The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) conducted on 8 February 2026 has concluded, leaving lakhs of aspiring teachers across India eagerly awaiting their results. As candidates anxiously look for answer keys to evaluate their performance, this comprehensive article provides an unofficial answer key for both Paper 1 (for Classes I-V) and Paper 2 (for Classes VI-VIII), along with detailed analysis, expected cutoff marks, and guidance for future steps.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts CTET twice a year to qualify teachers for employment in schools affiliated with the central government. The examination held on 8 February 2026 witnessed massive participation from teaching aspirants who appeared for either Paper 1, Paper 2, or both, depending on their career objectives. While the official answer key from CBSE typically takes several days to be released, this unofficial answer key aims to provide immediate relief to anxious candidates seeking to assess their performance.
Link of answer key
CTET 7 February 2026 Hindi Question Paper Solved with detailed explanation
CTET 7 February 2026 CDP Question Paper Solved with detailed explanation in Hindi & English
CTET 7 February 2026 Paper 1 and Paper 2 Answer Key (Unofficial)
Understanding CTET Structure
Before diving into the answer key analysis, it’s essential to understand the examination pattern that candidates faced on 8 February 2026.
Paper 1 (Primary Stage: Classes I to V)
Paper 1 is designed for candidates aspiring to teach classes I to V. The examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into five sections:
- Child Development and Pedagogy – 30 questions
- Language I (compulsory) – 30 questions
- Language II (compulsory) – 30 questions
- Mathematics – 30 questions
- Environmental Studies – 30 questions
Each question carries one mark, making the total score 150 marks. The duration of the examination is 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes).
Paper 2 (Elementary Stage: Classes VI to VIII)
Paper 2 targets candidates who wish to teach classes VI to VIII. This paper also contains 150 questions divided into four sections:
- Child Development and Pedagogy (CDP) – 30 questions
- Language I (compulsory) – 30 questions
- Language II (compulsory) – 30 questions
- Mathematics and Science (for Mathematics and Science teachers) OR Social Studies/Social Science (for Social Studies/Social Science teachers) – 60 questions
The marking scheme remains the same with each question carrying one mark, totaling 150 marks, to be completed in 150 minutes.
Examination Day Experience: 8 February 2026
The CTET examination on 8 February 2026 was conducted in two shifts across numerous examination centers throughout India. The morning shift typically accommodated Paper 1 candidates, while the afternoon shift was designated for Paper 2 aspirants, though some centers may have had different arrangements.
Candidates reported that the overall difficulty level of the examination was moderate to difficult, with certain sections presenting unexpected challenges. The Child Development and Pedagogy section in both papers featured several application-based questions that required deep conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization. The language sections tested comprehension abilities extensively, while Mathematics and Environmental Studies/Science sections included a balanced mix of easy, moderate, and challenging questions.
Paper 1 Answer Key Analysis (Unofficial)
Child Development and Pedagogy Section
The CDP section in Paper 1 focused heavily on theories of learning, inclusive education, and understanding children’s developmental stages. Questions were drawn from various pedagogical approaches including Piaget’s cognitive development theory, Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory, and Kohlberg’s moral development stages.
Key topics covered included:
- Learning disabilities and their identification
- Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE)
- Right to Education Act (RTE) provisions
- Constructivist approach to learning
- Individual differences among learners
- Assessment for learning versus assessment of learning
Several questions tested candidates’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical classroom scenarios. For instance, questions presented hypothetical situations involving student behavior or learning difficulties, asking candidates to identify the most appropriate pedagogical intervention.
The unofficial answer key suggests that questions related to Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory and inclusive education practices were particularly challenging, with answer choices deliberately designed to confuse candidates with similar-sounding but contextually different options.
Language I and Language II Sections
The language sections presented unseen passages followed by comprehension questions. Most candidates chose Hindi or English as their Language I and the other as Language II, though options for other regional languages were also available.
