CTET 2026 Admit Card – Download Process, Name/Photo/Signature Correction & Exam Day Rules

The CTET February 2026 exam was conducted on February 8, 2026, in two shifts across examination centres nationwide — and CBSE issued the admit card just three days before, on February 5, 2026.

For a re-exam announced on February 24, 2026, the revised admit card was separately released by CBSE for affected candidates.

Every CTET cycle follows the same compressed timeline: application in November–December, correction window for just 3–4 days, admit card released 2–3 days before the exam. This means candidates have an extremely small window to notice errors and get them fixed — and every year, a number of candidates walk into the exam with a wrong photograph, a misspelled name, or an incorrect paper selection that was never corrected.

If you are preparing for CTET 2027 (the next scheduled cycle), this guide gives you the complete framework: how to fill the application correctly from Day 1, what the correction window allows, what errors appear on admit cards and how to fix them, and the complete exam day instructions for the centre.

CTET 2026 – Key Dates Reference

What Is CTET and Who Needs It?

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It is the mandatory eligibility certification for teachers who want to teach in Central Government schools — Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs), Central Tibetan Schools (CTSs), and other central government-aided schools.

CTET has two papers:

• Paper I: For candidates who want to teach Class 1 to Class 5 (Primary Level).

• Paper II: For candidates who want to teach Class 6 to Class 8 (Upper Primary Level).

• Candidates can appear in both papers simultaneously if they wish to teach both levels.

A CTET certificate, once cleared with minimum 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD), is valid for a lifetime — there is no expiry, following a central government amendment in 2021.

How to Download CTET Admit Card 2026

The official CTET portal is ctet.nic.in — the only authorised website for admit cards, results, and all official communication.

Step-by-Step Download Process

1. Visit ctet.nic.in.

2. Click on “Admit Card: CTET Feb-2026” or whichever is the current active link on the homepage.

3. You will be directed to the CTET login page.

4. Enter the following login credentials:

   • Application Number (generated at the time of registration).

   • Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY format).

   • Security Pin (displayed on screen — a CAPTCHA-type code).​

5. Click “Submit.”

6. Your admit card will appear on screen.

7. Verify all printed details (see checklist below).

8. Click “Download” or use Ctrl+P to print.

9. Print at least two copies on A4 paper — one for the exam, one as backup.

What Is Printed on the CTET Admit Card

Go through each field with the same care you applied when filling the form:

• Candidate’s full name.

• Application number.

• Roll number.

• Father’s name.

• Date of birth.

• Gender.

• Category (General / OBC / SC / ST / EWS).

• PwD status (if applicable).

• Paper opted for (Paper I / Paper II / Both).

• Medium of exam (language of the paper).

• Exam date and shift timing.

• Exam centre name and complete address.

• Candidate’s passport-size photograph.

• Candidate’s signature.

• Exam day guidelines and reporting instructions.

What Can Go Wrong on the CTET Admit Card – Common Errors Found

The most common errors discovered on CTET admit cards, in order of frequency:​

1. Name Spelling Error

The most common issue — a letter transposed, a middle name missing, or an extra space in the name. Even a minor spelling difference between the admit card and your qualification certificate can create problems during CTET certificate verification by schools.

2. Wrong or Blurry Photograph

A blurry photo uploaded at application stage gets carried to the admit card exactly as submitted. Alternatively, if the wrong image file was uploaded (a different person’s photo, or a photo that doesn’t meet CBSE specs), it shows an unrecognisable image.

3. Missing or Incorrect Signature

Some candidates signed on coloured paper, used pencil, or uploaded a signature file that was too small to be legible. On the admit card, the signature space may appear blank or show a dark smudge instead of a recognisable signature.

4. Wrong Category

Selecting General instead of OBC, or OBC instead of SC — this affects both the fee paid and the cut-off score applicable for certificate issuance. A wrong category on the admit card also creates problems during employer verification.

5. Wrong Paper Selection

Selecting Paper I only when you wanted both, or accidentally selecting Paper II only. This is a non-trivial error because you cannot change your paper at the exam hall — the paper you selected in the application is what you get.

