CTET Application Form 2026
Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Fill Without Errors
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Why Proper Form Filling Matters: The Foundation of Your CTET Journey
Every year, hundreds of qualified CTET aspirants face rejection—not because they lack teaching ability or exam readiness, but because of mistakes in their application form. A single spelling error in your name, a wrong date of birth, or an improper photograph can result in disqualification before your exam even begins.
The CTET application form isn\’t just a formality. It\’s your official gateway to becoming a teacher in government schools across India. As of November 27, 2025, the CTET February 2026 application window has opened, and thousands of candidates are rushing to apply.
⚠️ Critical: Application Deadline
The last date to submit the CTET application form is 18th December 2025 at 11:59 PM. No extensions are granted. Start filling your form today to avoid last-minute technical issues.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the CTET application process, from registration to final submission. We\’ll show you exactly what the form looks like, what information you need, and most importantly, what mistakes to avoid. By the time you finish reading this article, you\’ll be confident and ready to submit your application error-free.
📅 Important Dates: Mark Your Calendar
Timing is everything in competitive exams. Missing even a single deadline can mean waiting another 6 months for the next exam. Here are the critical dates you must remember:
📌 Application Starts
27 Nov 2025
⏰ Last Date to Apply
18 Dec 2025 (11:59 PM)
💳 Fee Payment Deadline
18 Dec 2025 (11:59 PM)
🎫 Admit Card Release
Expected: 6 Feb 2026
📝 Exam Date
8 Feb 2026
💡 Pro Tip
Don\’t wait until the last week. Apply within the first 2-3 days of the application window opening. Early applications avoid server congestion, technical issues, and payment delays.
✅ Eligibility Criteria: Are You Qualified to Apply?
Before you start filling the form, confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements. CTET has different eligibility criteria for Paper 1 (Classes I-V) and Paper 2 (Classes VI-VIII).
Paper I Eligibility (for Classes I-V)
- Senior Secondary (12th pass) with at least 50% marks AND currently enrolled in or have passed final year of 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education
- OR: Senior Secondary with 50% marks AND currently in final year or have passed 4-year B.El.Ed
- OR: Senior Secondary with 50% marks AND currently in final year or have passed 4-year B.A/B.Sc.Ed
- OR: Graduation with 50% marks AND currently in final year or have passed 1-year B.Ed
Paper II Eligibility (for Classes VI-VIII)
- Graduation (Bachelor\’s degree) with at least 50% marks AND currently in or have passed final year of 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education
- OR: Graduation with 50% marks AND currently in final year or have passed 1-year B.Ed
- OR: Senior Secondary with 50% marks AND currently in final year or have passed 4-year B.A/B.Sc.Ed
- OR: Graduation with 55% marks AND currently in or have passed 3-year integrated B.Ed-M.Ed
⚠️ Important Note
If you haven\’t completed your qualification yet, you can still apply if you\’re currently enrolled in the final year of your course. However, you must pass and provide proof before the exam date.
Age Limit: There is NO upper age limit for CTET. The minimum age is 17 years. This means even teachers already working or those planning a late career switch can apply.
🎯 Complete Step-by-Step Form Filling Guide
The CTET application process involves 7 main steps. We\’ll walk through each one in detail with real examples and tips to ensure you don\’t miss anything.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website & Click \”Apply Online\”
Go to www.ctet.nic.in and look for the prominent \”Apply Online\” or \”CTET Feb 2026 Apply\” button on the homepage. Click it.
Why It Matters: Always use the official CTET website. Fake websites exist that look similar but are designed to steal personal information.
Step 2: New Registration (First Time Users Only)
Click on \”New Registration\” or \”Register Here\” link. You\’ll see a form asking for:
- State of Examination (select your preferred state)
- Identification Type (Aadhaar, Passport, or other ID)
- Identification Number
- Your Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Gender
Critical Tip: Fill in your name EXACTLY as it appears in your 10th/12th board certificate. Even one letter difference can cause rejection later. If your name is \”Rajeshwari\” in the certificate, don\’t write \”Rajshwari\” here.
