The CTET Answer Key 2026 for the February session hasn't been released yet as of February 26, 2026. The exam took place on February 7 and 8, 2026, but due to administrative reasons, a re-examination for Paper 2 at two centres in Vaishali, Bihar, is scheduled for March 1, 2026.
Official sources and recent notices from CBSE indicate that the provisional answer key, along with the response sheet/OMR, will likely be released only after this re-exam is completed successfully.
This means candidates should keep checking the official website ctet.nic.in for the latest update, don't rely on unofficial claims saying it's already out today or earlier.
CBSE typically releases the provisional key 10-15 days after the full exam process wraps up, so expect it sometime in early to mid-March 2026 once everything is finalized.
CTET Answer Key 2026 – Key Highlights
Here's a quick overview of the important details for the February 2026 cycle:
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Exam Name: Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026 (21st Edition)
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Conducting Body: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
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Exam Dates: February 7 & 8, 2026 (main exam); March 1, 2026 (re-exam for affected centres)
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Papers: Paper 1 (for Classes 1-5), Paper 2 (for Classes 6-8)
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Answer Key Status: Provisional answer key – Not released yet; expected after re-exam
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Mode of Release: Online only at ctet.nic.in
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Response Sheet/OMR: Expected to be released alongside the provisional answer key (login required)
When Will the CTET Answer Key 2026 Be Released? Expected Timeline
CBSE follows a standard process, but the re-exam has caused a slight delay. Based on official notices and past patterns:
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Provisional Answer Key Release: Expected in the first or second week of March 2026 (after March 1 re-exam)
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Objection Window: Usually opens for 3-5 days right after the provisional key is out
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Final Answer Key: Released shortly after objections are reviewed, likely mid-March 2026
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Result Declaration: Expected in March 2026, based on the final key
Always head to the official site for exact dates; CBSE posts public notices there for any changes.
How to Download CTET Answer Key 2026 (Once Released) from ctet.nic.in
When it's live, follow these simple steps:
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Go to the official website: ctet.nic.in.
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Look for the link saying “CTET February 2026 – Provisional Answer Key” or similar on the homepage.
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Click on it and select your paper (Paper 1 or Paper 2).
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Log in using your roll number/application number and date of birth (or other credentials as required).
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The answer key PDF will appear; download it.
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Your personal response sheet/OMR will also be available in the same login section for cross-checking.
Save and print everything for your records. Some educational portals might share direct links later, but stick to ctet.nic.in for the authentic version.
How to Download Your CTET 2026 Response Sheet & OMR
The response sheet shows what you marked in the exam, and the OMR is your scanned sheet. It's super helpful for verifying against the answer key.
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Log in to ctet.nic.in with your credentials.
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Navigate to the candidate section or “Response Sheet”/“OMR Sheet” link.
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Download the PDF for your paper and shift.
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Match your answers to calculate your score.
How to Calculate Your Marks Using the Answer Key
CTET is straightforward, no negative marking!
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Each correct answer = 1 mark.
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Total marks = Number of correct answers (out of 150).
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Compare your score with the qualifying criteria: Usually 60% (90 marks) for General, 55% (82.5 marks) for OBC/SC/ST, relaxations apply as per rules.
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Use your response sheet to count matches accurately.
Provisional vs Final Answer Key – What's the Difference?
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Provisional Answer Key: First version released for candidates to check and challenge discrepancies. This is the one you'll use initially.
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Final Answer Key: Released after reviewing objections, no more challenges. Results are prepared based on this.
How to Raise Objections/Challenges (When the Window Opens)
If you spot an error in the provisional key:
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Visit ctet.nic.in and click the “Challenge Answer Key” link.
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Log in with your details.
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Select the paper, shift, question number, and your claimed correct option.
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Upload supporting proof/documents if needed.
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Pay the objection fee (usually a small amount per question, online payment).
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Submit and keep the reference number.
The window is short, typically 3-5 days, so act fast and only challenge with solid evidence.
Official vs Unofficial Answer Keys
Coaching sites often release unofficial keys right after the exam for quick estimates. They're useful for a rough idea, but only the official CBSE key on ctet.nic.in is valid for objections, score calculation, and results.
What Happens After the Answer Key? Next Steps
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Results will be based on the final key.
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Qualifying candidates get a CTET eligibility certificate (lifetime validity).
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Use it for teacher job applications in central government schools, KVS, NVS, etc.
