The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) December 2025 session has been unexpectedly delayed, leaving countless aspiring teachers and candidates anxious about the new schedule. In a departure from previous years, the official notification for the exam and its crucial registration dates are yet to be announced, causing significant uncertainty.
Historically, the CTET December exams adhered to a predictable timeline. For example, the December 2024 notification was released on September 13th, with applications running from September 17th to October 16th. Similarly, the January 2024 session saw its notification on November 3rd, and applications accepted until November 27th. Both these exams proceeded as scheduled. However, the December 2025 session marks an unusual deviation from this established pattern.
Exam Schedule and the Unprecedented Delay
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), responsible for conducting the CTET, has yet to confirm when applications will open for the December 2025 exam. Although the examination itself is slated for February 8, 2026, prospective candidates are still in the dark regarding the registration window. This prolonged wait is particularly noteworthy, given that registration periods were consistently announced months ahead of time in previous cycles.
A Retrospective Glance at CTET Schedules
To better understand the current situation, here’s a look at the historical timeline for recent CTET sessions:
Exam Format and Eligibility Requirements
The CTET examination is administered offline using traditional pen-and-paper OMR sheets. It is divided into two shifts: the first from 9:30 AM to 12:00 noon, and the second from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Paper I is designed for individuals aspiring to teach classes 1 through 5, while Paper II is for those seeking to teach classes 6 through 8. Successfully qualifying candidates are eligible to apply for teaching positions in prestigious institutions like Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and various Army schools nationwide.
Remarkably, CTET certificates now hold lifelong validity, eliminating any restrictions on the number of attempts. To pass, general category candidates must score a minimum of 90 out of 150 marks (60%), whereas SC/ST candidates require 82 out of 150 marks (55%).
Simplified Steps to Apply Online for CTET December 2025
- Step 1: Access the official CTET website at its designated online portal.
- Step 2: Look for and click on the “Apply Online” link specifically for the December 2025 session once it becomes active.
- Step 3: Complete the comprehensive registration form, providing all necessary personal details, educational qualifications, and current contact information.
- Step 4: Upload clear, scanned copies of all required documents, including your photograph and signature, ensuring they meet the specified format.
- Step 5: Finalize your application by securely paying the fee online via net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
All applicants are strongly advised to regularly check the official CTET portal for the latest announcements regarding the notification release and the opening of the registration window. This proactive approach will help ensure you don’t miss out on the rescheduled December 2025 exam.
CTET Result Trends Through the Years
The performance in CTET exams has shown notable variations over time, with Paper 1 typically yielding higher pass percentages compared to Paper 2. Here’s a breakdown of recent results:
Supreme Court Mandates CTET for Teachers
In a significant development, the CTET has recently been made mandatory following a landmark Supreme Court ruling. This means that teachers in several Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, must now pass the TET to retain their positions or be eligible for promotions. While those with fewer than five years remaining until retirement are exempted from mandatory passing for retirement purposes, they still need to qualify for promotions. This crucial judicial decision is expected to trigger a substantial increase in applications for the upcoming December 2025 session.