Step 3: Create Password & Get Registration Number
Create a strong password (mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols) and submit the registration form.
After submission, the system generates an Application Number/Registration Number. This is crucial—save it immediately. Take a screenshot, write it down, and email it to yourself. You\’ll need this to log in and track your application.
Step 4: Fill Complete Application Form
Log back in with your Registration Number and password. Now fill the detailed application form with:
- Personal Details: Name, Father\’s name, Mother\’s name, DOB, Gender, Category (General/OBC/SC/ST)
- Educational Details: Your highest qualification and the institution/college name
- Paper Selection: Choose Paper I (Classes I-V) or Paper II (Classes VI-VIII) or Both
- Subject for Paper II: If selecting Paper II, choose your subject (Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, English, Sanskrit, etc.)
- Exam Center Choice: Select your preferred test city/center
- Language: Choose the language for your question paper
- Address: Permanent and correspondence address
Step 5: Upload Photo & Signature
You need TWO digital files: a recent passport-style photograph and your signature. Detailed specifications are in the \”Document Requirements\” section below.
Most Common Error Here: Photo too large or wrong format. The system often shows \”File Size Too Large\” error. Use the official resize tool provided on the website or try an online compression tool.
Step 6: Review & Verify All Details
The system shows all the information you\’ve entered. CAREFULLY review EVERY field. Spelling of name, date of birth, paper selection—everything.
Check this against your original certificates. Many candidates skip this step and regret it later.
Step 7: Make Fee Payment
Pay the application fee. Current fee structure (2026):
- General/OBC Category: ₹1,000
- SC/ST Category: ₹500
Payment methods accepted: E-challan (bank transfer), Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking. Choose whichever is convenient.
Important: Save the transaction confirmation/receipt. You\’ll need it for reference.
Step 8: Print Confirmation Page
After successful payment, the system displays your confirmation page with the application number, submitted details, and fee payment confirmation.
ACTION REQUIRED: Print this page and keep a physical copy. This is your proof of application. Don\’t rely only on the digital version—browsers crash, files get lost. Having a print copy ensures you have evidence of your application.
📸 Document Requirements & Specifications
Getting photos and documents in the correct format is responsible for 30% of all application rejections. Let\’s be very specific:
Photograph Requirements
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 4cm x 6cm (approximately) |
| File Format | JPG or JPEG only (NOT PNG, NOT PDF) |
| File Size | Less than 100 KB (kilobytes) |
| Background | Plain white or light colored background |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Quality | Clear, well-lit, no filters, facial features clearly visible |
| Clothing | Professional clothing (formals preferred) |
| Other Rules | No glasses, no religious symbols on face, no tilaka/bindi |
Signature Requirements
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Approximately 3\” x 1\” (width x height) |
| File Format | JPG, JPEG, or PNG |
| File Size | Less than 50 KB |
| Background | Plain white background ONLY |
| Color | Black ink signature only |
| Clarity | Signature must be clear and readable |
| Consistency | Must match your signature on official documents |
💡 How to Prepare Photos & Signature
Photo: Get clicked at a professional passport photo studio (₹50-100). This is the safest option. Alternatively, ask someone to click a clear photo against a white background with good lighting.
Signature: Sign on white paper with black pen, scan/photograph it clearly, and save as JPG. Use an online tool like Pixlr or Photoshop to remove background if needed.
File Size Too Large? Use the official resize tool on CTET website or try free tools like icompress.com or tinyimg.io
❌ Most Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
After reviewing thousands of applications, we\’ve identified the most frequent errors that lead to rejection. Learn from others\’ mistakes:
Mistake #1: Spelling Errors in Name or Parents\’ Names
Candidate\’s name is \”Shreya\” in the certificate but they write \”Shriya\” or \”Shreya\” (different spelling variant) in the form. During admit card generation, the system flags this mismatch.