For English:
- Comprehension passages covered diverse topics including social issues, scientific developments, and literary excerpts
- Grammar questions focused on parts of speech, tenses, voice, narration, and sentence construction
- Pedagogy of language teaching emphasized communicative approach and language acquisition versus language learning
For Hindi:
- Unseen passages tested reading comprehension and inference-drawing abilities
- Grammar included questions on “sandhi,” “samas,” “muhavare,” and “lokoktiyan”
- Language pedagogy questions assessed understanding of multilingual classrooms and mother tongue-based education
The language sections proved moderately difficult, with comprehension questions requiring careful reading and elimination of distractors. Pedagogy questions tested familiarity with National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2005 and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommendations for language teaching.
Mathematics Section
The Mathematics section in Paper 1 covered topics from the primary school curriculum up to Class V level, along with pedagogical aspects of mathematics teaching.
Content areas included:
- Number system and operations
- Fractions and decimals
- Geometry (shapes, symmetry, patterns)
- Measurement (length, weight, capacity, time)
- Data handling and basic statistics
- Logical reasoning and problem-solving
Pedagogy questions focused on:
- Mathematics anxiety and its remediation
- Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) approach
- Common errors and misconceptions in mathematics
- Use of manipulatives and teaching-learning materials
- Formative assessment in mathematics
According to the unofficial answer key, the Mathematics section maintained a balanced difficulty level. However, certain problem-solving questions involving application of multiple concepts simultaneously challenged even well-prepared candidates. Questions on mathematics pedagogy required thorough understanding of NCF 2005 recommendations for mathematics education at the primary level.
Environmental Studies Section
Environmental Studies (EVS) in Paper 1 integrated concepts from science, social science, and environmental education as prescribed for primary classes.
Major themes covered:
- Family and friends
- Food, shelter, and clothing
- Water and air
- Things we make and do
- Living and non-living things
- Plants and animals
- Waste management and conservation
- Important historical figures and events
- Maps and directions
- Transport and communication
The pedagogy portion emphasized:
- Integrated and thematic approach to EVS
- Experiential learning and observation skills
- Project-based learning
- Environmental sensitivity and values
- Formative assessment strategies
Candidates found the EVS section moderately challenging, with several questions requiring correlation between different environmental concepts. The unofficial answer key indicates that questions on waste management, conservation practices, and the pedagogical approach to teaching EVS demanded comprehensive subject knowledge and awareness of NCF 2005 guidelines.
Paper 2 Answer Key Analysis (Unofficial)
Child Development and Pedagogy Section
Similar to Paper 1, the CDP section in Paper 2 covered fundamental concepts of child development and learning, but with a focus on the elementary stage (Classes VI-VIII) where learners are typically adolescents.
Key areas included:
- Adolescent psychology and developmental characteristics
- Learning theories and their classroom applications
- Intelligence: concept, theories, and types
- Creativity and talent identification
- Motivation and emotion in learning
- Personality development
- Language and thought
- Inclusive education and addressing diverse learners
- Learning disabilities: dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia
- Assessment, evaluation, and remedial teaching
The unofficial answer key reveals that questions on Piaget’s formal operational stage, characteristics of adolescent learners, and strategies for inclusive education were prominently featured. Several application-based questions presented classroom scenarios requiring candidates to identify appropriate interventions for specific learning challenges.
Language I and Language II Sections
The language sections in Paper 2 followed a similar pattern to Paper 1 but with slightly higher difficulty in comprehension passages and grammar.
English section highlights:
- Complex comprehension passages requiring inference and critical analysis
- Advanced grammar including clauses, phrases, idioms, and literary devices
- Communicative approach to language teaching
- Language skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing (LSRW)
- Evaluation and remedial teaching in language
Hindi section highlights:
- Literary and factual passages for comprehension
- Advanced grammar and composition
- Sahitya and Vyakaran integration
- Teaching methodologies for secondary classes
- Continuous evaluation in language learning
Language pedagogy questions in Paper 2 emphasized the constructivist approach, role of grammar in language learning, and multilingualism as a resource. The unofficial answer key suggests balanced difficulty across both content and pedagogy domains.
Mathematics and Science Section
For candidates opting for Mathematics and Science teacher, this section covered Class VI-VIII curriculum along with pedagogical aspects.
