CTET February Exam: CBSE Reopens Application Window for Over 1.6 Lakh Incomplete Forms

The CTET February registration process has received a major update after the Central Board of Secondary Education decided to reopen the application window for candidates who failed to complete their forms earlier.

In an official press release, Central Board of Secondary Education announced that 1,61,127 applications remained incomplete and were never converted into final submissions. Considering the large number of affected candidates, the Board has taken a “sympathetic view” and granted a one-time opportunity to complete the registration process.

Special Window Dates and Timings Announced

CBSE confirmed that the special application completion window will open at 11:00 am on December 27 and close at 11:59 pm on December 30, 2025. During this period, eligible candidates can log in and complete the remaining steps of their CTET application.

The Board has clearly stated that this facility applies only to candidates who already registered earlier but did not complete the final submission. CBSE will not accept any fresh registrations during this window.

Candidates must also verify all details carefully, as CBSE will not provide any further correction window after final submission.

Why CBSE Reopened the CTET Window

The CTET February registration process for the 21st edition of the exam began on November 27 and officially closed on December 18. During this period, CBSE received a massive response.

A total of 25,30,581 candidates applied, reflecting the exam’s importance among aspiring teachers. Notably, 3,53,218 applications were submitted on the second-last day, while 4,14,981 candidates applied on the final day, showing a sharp last-minute rush.

Due to heavy traffic, payment issues, or incomplete uploads, more than 1.6 lakh applications remained unfinished. CBSE decided to reopen the portal to prevent genuine candidates from losing the opportunity.

Step-by-Step Process to Complete CTET Application

Candidates must complete the application only through the official website: ctet.nic.in. The final submission process includes the following steps:

• Step 1: Log in and fill in pending personal and academic details
• Step 2: Upload a recent passport-size photograph and signature
• Step 3: Pay the application fee online
• Step 4: Review all information carefully
• Step 5: Submit the form and download the confirmation page

CBSE has advised candidates to save the application number and confirmation page for future reference.

About CTET and Its Importance

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level eligibility examination that determines whether a candidate is qualified to teach Classes 1 to 8 in centrally run and recognised schools.

CBSE conducts CTET twice a year, and the certificate is mandatory for teaching jobs in institutions such as Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and several government and aided schools across India.

Many state governments and private schools also consider CTET qualification an essential or preferred requirement.

CTET 2026 Exam Structure Explained

CTET consists of two papers:

• Paper I: For candidates aspiring to teach Classes 1 to 5
• Paper II: For candidates aiming to teach Classes 6 to 8

Each paper includes multiple-choice questions and tests a candidate’s understanding of:

• Child Development and Pedagogy
• Language I and Language II
• Mathematics
• Environmental Studies (Paper I)
• Subject-specific content such as Science or Social Studies (Paper II)

Candidates can choose to appear for one or both papers, depending on their qualifications and career goals.

Eligibility and Application Fee

Candidates must meet the academic eligibility criteria prescribed by CBSE, which vary based on the class level they intend to teach. Applicants must pay the applicable examination fee online at the time of final submission.

CBSE has reiterated that candidates should complete the form carefully during this special window, as no second chance will be given.