Copy-paste method: Keep your certificate open on your phone/computer. Instead of typing, use copy-paste (Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V) to enter your name. This eliminates typing errors.
Mistake #2: Wrong Date of Birth
Candidate enters 15/06/1998 but the certificate shows 15/05/1998. Even a single digit error is flagged as mismatch.
Triple-check DOB. It appears in multiple documents—10th certificate, Aadhaar, passport. Verify against at least two documents. If there\’s a discrepancy in your documents themselves, get it corrected first before applying.
Mistake #3: Photo Upload Errors
Photo is PNG format instead of JPG, or file size is 150KB instead of under 100KB. System rejects upload.
Check file format (.jpg or .jpeg, NOT .png or .gif). Use the resize tool on the official CTET website or icompress.com to reduce file size. Test the file before final submission.
Mistake #4: Wrong Paper Selection
Candidate has B.Ed qualification for classes VI-VIII but selects Paper 1 (Classes I-V). This mismatch leads to disqualification.
Verify Paper eligibility:
- Paper 1: If you have Diploma in Elementary Education or B.El.Ed
- Paper 2: If you have graduation + B.Ed
- Both Papers: Only if eligible for both
Mistake #5: Not Selecting Correct Exam Center
Candidate accidentally selects a city far away, realized after form submission. This can\’t be easily changed.
A correction window opens after the application deadline (usually for 3-7 days). You can change exam center during this window. If you make a mistake, don\’t panic—wait for the correction window.
Mistake #6: Not Paying Application Fee
Candidate fills entire form but forgets to complete fee payment. Form is incomplete.
Payment is the FINAL STEP. Don\’t leave the form until you\’ve paid and seen the confirmation. Keep the payment receipt screenshot as proof.
Mistake #7: Missing the Deadline
Applicant waits until December 18 evening, tries to submit at 11:45 PM, but the server is overloaded. Form doesn\’t submit.
Apply at least 3-4 days before the deadline. This gives you buffer time if you encounter technical issues. Early applicants never miss deadlines.
🔧 Troubleshooting: Solve Technical Problems Instantly
Even the most careful candidates sometimes encounter technical issues. Here\’s how to solve the most common ones:
Problem: OTP Not Received
Step 1: Wait 2-3 minutes. SMS takes time to deliver.
Step 2: Check your spam/junk folder.
Step 3: Click \”Resend OTP\” button. Wait another 2 minutes.
Step 4: If still no OTP, try a different browser (Chrome → Firefox, or vice versa).
Step 5: Contact CBSE support at ctet.cbse.gov.in or call the helpline.
Problem: Payment Failed / Payment Declined
Step 1: Check if you have sufficient balance in your bank account/card.
Step 2: Try a different payment method (if you used card first, try net banking or UPI).
Step 3: Use a desktop computer instead of mobile. Mobile payments sometimes fail.
Step 4: Disable ad-blockers and VPN if using any.
Step 5: Try again after 30 minutes (sometimes it\’s a temporary server issue).
Problem: Photo Upload Fails (\”File Too Large\” or \”Invalid Format\”)
For File Size Error:
- Use the official resize tool on CTET website (look for \”Image Resize Tool\” link)
- Or use free online tools: icompress.com, tinyjpg.com, or pixlr.com
- Target file size: under 100KB for photo, under 50KB for signature
For Invalid Format Error:
- Only JPG/JPEG format is accepted (not PNG, not GIF, not PDF)
- If you have PNG, convert it: Use pixlr.com → Select PNG file → Download as JPG
Problem: Form Submission Fails or Shows Error
Step 1: Clear browser cache and cookies (Ctrl+Shift+Delete on Windows, Cmd+Shift+Delete on Mac).
Step 2: Try a different browser: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.
Step 3: Use a different device: Desktop instead of mobile or vice versa.
Step 4: Try after a few hours. The server might be overloaded.
Step 5: Contact CBSE helpline if error persists.