Mathematics topics:
- Number system (rational numbers, integers, fractions)
- Algebra (expressions, equations, factorization)
- Geometry (lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles)
- Mensuration (area, perimeter, volume)
- Data handling (statistics, probability basics)
- Commercial mathematics (profit-loss, simple interest, percentages)
Science topics:
- Physics (motion, force, energy, light, sound, electricity)
- Chemistry (matter, elements-compounds-mixtures, acids-bases-salts, chemical reactions)
- Biology (life processes, reproduction, heredity, evolution)
- Natural resources and their conservation
- Environmental science
Pedagogy covered:
- Nature of science and mathematics
- Problem-solving and mathematical thinking
- Scientific method and inquiry-based learning
- Curriculum organization and textbook analysis
- Laboratory work and experimentation
- Continuous and comprehensive evaluation
- Remedial teaching strategies
According to the unofficial answer key, the Mathematics and Science section proved quite challenging, particularly questions involving numerical problems requiring multi-step solutions. Science questions demanded conceptual clarity rather than factual recall, with several questions on application of scientific principles in daily life.
Social Studies/Social Science Section
Candidates opting for Social Studies teacher faced questions from history, geography, political science, and economics, along with pedagogy.
History topics:
- Ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history
- Freedom struggle and national movement
- World history (important events and movements)
- Cultural heritage and diversity
Geography topics:
- Physical geography (landforms, climate, natural vegetation)
- Resources and their distribution
- Agriculture, industries, and transport
- Map skills and geographical tools
- Environmental concerns
Political Science topics:
- Indian Constitution and governance
- Democracy and citizenship
- Institutions of government
- Rights and duties
Economics topics:
- Basic economic concepts
- Agriculture and industrial sectors
- Money and banking
- Consumer awareness and rights
Social Science pedagogy emphasized:
- Nature and scope of social science
- Classroom processes and teaching strategies
- Source-based learning
- Project and fieldwork
- Critical thinking and inquiry
- Assessment in social science
The unofficial answer key indicates that the Social Studies section had moderate to high difficulty, with emphasis on analytical and application-based questions rather than mere factual recall. Questions on constitutional provisions, geographical concepts, and historical chronology required precise knowledge.
Answer Key Verification and Challenge Process
While this unofficial answer key provides immediate assessment opportunities, candidates should remember that only the official answer key released by CBSE holds validity. The typical timeline and process include:
- Unofficial Answer Keys Release: Various coaching institutes and educational websites release unofficial answer keys within 24-48 hours of examination
- Official Answer Key Release: CBSE usually releases the official answer key within 7-10 days of examination
- Challenge Period: Candidates can challenge answers in the official key by paying a prescribed fee (typically ₹1000 per question)
- Expert Committee Review: CBSE constitutes an expert committee to review challenges
- Final Answer Key: Based on expert recommendations, CBSE releases the final answer key
- Result Declaration: Results are typically declared 4-6 weeks after the examination
Candidates who find discrepancies between unofficial and official answer keys should prepare strong evidence-based challenges, citing authentic sources such as NCERT textbooks, NCF 2005, NEP 2020, or other recognized educational resources.
Expected Cutoff Marks for CTET February 2026
Based on the difficulty level of the examination and historical trends, the expected cutoff marks for qualifying CTET February 2026 are estimated as follows:
Paper 1 (Primary Stage):
- General Category: 90-93 marks (60-62%)
- OBC/EWS: 85-88 marks (57-59%)
- SC/ST: 82-85 marks (55-57%)
Paper 2 (Elementary Stage):
- General Category: 90-94 marks (60-63%)
- OBC/EWS: 85-89 marks (57-59%)
- SC/ST: 82-86 marks (55-57%)
These are tentative estimates based on the examination’s difficulty level and may vary when official results are declared. The qualifying percentage remains 60% for General category and 55% for reserved categories as per CBSE norms.
Factors influencing actual cutoffs include:
- Overall performance of candidates
- Number of aspirants appearing
- Difficulty level of the question paper
- Normalization process (if applicable)
- Vacancies in teaching positions
How to Calculate Your Expected Score
Using the unofficial answer key, candidates can calculate their approximate scores:
- Download the unofficial answer key from reliable coaching institutes or educational portals
- Match your responses with the answer key for each section
- Award one mark for each correct answer
- No negative marking exists in CTET, so incorrect answers don’t reduce your score
- Calculate section-wise scores to identify strengths and weaknesses
- Add all sections to get total expected score
- Compare with expected cutoff to estimate qualification probability
It’s advisable to cross-reference answers from multiple unofficial sources to increase accuracy of self-assessment.
