The CTET Official Answer Key 2026 for Paper 1 and Paper 2 will be released by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to allow candidates to verify their answers, calculate estimated scores, and raise objections if needed. It will be accessible for download on the official CTET website, ctet.nic.in, along with guidelines for the objection process.
CTET 2026 Answer Key Overview
The CTET official answer key for both Paper 1 (Classes 1–5) and Paper 2 (Classes 6–8) is published by CBSE on ctet.nic.in.
The CTET February 2026 exam was held on February 7 and 8, 2026. As of February 20, 2026, the provisional answer key has not yet been released. Reliable sources and education portals indicate an expected release soon, potentially by the end of
February 2026 or the first week of March 2026, following completion of a re-examination at two centres in Vaishali (Hajipur), Bihar.
Candidates can access the provisional answer key and their response sheet by logging in with their application number/roll number and date of birth.
How to Check the CTET Official Answer Key 2026 (Paper 1 & 2)
Follow these steps for both papers via the same portal:
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Go to the official CTET website: ctet.nic.in.
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Look for the “CTET 2026 Provisional Answer Key” or similar link under Latest Updates or Important Links.
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Log in using your application number/roll number and date of birth/password.
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Select the appropriate link for “Answer Key Paper 1” or “Answer Key Paper 2.”
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View the provisional answer key PDF (including question paper sets/codes) and your response sheet.
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Download the files for score estimation and future reference.
How to Download the CTET Official Answer Key 2026
Once the answer key opens on ctet.nic.in, use the PDF download option in the viewer or your browser to save it. Print a copy to compare responses question-by-question, mark correct/incorrect answers, and maintain records for potential objections.
How to Raise Objections Against the CTET Answer Key 2026
Objection Window Period
CBSE typically opens a short window of 2–3 days after the provisional answer key release for challenges.
Steps to Raise Objections
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Visit ctet.nic.in and access the “CTET 2026 Answer Key/Objection” or challenge link.
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Log in with your credentials (application number/roll number and date of birth/password).
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Review the provisional answer key and your response sheet to spot discrepancies.
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Select “Submit Challenge/Raise Objection,” choose the question number, and propose the correct option.
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Provide supporting explanation or documents (text/PDF format) as required.
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Pay the non-refundable fee per question via online modes.
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Submit and retain the acknowledgement receipt.
Objection Fee
- A non-refundable processing fee (typically around ₹1000 per question in recent cycles) applies. Only paid challenges with valid proof are considered. Fees are generally non-refundable unless CBSE specifies otherwise for upheld objections.
CTET’s Final Decision
- Experts review all valid challenges. If accepted, the answer key is revised. The final answer key is published on ctet.nic.in, and results are based solely on it, no further changes are permitted.
Why Was the CTET Answer Key Release Delayed?
For the February 2026 session, the release is pending completion of a re-examination for Paper 2 at two centres in Vaishali (Hajipur), Bihar (St. John’s Academy, Basmati Nagar – code 125016; and Lakshya International Academy – code 125014).
Paper 2 was cancelled at these centres due to unavoidable circumstances, with the re-exam scheduled within 15 days of the original date. CBSE ensures fairness by finalizing the key only after all candidates complete the exam.
Education portals and media reports suggest the provisional answer key may appear by late February or early March 2026 once re-exam processes conclude.
CTET 2026 Qualifying Criteria
Minimum Qualifying Marks
Out of 150 marks per paper:
| 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 |
Paper 1 qualifies candidates for primary stage teaching (Classes 1–5), while Paper 2 is for upper primary (Classes 6–8). Qualifying either provides eligibility for the respective level.
Certificate Validity
The CTET certificate is now valid for a lifetime across all categories (previously 7 years), allowing indefinite use for teaching applications. There is no limit on attempts—candidates can reappear to improve scores.
CTET 2026 Cut Off Marks (Trends)
- CTET is an eligibility test with fixed qualifying percentages (60% General, 55% reserved), not a merit-based recruitment with variable cut-offs. These thresholds (90/150 for General, ~82/150 for reserved) are consistent unless revised by CBSE.