Problem: Forgot Application Number / Password
On the login page, look for \”Forgot Application Number\” or \”Forgot Password\” link. Enter your registered email/mobile number. The system sends you your application number and password reset link via email.
Problem: Page Takes Too Long to Load or Freezes
Step 1: Check your internet connection. Use WiFi if possible (more stable than mobile data).
Step 2: Close other tabs/applications that might be consuming bandwidth.
Step 3: Refresh the page (F5 on Windows, Cmd+R on Mac).
Step 4: If page still freezes, try again after 30-60 minutes.
🆘 When to Contact CBSE Support
Official CTET Website: ctet.nic.in
Email Support: Look for \”Contact Us\” section on official website
Important: Only contact support through official channels. Don\’t trust random phone numbers or email addresses promising help.
⭐ Success Tips & Best Practices
These aren\’t just suggestions—they\’re strategies followed by applicants who successfully submit their forms without any issues:
1. Apply Early (Not on Deadline Day)
Deadline is December 18. Apply on November 28-30. Why? Because on deadline day, the server receives millions of submissions simultaneously, causing slowdowns and failures. Early birds never miss deadlines.
2. Use Desktop/Laptop for Final Submission
While you can start the form on mobile, complete the final submission on a desktop with a proper internet connection. Mobile browsers sometimes have compatibility issues that cause submission failures.
3. Keep All Documents Ready Before Starting
Before clicking \”Apply Online,\” gather:
- 10th or 12th certificate (for name, DOB verification)
- Aadhaar/Passport (for ID verification)
- B.Ed certificate (for educational qualification)
- Digital photo file (JPEG, under 100KB)
- Digital signature file (JPEG/PNG, under 50KB)
- Bank account details (for payment)
4. Screenshot Each Page
After filling each section, take a screenshot before proceeding. If something goes wrong and you need to refile, you have proof of what you entered.
5. Write Down Your Registration Number**
After registration, you get an application number. Write it on paper, take a screenshot, AND email it to yourself. Losing this number means you can\’t access your application later.
6. Verify Information Against Original Documents
Before final submission, cross-check every field against your certificates. Name, DOB, category—everything. Spend 5 minutes here to avoid months of regret.
7. Print Confirmation Page Immediately
After successful payment, you get a confirmation page. Print it, don\’t just save it digitally. Physical copies survive computer crashes, lost files, and data loss.
8. Use Strong Internet Connection
Submit using home WiFi or office internet. Avoid café WiFi or mobile data for final submission. Interruption mid-submission can corrupt data.
9. Double-Check Photo & Signature Before Upload
Before uploading, verify file format (JPEG only), file size (under limits), and image quality (clear and readable). Most errors happen during document upload.
10. Wait for Confirmation Email
After submitting, check your registered email within 24 hours. CBSE sends confirmation emails. If you don\’t receive it, your application might not be complete. Contact support immediately.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We\’ve compiled the most common questions asked by CTET aspirants. Find your answer below:
Ready to Apply for CTET 2026?
You now have everything you need to fill your CTET application form without errors. Start your journey toward becoming a certified teacher.
Visit Official CTET WebsiteLast Date: December 18, 2025 | Exam Date: February 8, 2026
🎓 Final Thoughts: Your Path to Teaching Success Starts Here
The CTET application form might seem complex at first glance. But with this step-by-step guide, you now know exactly what to do, what to avoid, and how to solve any problem that comes your way.
Remember: Thousands of teachers qualify CTET every year. Many of them are no different from you—they just filled their forms carefully and submitted on time. There\’s no reason you can\’t be next.
Next Steps:
- Check your eligibility against the criteria provided in this guide
- Prepare your photograph and signature files today
- Gather your documents and certificates
- Visit ctet.nic.in this week and apply
- Share this guide with fellow aspirants—help others succeed too
Have specific questions after reading this? Check the FAQ section above. For technical issues with the application portal, contact CBSE support through the official website.
All the best for your CTET 2026! We believe in you. 🌟