CBSE Releases CTET 2026 City Intimation Slips as 2.5 Million Candidates Prepare for February Exam

The scale of this 21st edition of the CTET is particularly striking, reflecting a significant surge in demand for teaching credentials following a nearly year-long hiatus between exam cycles. During the initial registration window, which spanned from November 27 to December 18, 2025, the CBSE recorded over 25 lakh successful submissions. The closing days of the application period saw an extraordinary rush, with official data indicating that approximately 3.5 lakh candidates applied on the penultimate day, followed by a final-day surge exceeding 4 lakh applications. This intense interest underscores the exam's status as a mandatory gateway for those aspiring to secure teaching positions within the central government’s network of schools across India.

Amidst this heavy volume of traffic, the Board encountered a notable administrative hurdle regarding incomplete registrations. Official audits revealed that over 1.5 lakh candidates failed to convert their initial registrations into final submissions. In a move that highlights the Board’s administrative flexibility, the Director’s note indicated that a "sympathetic view" was taken toward these incomplete files, recognizing the extended gap since the previous edition of the test. While the city intimation slips are now live to facilitate planning, the formal admit cards—which serve as the mandatory entry document for the testing centers—will only be made available for download two days prior to the February 8 exam date.

As the countdown to the examination begins, the CBSE has also provided a tentative timeline for the post-exam phase, with results expected to be announced by the end of March 2026. This cycle of the CTET represents more than just a routine assessment; it is a critical juncture for millions of educators aiming to enter the public service workforce. The successful execution of this exam, particularly given the immense logistical pressure of managing 2.5 million candidates, remains a primary focus for the CBSE as it seeks to maintain the integrity and accessibility of the national teacher certification process.