The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national exam conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). If you want to become a teacher in government schools, you must pass this exam. The exam has two parts: Paper 1 is for teaching classes 1 to 5, and Paper 2 is for teaching classes 6 to 8.
To pass the exam, you need to score a minimum number of marks out of 150. These passing marks are fixed by the government. Once you clear this exam, you get a certificate that is valid for your whole life. This guide will show you the exact passing marks you need based on your category and give you simple tips to achieve them.
CTET Passing Marks 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Name | CTET 2026 |
| Total Marks | 150 Marks (150 Questions) |
| Negative Marking | No Negative Marking |
| Certificate Validity | Lifetime |
| Homepage | TETGuide.com |
CTET Category-Wise Passing Marks 2026
The passing marks for CTET are different for the General category and reserved categories. The rules are the same for both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Minimum Marks Needed to Pass the CTET 2026
| Category | Passing Percentage | Marks Needed (Out of 150) |
| General / Unreserved | 60% | 90 Marks |
| OBC / SC / ST / PwD | 55% | 82 Marks |
Keep in Mind: While the central government considers 82 marks as the passing mark for reserved categories, some state governments may have their own specific rules for hiring teachers.
CTET 2026 Key Exam Rules
The CTET exam has a very candidate-friendly structure. Here are three important rules you should know:
- No Wrong Answer Penalty: There is no negative marking. If your answer is wrong, you get 0 marks, but you do not lose any extra points. You should answer every single question.
- No Sectional Cut-offs: You do not need to pass each subject separately. Only your total score out of 150 matters.
- Valid Forever: Once you pass the CTET exam, your certificate is valid for life. You never have to take the exam again unless you want to improve your score.
Simple Strategy to Pass CTET
You do not need to study everything to pass CTET. You just need a smart and simple plan to score above 90 or 82 marks.
1. Focus on Child Development and Pedagogy (CDP)
This section is worth 30 marks on its own, and teaching methods (pedagogy) are asked in other subjects too. Learn how children think and how to manage a classroom. If you master this section, you will easily clear the exam.
2. Practice Old Question Papers
CBSE often asks similar types of questions every year. Get the question papers from the last 5 years and solve them. This will show you exactly what to expect in the real exam.
3. Practice with a Timer
You get 150 minutes to solve 150 questions. That means you have exactly 1 minute for each question. Practice solving papers at home with a clock or timer so you do not run out of time on exam day.
Conclusion
Passing the CTET exam is simple if you know your target. If you are in the General category, aim for at least 90 marks. If you are in a reserved category (OBC/SC/ST/PwD), aim for at least 82 marks. Since there is no negative marking, try your best to answer all 150 questions. Once you pass, you can confidently apply for government teaching jobs across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1 – Is the passing mark different for Paper 1 and Paper 2?
No. The passing marks are the same for both papers. General candidates need 90 marks, and reserved candidates need 82 marks.
2 – Do I need to pass in every subject separately?
No. There is no individual passing mark for each subject. You only need to reach the total passing marks (90 or 82) out of 150.
3 – What happens after I get the CTET passing marks?
You will receive an eligibility certificate. With this certificate, you can apply for teacher recruitment exams in central government schools.