CTET Qualifying Marks 2026: Passing Criteria for General, OBC, SC, ST Categories
The CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 are the essential benchmarks set by CBSE to determine teacher eligibility. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of category-wise passing scores and the criteria required to teach Classes 1 to 8.
CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 Out
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) mandates specific qualifying marks for the CTET exam out of a total of 150. For General category aspirants, the passing threshold is 90 marks (60%). Meanwhile, candidates under the OBC, SC, ST, and PWD categories are required to secure a minimum of 82 marks (55%). These passing standards are uniform across both Paper 1 and Paper 2, ensuring consistent requirements regardless of the teaching level.
CTET Passing Marks 2026: Overview
This overview of CTET Passing Marks 2026 provides clear insight into the exam structure and certification criteria. Administered by CBSE, the CTET remains a standardized assessment where candidates must meet the minimum score threshold in both Paper 1 and Paper 2 to succeed.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) |
| Conducted By | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Application Opens | 11 May 2026 |
| Exam Date | 06 September 2026 |
| Total Marks | 150 (Paper 1 and Paper 2) |
| General Category Passing Marks | 90 out of 150 (60%) |
| Reserved Category Passing Marks | 82 out of 150 (55%) |
| Categories Covered | General, OBC, SC, ST, PWD |
| Certificate Validity | Lifetime |
CTET Qualifying Marks 2026
Securing the CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 is the primary step toward obtaining your teaching eligibility certificate. General category candidates must target 90 marks (60%), while reserved category applicants (OBC, SC, ST) must achieve at least 82 marks (55%) to clear the examination successfully.
| Category | Passing Percentage | Passing Marks |
| General / Unreserved Passing Scores | 60% | 90 marks |
| CTET OBC Qualifying Marks | 55% | 82 marks |
| CTET Passing Marks for SC | 55% | 82 marks |
| ST | 55% | 82 marks |
| PWD Qualifying Marks | 55% | 82 marks |
CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 for OBC
OBC candidates are required to score a minimum of 82 out of 150 marks (55%) to qualify for the CTET 2026. Attaining this score grants you the eligibility certificate necessary to apply for teaching positions in central government schools and other recognized educational institutions.
CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 for ST
For ST category candidates, the minimum passing score is 82 out of 150. This designated cut-off is designed to promote inclusive access to teaching roles while ensuring all educators meet the national proficiency standards required for classroom instruction.
CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 for SC
SC category applicants must secure at least 82 marks to qualify, consistent with the 55% threshold for reserved categories. While meeting these marks confirms your eligibility, achieving a higher score can provide a competitive edge during future recruitment drives.
CTET Qualifying Marks 2026 for General
General category candidates are expected to achieve at least 90 marks out of 150 (60%). As this is the highest qualifying benchmark in the CTET examination, meeting or exceeding this score is mandatory for securing the official CTET certificate.
CTET Qualifying Marks for Female Candidates
CTET qualifying marks for female candidates remain identical to those set for their respective categories, with no gender-based relaxation in the cut-off. Whether in the General or reserved categories, the performance standards remain consistent to maintain equal testing criteria for all applicants.
Impact of CTET Passing Marks 2026
Your CTET passing marks determine your eligibility for an official certificate, which is a prerequisite for teaching roles in KVS, NVS, and other central schools. Although CTET is a qualifying test rather than a competitive ranking exam, high marks can significantly bolster your application profile during the hiring process of various recruiting bodies.
CTET Certificate Validity 2026
Upon successfully qualifying, your CTET certificate is valid for a lifetime. This allows you to apply for teaching opportunities indefinitely without the need to reappear for the examination.
CTET Passing Marks 2026 FAQs
Q1. What are the CTET qualifying marks for 2026?
General candidates must score 90 marks, while OBC, SC, and ST candidates are required to secure 82 marks out of 150.
Q2. What is the passing percentage for CTET 2026?
The passing requirement is 60% for the General category and 55% for reserved categories.
Q3. Do CTET qualifying marks differ for Paper 1 and Paper 2?
No, the qualifying marks are standardized and remain identical for both papers.
Q4. Is CTET a qualifying exam or a competitive exam?
CTET is classified as a qualifying examination; it does not provide formal rankings or direct recruitment.
Q5. Does scoring higher than the qualifying marks help in selection?
Yes, while CTET is a qualifying test, higher scores can enhance your prospects during the final teacher recruitment and selection phases.