CTET Cut Off 2026, Category-Wise Minimum Qualifying Marks

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is a recruiting body that is responsible for conducting the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) to determine candidates’ eligibility for teaching posts in Classes 1 to 8 in schools across India. As it is an eligibility test, official cut off marks are not released. There are minimum qualifying marks that candidates must have to secure to qualify for the exam.

CTET Cut Off 2026

The cut off marks for the CTET exam refer to the minimum qualifying marks that a candidate must secure to qualify. By checking the category-wise CTET passing marks can help in analysing the performance of the candidates & also get to know the chances of selection. Candidates who qualify in the CTET Exam will be awarded the CTET certificate, which makes them eligible to apply for teaching positions in schools across the country.

CTET 2026 September Notification Out – Click to Check

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

CTET qualifying marks are the same for both Paper 1 (for Classes 1–5, Primary Level) and Paper 2 (for Classes 6–8, Upper Primary Level), but vary by 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 of CTET 2026 is 60% or more. Candidates who score equal to or more than the qualifying marks will be qualified for the exam. Candidates have to secure a minimum of 90 out of the total 150 marks in the respective paper they are appearing.

CTET Qualifying Marks for CTET Paper 1

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has set the same qualifying marks for both Paper 1 and Paper 2. In Paper 1, candidates from the general category have to score a minimum of 60 % or higher to qualify for the exam, and candidates from the reserved category need 55 % or higher.

CTET Qualifying Marks for CTET Paper 2

As per CTET Qualifying marks in Paper 1 candidates from the general category are required to score a minimum mark of 60 % (90 out of 150 marks) and candidates from the reserved category are required to a minimum of 55 % (82 marks out of 150 marks) to qualify for the CTET Paper 2 exam.

CTET Qualifying Marks for Female

As per the CBSE, the Qualifying Marks for Females are similar to those of male candidates. Female candidates from the general category need to score a minimum of 60%, 90 out of 150 marks, and female candidates from the OBC, SC, or ST category need to score a minimum of 55%, 82 out of 150 marks.

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

Qualifying for the CTET would not confer a right on any person for recruitment/employment, as it is only one of the eligibility criteria for appointment. Candidates who secure the minimum qualifying marks are eligible to apply for teaching positions in government schools. The validity of the CTET certificate is lifetime, allowing them to apply for teaching positions for classes 1 to 8.

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