6. Wrong or Incorrect Date of Birth

An incorrect birth year is the most damaging date error — it can create a permanent mismatch between the CTET certificate and all other identity documents.

7. Qualification Code / Course Code Error

CTET uses specific codes (1 to 7) for different eligibility qualifications (B.Ed, D.El.Ed, BTC, etc.). Selecting the wrong code affects eligibility verification.​​

CTET Application Correction Window – What You Can Fix

CBSE provides a correction window of 3–4 days after the application period closes. For the February 2026 cycle, this was December 23–26, 2025 — just four days.

This is the only official opportunity to correct most errors. Once the correction window closes and the admit card is issued, changes to most fields become extremely difficult.

Fields That Can Be Corrected During the Window

• Name (spelling correction — not full name replacement).​​

• Father’s name.​​

• Date of birth.​

• Category (General/OBC/SC/ST/EWS) — if changing from free category to paid, balance fee must be paid.​​

• PwD (disability) status.​

• Paper selection (Paper I / Paper II / Both).​​

• Subject combination (for Paper II).​

• Exam medium / language.​

• Photograph — CBSE allows re-upload if the photo was blurry or non-compliant with specifications.​​

• Signature — can be re-uploaded if the original was illegible or did not meet specifications.​​

Fields That CANNOT Be Changed in the Correction Window

• Exam centre or city preference.

• Qualification details (educational degree — not modifiable after submission).

• Complete replacement of registered name (only spelling corrections are permitted).

Step-by-Step: How to Use the CTET Correction Window

For CTET 2027, the correction window will open approximately 5 days after the application closes. Here is the exact process:​​

1. Visit ctet.nic.in.

2. Click on “Correction in Application Form” — this link appears on the homepage only during the open correction window dates.

3. Log in with your Application Number, Date of Birth, and Security Pin.

4. You may also need to enter an OTP sent to your registered mobile number.​

5. Once logged in, click on “Correction in Application Form” in the left menu or on the dashboard.

6. The editable fields will appear highlighted — make your corrections.

7. To change photograph or signature: click on the photo/signature box → upload the new file in the specified format.

8. Review the entire form on the confirmation/preview page carefully.

9. Click “Final Submit.” — After this, no further changes are possible.​

10. Download and print the revised Confirmation Page immediately — this is your proof that the correction was submitted.​

Photo & Signature Specifications for CTET

If you are re-uploading a photo or signature during the correction window or for CTET 2027 registration, use these specifications:​​

Photograph Requirements

Signature Requirements

Why these specifications matter: CBSE uses the photograph and signature for two purposes — identity verification at the exam centre and printing on the CTET Eligibility Certificate. A blurry or incorrect image gets printed permanently on the certificate.

How to Fix Errors Found on the Admit Card (After Correction Window Closes)

If you discover an error on your admit card after the correction window has already closed, here are your options:

Step 1: Use the CBSE CTET Grievance System

1. Visit ctet.nic.in.

2. Look for “Contact Us” or “Grievance / Help Desk” option.​

3. Submit a detailed grievance stating:

   • Your Application Number and Roll Number.

   • The specific field that contains the error.

   • The incorrect value currently showing.

   • The correct value it should be.

   • Supporting document proving the correct value (Aadhaar, 10th certificate, etc.).​

4. Submit and note the grievance/ticket number for follow-up.

Step 2: Email the CTET Helpdesk Directly

For urgent corrections — especially name, photo, or date of birth — send a detailed email to the official CTET helpdesk:

• Email: ctet@nic.in

• Subject line: “Urgent: Admit Card Error – [Your Application Number] – [Type of Error]”

• Attachments: Scanned copy of supporting documents (Aadhaar Card, 10th marksheet, etc.) and a screenshot of the error on the admit card.

Step 3: Report to the Centre Superintendent on Exam Day

If the error is not corrected before the exam date and it is a minor issue (e.g., photograph slightly different due to a new haircut, or a small name spelling difference):

• Report to the Centre Superintendent before the exam begins — not during or after.

