The CTET Answer Key 2026 for the February session is expected to be released shortly by the Central Board of Secondary Education on its official website, ctet.nic.in. Conducted on February 7 and 8, 2026, the 21st edition of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test saw participation from over 25 lakh candidates across 140 cities. Once released, the provisional answer key will be made available along with scanned OMR response sheets and the official question paper.
Candidates will be allowed to raise objections within a limited window by paying the prescribed fee. Here is a complete, fact-based breakdown covering every official detail.
CTET Answer Key 2026 February Session: Key Highlights and Official Updates
- Exam Name: Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026
- Conducting Authority: Central Board of Secondary Education
- Edition: 21st
- Exam Dates: February 7 and 8, 2026
- Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper, OMR-based)
- Cities Covered: 140 across India
- Expected Provisional Answer Key Release: February 24–26, 2026 (approximately 17 days after exam, as per previous trends)
- Objection Fee: Rs 1,000 per question
- Objection Window: Likely open for 2–3 days
- Certificate Validity: Lifetime
- Attempts Allowed: No restriction
In previous sessions — January 2024, July 2024, and December 2024 — the provisional answer key was released approximately 17 days after the examination. The February 2026 session is expected to follow the same pattern.
CTET February 2026 Exam Overview
The CTET February 2026 examination was conducted on:
- February 7, 2026
- February 8, 2026
Exam shifts:
- Morning session: 9:30 am to 12:00 noon
- Afternoon session: 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm
The examination was conducted in 140 cities nationwide.
There were two papers:
- Paper I: For candidates intending to teach Classes I to V
- Paper II: For candidates intending to teach Classes VI to VIII
Candidates aiming to teach both levels were required to appear for both Paper I and Paper II.
All questions in the CTET exam were Multiple Choice Questions carrying one mark each. There is no negative marking. Zero marks are deducted for incorrect or unattempted questions.
CTET Paper 2 Cancellation at Two Bihar Centres
CTET Paper II was cancelled at two centres in Bihar due to unavoidable circumstances:
- St. John’s Academy, Basmati Nagar, Vaishali (Hajipur) – Code 125016
- Lakshya International Academy – Code 125014
The board informed that candidates who were allotted these centres will be re-examined within 15 days. The revised schedule will be communicated separately to the concerned candidates.
Also Read: CTET Admit Card 2026 February Out: February Hall Ticket Date, Exam Pattern and Centre Details
CTET Answer Key 2026: How to Download Provisional Key and OMR Response Sheet
Once the link is activated on ctet.nic.in, candidates can follow these steps:
- Visit the official website at ctet.nic.in
- Click on “CTET Answer Key 2026” or “View/Challenge CTET 2026 Answer Key”
- Enter application number or roll number and date of birth or password
- Submit login details
- View the answer key and OMR response sheet
- Download and save the PDF
- Take a printout for future reference
Candidates may also receive a link to access their response sheet via their registered email ID.
The provisional answer key will be released along with:
- Scanned OMR answer sheets
- Official question paper
- Public notice regarding objection submission
Unofficial and Memory-Based CTET Answer Key 2026
Before the official key is released, unofficial answer keys prepared by experts for the February 7 examination are already available. These memory-based answer keys are compiled based on students’ feedback and reactions. They can help candidates estimate their probable scores. However, the official result will be based only on the final answer key issued by CBSE.
How to Calculate Scores Using CTET Answer Key 2026
To estimate probable marks:
- Match your OMR responses with the official answer key
- Add one mark for every correct answer
- Do not deduct any marks for incorrect responses
- Double-check calculations to avoid errors
This allows candidates to understand their performance before the final result is declared.
CTET Answer Key 2026: Objection Process Explained
After the provisional key is released, CBSE will open an objection window for two to three days.
Important details:
- Fee: Rs 1,000 per question challenged
- Payment modes: Debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI
- Only online challenges submitted within the stipulated time will be accepted
- Objections sent via email, letter, or representation will not be considered
Candidates must:
- Select the question they wish to challenge
- Provide justification
- Upload supporting documents
- Pay the required fee
According to updates, if a challenge is found correct, the objection amount may be refunded. However, other official notices describe the fee as non-refundable. Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification at the time of submission.
After reviewing all objections, subject experts will prepare the final answer key. The CTET 2026 result will be declared based on the final answer key.
Photocopy of OMR Sheet After Result Declaration
After the declaration of CTET 2026 results, candidates may apply for a photocopy of their OMR answer sheet along with the calculation sheet.
- Fee: Rs 500 per OMR sheet
- Mode: Demand Draft
- In favour of: Secretary, Central Board of Secondary Education
- Drawn on any nationalised bank
- Payable at Delhi
CTET Certificate Validity and School Eligibility
The CTET certificate applies to schools of the Central Government, including:
- Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan
- Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti
- Central Tibetan Schools
- Other Central Government schools
- State Government schools
- Private schools for Classes I to VIII
The CTET certificate is valid for a lifetime. There is no restriction on the number of attempts. Candidates who have already qualified may reappear to improve their score.
CTET 2026 marks and eligibility certificates will also be uploaded digitally on DigiLocker.
What Happens After the CTET Provisional Answer Key
The process ahead follows a structured sequence:
- Provisional answer key release
- Objection window opens
- Review of challenges by subject experts
- Final answer key publication
- CTET 2026 result declaration
- Issuance of digital eligibility certificates
Candidates must monitor ctet.nic.in regularly for updates.
True Education Extends Beyond Qualification: The Spiritual Perspective of Saint Rampal Ji
While examinations like CTET determine professional eligibility, true education goes beyond academic certification. According to Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj, real knowledge is not limited to worldly success but includes understanding the purpose of human life. He emphasizes that alongside career growth, individuals should seek spiritual wisdom that leads to inner peace and liberation.
In a competitive environment where lakhs of aspirants strive for stability and recognition, his teachings highlight that material achievements and spiritual awareness can coexist. Professional qualifications secure livelihood, but spiritual knowledge provides direction, clarity, and lasting fulfillment.
The Complete Road Ahead for CTET 2026 Aspirants
The release of the CTET Answer Key 2026 is a decisive step for lakhs of aspirants seeking teaching positions in central, state and private schools. With the provisional key expected between February 24 and 26, candidates should be prepared to promptly download their response sheets, carefully verify answers and submit objections within the prescribed time.
From OMR verification and memory-based keys to the final result and lifetime certificate validity, each stage holds significance. Staying informed through official notifications remains essential as CBSE moves towards the declaration of final results for the February 2026 session.
FAQs on CTET Answer Key 2026
1. When will the CTET Answer Key 2026 be released?
The CTET Answer Key 2026 for the February session is expected between February 24 and 26, 2026, approximately 17 days after the examination.
2. How can I download the CTET Answer Key 2026 and OMR sheet?
Visit ctet.nic.in, click on the CTET Answer Key 2026 link, log in using application number and date of birth, then download the provisional key and OMR response sheet.
3. What is the objection fee for CTET Answer Key 2026?
Candidates must pay Rs 1,000 per question to challenge the provisional CTET Answer Key 2026 through online payment modes within the stipulated objection window.
4. Is there negative marking in CTET 2026?
No, there is no negative marking in CTET 2026. One mark is awarded for each correct answer, and no marks are deducted for wrong or unattempted questions.
5. What is the validity of the CTET 2026 certificate?
The CTET certificate is valid for a lifetime and applies to central government schools, state government schools, and private schools from Classes I to VIII.