Post-Examination Strategy
If You Expect to Qualify:
- Start preparing for TET exams of your target state if not already done
- Update your CV/resume highlighting CTET qualification
- Research school recruitment notifications in your preferred locations
- Prepare for interviews as many schools conduct them for teacher selection
- Complete any pending educational qualifications like B.Ed if pursuing D.El.Ed
- Network with educational institutions and placement consultants
If You Expect to Fall Short:
- Don’t be disheartened – CTET is conducted twice yearly
- Analyze section-wise performance using the answer key
- Identify weak areas needing more preparation
- Join coaching or study groups if self-study isn’t yielding results
- Focus on NCERT textbooks and NCF 2005/NEP 2020 documents
- Practice previous years’ question papers extensively
- Take mock tests regularly to improve time management
- Strengthen pedagogical understanding as CDP section carries significant weight
Importance of CTET Qualification
The CTET certificate holds substantial value in the teaching profession:
- Mandatory requirement for teaching in central government schools (KVS, NVS, Central Tibetan Schools)
- Preferred qualification for many state government schools
- Eligibility criterion for various state TETs in lieu of separate exams
- Career advancement tool for existing teachers
- Valid for lifetime (as per recent CBSE notification, removing the 7-year validity restriction)
- National level recognition accepted across India
- Opens opportunities in private schools preferring TET-qualified teachers
Preparation Tips for Future CTET Aspirants
Based on the February 2026 examination pattern, future aspirants should:
- Thoroughly study NCERT textbooks from Classes I-VIII depending on your paper
- Understand NCF 2005 and NEP 2020 recommendations for school education
- Focus on child psychology theories and their classroom applications
- Practice comprehension passages regularly for language sections
- Develop strong conceptual clarity in Mathematics and Science/Social Science
- Solve previous years’ question papers to understand examination patterns
- Take regular mock tests under timed conditions
- Revise regularly rather than last-minute cramming
- Stay updated with current educational policies and developments
- Join online forums and discussion groups for peer learning
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Analysis of candidate performance reveals common pitfalls:
- Ignoring pedagogy sections while focusing only on content
- Rote learning instead of conceptual understanding
- Poor time management during examination
- Not reading questions carefully, leading to silly mistakes
- Overlooking NCF 2005 and NEP 2020 provisions
- Inadequate practice of previous years’ papers
- Neglecting NCERT textbooks in favor of reference books
- Attempting questions hastily without proper elimination of options
- Leaving questions blank even when educated guessing could help (no negative marking)
- Not revising completed portions regularly
Conclusion
The CTET examination held on 8 February 2026 tested candidates’ pedagogical understanding and content knowledge comprehensively. This unofficial answer key provides immediate reference for self-assessment, but candidates must await the official answer key from CBSE for definitive evaluation.
Regardless of the outcome, appearing for CTET is a significant step in a teaching career. The examination not only assesses academic knowledge but also gauges understanding of child psychology, inclusive education, and contemporary pedagogical approaches—all essential for effective teaching.
For those who qualify, congratulations on this important milestone! For those who may not make it this time, remember that CTET is conducted regularly, and with focused preparation addressing weak areas, success is certainly achievable in subsequent attempts.
The teaching profession is noble and rewarding, requiring dedication, patience, and continuous learning. CTET qualification is just the beginning of this enriching journey. As you await official results, utilize this time productively—either preparing for the next steps in your teaching career or strengthening your foundation for the next CTET attempt.
Remember, every successful teacher once faced examinations like these. Your commitment to quality education and child development will ultimately define your success as an educator, far beyond any certification.
Disclaimer: This article presents an unofficial answer key compiled from various sources for informational purposes only. Candidates must refer to the official answer key published by CBSE for authentic responses. The expected cutoff marks and analysis are based on expert opinions and historical trends but do not guarantee actual results.
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CTET Admit Card 2026 Released: Complete Guide for Download, Exam Pattern, and Preparation Tips
