With the exam date now fixed, lakhs of aspiring teachers are waiting for the Exam City Intimation Slip (Pre-Admit Card). While some reports suggest the link is active, official sources indicate the City Slip will be released tentatively by the last week of January, followed by the final Admit Card in February.
Here is the latest update on the exam schedule, the major change in shift timings, and how to check your status.
CTET Feb 2026: Key Exam Details
The 21st edition of CTET will be held in offline mode (Pen and Paper) across 132 cities in India. The exam determines eligibility for teachers for Classes 1 to 8.
| Event | Details |
| Exam Authority | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Date | February 8, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR Based) |
| City Slip Release | Expected Last Week of January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 2 Days before Exam (approx. Feb 6, 2026) |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
Important Change: Shift Timings Swapped
Candidates must pay close attention to the shift timings this year. Unlike older patterns where Paper 1 (Primary) was held in the morning, CBSE has scheduled Paper 2 (Elementary) in the Morning Shift.
- Paper 2 (Classes 6 to 8): 09:30 AM to 12:00 PM (Morning Shift)
- Paper 1 (Classes 1 to 5): 02:30 PM to 05:00 PM (Afternoon Shift)
City Intimation Slip vs. Admit Card
CBSE releases two documents for candidates:
- Exam City Intimation Slip (Pre-Admit Card):
- Release Date: Likely by January 25–28, 2026.
- Purpose: It tells you the City where your exam center is located. It does not have the exact school/college name. This helps you book train or bus tickets in advance.
- Final Admit Card:
- Release Date: Likely on February 6, 2026 (2 days before the exam).
- Purpose: This contains the exact Exam Centre Name, Roll Number, and instructions. You must carry this document to the exam hall.
How to Download CTET City Slip & Admit Card
Once the link is activated on the official portal, follow these steps:
- Find the Link: Look for the link titled “View Centre City for CTET Feb-2026” or “Download Admit Card”.
- Enter Details: You will need your Application Number and Date of Birth.
- Security Pin: Type the captcha code shown on the screen.
- Download: Your City Slip or Admit Card will appear. Save the PDF and take a printout.
Exam Pattern & Last Minute Tips
- Total Marks: 150 Marks (150 MCQs).
- Duration: 2.5 Hours (150 Minutes).
- Negative Marking: No negative marking. You should attempt all questions.
- Qualifying Marks: General category candidates need 90 marks (60%) to pass. Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) usually need 82 marks (55%).
Latest News on Languages: There are reports that Maithili may be added as a language option in future CTET cycles, though this is yet to be implemented for the Feb 2026 exam. For now, the exam continues with the existing 20 languages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When is the CTET 2026 exam?
The exam will be conducted on February 8, 2026.
Q2. Is the CTET Admit Card released?
No, the final admit card will be released 2 days before the exam (around Feb 6). The City Intimation Slip is expected in the last week of January.
Q3. What is the time for Paper 2?
Paper 2 (for Class 6-8 teachers) will be held in the Morning Shift from 09:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
Q4. Is there negative marking in CTET Feb 2026?
No, there is no negative marking.
Q5. Can I show the City Slip at the exam center?
No. The City Slip is only for information. You must carry the Final Admit Card and a valid ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID) to enter the exam hall.