime, a significant change from previous validity of 7 years. This means once you qualify, you can use your certificate for any number of teaching opportunities without reappearing for the exam.
Additionally, there are no restrictions on the number of attempts. Candidates can reappear as often as they wish to improve their scores or for other reasons, enabling continuous professional development.
Understanding the Cut Off Marks and Trends
CTET is an eligibility test rather than a merit-based selection. The qualifying percentages are fixed: 60% for General category and 55% for reserved categories. The actual cut-off marks are based on these percentages and may slightly vary depending on the total number of candidates and the difficulty level of questions.
Latest Trends
- In recent years, the cut-off scores have remained consistent at about 90/150 for General candidates and approximately 82–83/150 for reserved categories.
- CBSE may revise the cut-off or qualifying criteria based on the exam difficulty and overall performance.
- The final results are derived from the official answer key and the candidate’s response sheet after addressing any objections.
Additional Resources and Support
Candidates preparing for CTET should take advantage of free online mock tests and various educational portals. Regular practice and revision of syllabus topics are essential for success.
For detailed guidance, sample question papers, preparation tips, and official notices, refer to the following resources:
- Official CTET Download Section
- CBSE Official Website
- Sample question papers and preparation materials available on educational portals.
- Stay updated with notifications and announcements on the official website and trusted news sources.
Conclusion
The release of the CTET 2026 answer key is a crucial step in the examination process, allowing candidates to assess their performance and seek clarifications if needed. Staying attentive to official updates, understanding the objection process, and preparing thoroughly can enhance your chances of qualification. Remember, your CTET qualification opens the door to a rewarding teaching career in India’s government schools, and the key is to stay informed, prepared, and proactive throughout the process.
For further detailed guidance, CBSE has published a comprehensive PDF document outlining the entire answer key and objection process, which can be highly beneficial for candidates.