📊 CTET Cut Off Marks 2026

What Is the CTET Cut Off?

The CTET cut off is the minimum score you must achieve to qualify the Central Teacher Eligibility Test. Unlike competitive exams where the cut off changes every year based on how many candidates appeared or how difficult the paper was, CTET works differently. It is a qualifying exam with a fixed, pre-decided passing mark set by CBSE. This means you are not competing against other candidates for a limited number of seats — you simply need to cross the fixed passing line to earn your CTET certificate.

This is genuinely good news for aspirants. It means that if you prepare well and score above the cut off, you qualify — regardless of how well or badly others performed. There is no unpredictable "merit cut off" that rises when competition is tough. Your goal is simple and clear: score 90 (General) or 82 (reserved) out of 150.

✅ CTET 2026 Qualifying Marks (Category-wise)

These cut offs apply equally to both Paper 1 (Classes 1–5) and Paper 2 (Classes 6–8).

📅 Previous Year Cut Off Trends

One of the most reassuring things about CTET is how stable its cut off has been. Because CBSE fixed it as a qualifying standard, the passing marks have remained unchanged across every session for years:

The cut off has stayed identical since CBSE fixed it as a qualifying mark — you can plan your target with confidence.

🎯 How Many Marks Should You Aim For?

While 90 (or 82) is the official passing mark, we strongly recommend aiming higher than the bare minimum. Here is why:

• A buffer protects you. On exam day, nerves, a tricky question, or a silly mistake can cost you marks. Targeting 105–110 gives you a safety cushion so you still clear 90 even on a bad day.
• Higher scores strengthen recruitment applications. Although CTET itself is only pass/fail, many state TET-based recruitments and private schools do look at your actual CTET score when shortlisting. A strong score of 120+ makes your profile stand out.
• Confidence compounds. Preparing to score 110 rather than 90 means you have genuinely mastered the material, which reduces exam-day anxiety.

A realistic, ambitious target for most serious aspirants is 105–120 out of 150. Use our free quizzes to steadily push your practice scores toward that range.

ℹ️ Important Points to Understand

• CTET cut off is fixed — it is not based on topper scores or the number of applicants.
• There is no negative marking, so you should attempt every one of the 150 questions.
• The CTET certificate is now valid for a LIFETIME (changed from 7 years, effective from 2021).
• Qualifying CTET does not guarantee a government job — it is only an eligibility qualification.
• Final hiring is done by state governments, KVS, NVS, and private schools through their own separate recruitment processes based on merit.
• You can appear for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 in the same exam session if you wish to be eligible for both Classes 1–5 and 6–8.

What Happens After You Qualify?

Once you cross the cut off, CBSE issues your CTET Eligibility Certificate (available on DigiLocker). This certificate makes you eligible to apply for teaching positions in Central Government schools such as KVS (Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan) and NVS (Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti), as well as many private and state-aided schools. Some states also accept CTET for their teacher recruitment. However, remember that qualifying is only the first step — you will still need to clear the specific recruitment exam or interview conducted by the hiring body. Think of CTET as the key that unlocks the door; walking through it is a separate process.

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