CTET Answer Key Feb 2026: Release Date, PDF Download Link & Objection Process

New Delhi: The wait is almost over for lakhs of aspiring teachers across India. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is expected to release the provisional answer key for the CTET February 2026 examination very soon.

According to the latest reports, the answer key link is likely to be activated on the official website, ctet.nic.in, between February 18 and February 23, 2026. Since the exam was successfully conducted earlier this month, candidates are anxiously refreshing the portal to calculate their estimated scores.

Here is everything you need to know about the release date, how to download the PDF, and the process to challenge the answer key.

CTET February 2026: Key Highlights

The 21st edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) was held on February 7 and February 8, 2026. The exam was conducted in offline mode (pen-and-paper) in two shifts across the country.

• Exam Date: February 7 & 8, 2026
• Status of Answer Key: Expected Anytime (Feb 18–23)
• Official Website: ctet.nic.in
• Result Date (Tentative): March 2026

When Will the Answer Key Be Released?

CBSE usually takes about 10 to 15 days after the exam to release the provisional answer key. With today being February 18, we are entering the high-probability window for the release.

Once the link is live, candidates will get access to two important documents:

1. Provisional Answer Key: The official list of correct answers.
2. OMR Response Sheet: A scanned copy of the actual sheet you filled out in the exam hall.

How to Download the CTET Answer Key (Step-by-Step)

Candidates do not need to visit any third-party sites. Follow these simple steps to access your papers directly from the official portal:

1. Visit the Website: Go to ctet.nic.in on your mobile or computer.
2. Find the Link: Look for the notification that says “Download Provisional Answer Key CTET Feb 2026” on the homepage.
3. Login: Enter your Roll Number and Date of Birth exactly as printed on your admit card.
4. Download PDF: You will see links for Paper 1 and Paper 2. Click to download the Answer Key PDF and your OMR sheet.
5. Match Answers: Compare your OMR responses with the official key to calculate your rough score.

How to Challenge the Answer Key (Objection Window)

If you feel that an answer provided by CBSE is incorrect, you have the right to challenge it. However, this facility is available only for a short time (usually 2–3 days).

• Fee: You must pay Rs. 1,000 per question to raise an objection.
• Refund Policy: If subject experts accept your challenge and agree the answer was wrong, your fee will be refunded. If your challenge is rejected, the fee is non-refundable.
• Process: The objection link will be available inside your login dashboard. You must upload valid proof (like a photo from a standard textbook) to support your claim.

Passing Marks and Validity

To qualify for CTET, candidates need to score at least 60% marks.

• General Category: 90 marks out of 150.
• Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD): 82 marks out of 150.

Note: The CTET certificate is now valid for a lifetime. If you clear the exam this time, you do not need to sit for it again unless you want to improve your score.

Read More : How Was the Class 10 Maths Exam 2026?

What Happens Next?

After the objection window closes, CBSE will review all challenges. A Final Answer Key will be prepared, which cannot be challenged further. The final CTET Result 2026 will be declared based on this final key, likely in the second or third week of March 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)