• Carry your original Aadhaar, 10th certificate, and the application confirmation page showing the correctly submitted data.

• The Centre Superintendent has the authority to allow entry under observation if they are satisfied with the identity verification via other documents.​

This is a last resort — do not plan to rely on this option. Centre Superintendents are not obligated to admit candidates with mismatched documents, and decisions vary by centre.​

How to Recover Forgotten CTET Application Number

If you have forgotten your Application Number and cannot log in to download the admit card:

1. Visit ctet.nic.in.

2. Click “Forget Application Number” on the login page.

3. Enter:

   • Your registered email address.

   • Your registered mobile number.

   • Your Date of Birth.

4. Click “Submit.”

5. Your Application Number will be sent to your registered email and/or mobile.

If your registered email and mobile are also inaccessible: contact the CTET helpdesk at ctet@nic.in with your full name, father’s name, date of birth, and a scanned copy of your Aadhaar — request manual recovery of your Application Number.​

CTET Exam Day – Reporting Time & Instructions

The CTET February 2026 exam was conducted in two shifts:

For candidates who appeared in both Paper I and Paper II on the same day, there was a gap between the two shifts.

Reporting Time

Candidates are typically asked to report 90 minutes before the exam start time:

• Morning shift: Report by 8:00 AM.

• Afternoon shift: Report by 1:00 PM.

Gate closure is 30 minutes before the exam start time. After gate closure, no entry is permitted.​

What to Carry to the CTET Exam Hall

Mandatory Items

Approved Photo ID List (Original – Not Photocopy)

What Is Strictly Prohibited in the CTET Exam Hall

CBSE follows standard NTA-level exam security protocols for CTET:

Banned Electronic Items

• Mobile phones — including switched-off phones.​

• Smartwatches or digital watches of any kind.​

• Bluetooth earphones or earbuds.​

• Calculators, electronic pen drives, or memory devices.​

Banned Physical Items

• Books, notes, printed or handwritten material.​

• Pencil boxes, scales, geometry tools.​

• Bags of any kind.

• Heavy jewellery or metallic accessories.​

• Caps, hats, or tinted eyewear.​

CTET Exam Pattern 2026 – Quick Reference

Paper I (Class 1–5, Primary Level)

Paper II (Class 6–8, Upper Primary Level)

• Duration: 150 minutes (2.5 hours) for each paper.​

• No negative marking — all wrong answers carry zero, not a deduction.​

• Qualifying marks: 60% (90/150) for General/EWS; 55% (82/150) for SC/ST/OBC/PwD.​

CTET Helpdesk Contacts

Helpdesk working hours: Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM. For urgent pre-exam issues, email is recommended over phone — it creates a documented record and allows attachment of supporting files.​

FAQs

Q. What is the official website for CTET admit card download?
The only official portal is ctet.nic.in. All admit cards, notifications, and results are published here by CBSE.

Q. How long is the CTET correction window available?
Typically 3–4 days only. For February 2026, it was December 23–26, 2025. Once this window closes, changes to most fields are not possible through the regular portal.

Q. Can I change my exam centre in the CTET correction window?
No. Exam centre or city preference cannot be changed through the correction window. CBSE allots exam centres automatically and does not accept centre change requests.​

Q. Is CTET certificate valid for life?
Yes. Following a central government amendment, CTET certificates cleared with qualifying marks have lifetime validity — the earlier 7-year validity rule no longer applies.

Q. If I opted for Paper I only, can I attempt Paper II on exam day?
No. You can only appear for the paper(s) you selected during application. Entry to a different paper’s exam hall is not permitted.

Q. What happens if my CTET photo does not match my face at the exam centre?
The invigilator will compare your admit card photo with your face and your original photo ID. If the admit card photo is unclear but your Aadhaar and face match, most centres will allow entry — but this is not guaranteed. Always correct photo issues before the exam.

Q. Does CTET have negative marking?
No. There is no negative marking in CTET. Wrong answers carry zero marks — no deduction.​

Q. What is the minimum score needed to pass CTET?
General/EWS candidates need 60% (90 out of 150 marks). SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates need 55% (82 out of 150 marks).