CTET Cut Off 2026: Category-Wise Qualifying Marks & Passing Criteria

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) to assess the qualifications of aspiring teachers for Classes 1 to 8 across India. As this is a standard eligibility assessment, the board does not issue official cutoff lists. Candidates must simply meet the defined minimum threshold to qualify for the certification.

CTET Cut Off 2026

The CTET passing criteria represent the minimum score required to earn your teaching certificate. Reviewing these category-wise qualifying marks helps candidates understand their performance benchmarks and potential for success. Successfully passing the CTET exam validates your eligibility to apply for teaching positions in educational institutions throughout the country.

CTET 2026 September Notification Released – Check Updates Here

CTET 2026 Cut Off Marks (Paper 1 and Paper 2)

The qualifying standards remain consistent for both Paper 1 (Primary Level, Classes 1–5) and Paper 2 (Upper Primary Level, Classes 6–8), although the required percentages vary depending on the candidate's category.

• Paper 1 qualifiers become eligible to teach Classes I to V.
• Paper 2 qualifiers become eligible to teach Classes VI to VIII.

CTET Qualifying Marks 2026

The CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 for the CTET 2026  are set at 60% or higher. To qualify, candidates must secure at least 90 out of the total 150 marks in the paper for which they are appearing.

CTET Qualifying Marks for CTET Paper 1

CBSE enforces uniform qualifying criteria for both Paper 1 and Paper 2. General category candidates are required to score at least 60% (90 marks), while reserved category candidates must achieve a minimum of 55% (82 marks) to qualify.

CTET Qualifying Marks for CTET Paper 2

For both Paper 1 and Paper 2, the qualifying threshold is clearly defined: General category candidates need 60% (90/150 marks), while candidates belonging to reserved categories are required to secure 55% (82/150 marks) to meet the CTET eligibility requirements.

CTET Qualifying Marks for Female

The CBSE applies the same qualifying standards to all candidates, regardless of gender. General category candidates must score at least 60% (90 marks), while those from OBC, SC, or ST backgrounds must secure at least 55% (82 marks) to qualify.

What’s Next after Securing CTET Cut Off Marks 2026?

Qualifying for the CTET serves as a prerequisite for recruitment but does not guarantee employment. It functions as a foundational eligibility criterion. Once you achieve the minimum marks, you are issued a lifetime-valid CTET certificate, enabling you to apply for teaching roles for Classes 1 to 8 across various government schools.

Career Opportunities After Qualifying for the CTET 2026

• After passing the CTET exam, qualified candidates can pursue careers in education and apply to schools such as Kendriya Vidyalaya (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), and other private institutions.
• The CTET eligibility certificate is required for almost every teaching position recruitment across the country, and some state governments also recognize the CTET certificate for state-level teacher recruitment.
• Clearing CTET only makes you eligible; securing a teaching job requires clearing separate recruitment processes, including written exams, interviews, or merit lists conducted by schools or government bodies