The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is administered by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to determine eligibility for teaching roles in classes I to VIII (and beyond for certain posts).
Qualifying CTET opens doors to recruitment in Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), other central organizations, and state schools.
However, the actual salary depends on the recruiting body, post (PRT, TGT, or PGT), location, and experience, not the CTET qualification alone. Salaries are governed by the 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix, with Dearness Allowance (DA) currently around 58–60% as of early 2026.
CTET Salary 2026 Overview
Here’s a quick snapshot:
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Exam Name: Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET)
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Conducting Body: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
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Qualification Type: Teacher Eligibility Exam
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Eligible Posts: PRT (Primary Teacher), TGT (Trained Graduate Teacher), PGT (Post Graduate Teacher)
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Pay Commission: 7th Pay Commission
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Job Type: Central/State Government Teaching Positions
CTET Teacher Salary Structure 2026 (Post-Wise)
Salaries vary by post, with entry-level basic pay from the 7th CPC Pay Matrix. In-hand amounts are approximate for metro/X-class cities (higher HRA), including current DA (around 58–60%), HRA (up to 24–30%), Transport Allowance, and after standard deductions like NPS/PF/tax.
CTET PRT Teacher Salary (Primary Teacher)
PRT teachers handle classes I–V, building foundational skills.
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Pay Level: Level 6
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Pay Scale: ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400
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Starting Basic Pay: ₹35,400
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Approx In-Hand Salary 2026: ₹50,000 – ₹62,000 per month (varies by city; higher in metros due to HRA)
CTET TGT Teacher Salary (Trained Graduate Teacher)
TGTs teach subject-specific classes VI–X.
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Pay Level: Level 7
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Pay Scale: ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400
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Starting Basic Pay: ₹44,900
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Approx In-Hand Salary 2026: ₹60,000 – ₹75,000 per month
CTET PGT Teacher Salary (Post Graduate Teacher)
PGTs manage advanced subjects for classes XI–XII.
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Pay Level: Level 8
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Pay Scale: ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100
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Starting Basic Pay: ₹47,600
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Approx In-Hand Salary 2026: ₹70,000 – ₹85,000+ per month
CTET In-Hand Salary 2026 (Post-Wise)
In-hand salary refers to the net amount received after adding allowances (DA, HRA, TA, etc.) to basic pay and subtracting deductions (NPS ~10%, PF, tax, etc.).
Figures below are approximate for entry-level positions in central schools (KVS/NVS) in metro/X-class cities, based on the latest available structures and DA trends in 2026.
Actual amounts may vary slightly with exact DA notifications, posting location, and individual factors.
CTET PRT In-Hand Salary 2026 (Primary Teacher)
PRT teachers handle foundational education for classes I–V.
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Pay Level: Level 6
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Starting Basic Pay: ₹35,400
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Approx Gross Salary (with DA ~58–60%, HRA 24–30%, TA): ₹65,000 – ₹70,000+
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Approx In-Hand Salary 2026: ₹50,000 – ₹62,000 per month (common range in central schools; lower in Y/Z cities due to reduced HRA)
This reflects realistic entry-level take-home pay after standard deductions.
CTET TGT In-Hand Salary 2026 (Trained Graduate Teacher)
TGTs teach subject-specific topics for classes VI–X.
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Pay Level: Level 7
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Starting Basic Pay: ₹44,900
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Approx Gross Salary (with DA ~58–60%, HRA 24–30%, TA): ₹80,000 – ₹85,000+
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Approx In-Hand Salary 2026: ₹60,000 – ₹75,000 per month
Higher in metros; many sources report ₹65,000–₹72,000 as typical net pay for fresh appointees in KVS/NVS.
CTET PGT In-Hand Salary 2026 (Post Graduate Teacher)
PGTs manage advanced subjects for classes XI–XII.
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Pay Level: Level 8
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Starting Basic Pay: ₹47,600
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Approx Gross Salary (with DA ~58–60%, HRA 24–30%, TA): ₹85,000 – ₹95,000+
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Approx In-Hand Salary 2026: ₹70,000 – ₹85,000+ per month
This is often cited as ₹70,000–₹80,000+ in central organizations, with potential for more based on experience and location.
CTET Salary After 7th Pay Commission
The 7th Pay Commission uses a Pay Matrix with annual 3% increments. Key components:
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Dearness Allowance (DA): Revised biannually (currently ~58–60% as of February 2026).
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House Rent Allowance (HRA): 8–30% based on city (X: 24–30%, Y: 16–20%, Z: 8–10%).
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Transport Allowance (TA): Fixed based on city and level.
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In-hand pay increases with experience, promotions, and DA hikes.
CTET Teacher Allowances & Benefits
CTET-qualified government teachers enjoy:
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DA (inflation-linked)
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HRA (city-dependent)
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Transport Allowance
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Medical facilities (CGHS)
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NPS/Pension benefits
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Paid leaves and holidays
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Children Education Allowance (up to ~₹2,250–₹2,800 per child)
CTET Salary Deductions
Standard deductions include:
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NPS (10% of basic + DA)
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PF contributions
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Professional tax
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Income tax (slab-based)
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Group insurance (if applicable)
CTET Job Profile & Responsibilities
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PRT: Foundation teaching for primary classes (I–V).
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TGT: Subject expertise for middle/secondary (VI–X).
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PGT: Advanced specialization for senior secondary (XI–XII).
CTET Career Growth & Promotion
- Career path: PRT → TGT → PGT → Vice Principal → Principal → Higher administrative roles, based on experience, performance, and departmental opportunities.
