CTET Passing Marks 2026 + Category-Wise Criteria

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Every CTET aspirant reaches a moment where preparation slows down because of uncertainty. Is the current score enough? Is aiming just to pass safe? Do category rules change the target? These questions quietly influence how candidates study, revise, and even attempt the exam.

Unfortunately, unclear information around CTET passing marks often leads to overconfidence or unnecessary panic. Knowing the exact qualifying criteria helps plan your preparation with confidence and precision.

This guide explains the CTET passing marks for 2026, clearly outlines category-wise criteria, and helps you understand how these rules impact your real chances of qualification and future teaching opportunities.

Understanding CTET as an Eligibility Test (Not a Ranking Exam)

Before discussing marks, it is crucial to understand the nature of CTET.

CTET is not a competitive or rank-based examination. It is an eligibility test, designed to assess whether a candidate meets the minimum standards required to teach at the elementary and upper primary levels. This means:

There is no rank list
There is no competition-based cut-off
All candidates who meet the minimum qualifying criteria are declared CTET qualified

Your score is judged only against the qualifying benchmark, not against other candidates.

CTET Exam Pattern: Overview

Each CTET paper follows the same structure:

Exam Component	Details
Total Questions	150
Marks per Question	1
Negative Marking	None
Total Marks	150
Duration	2 hours 30 minutes

Because there is no negative marking, accuracy and full attempts play an important role in maximizing your score.

CTET Passing Marks 2026 (Expected Criteria)

As per guidelines issued by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), which CBSE follows while conducting CTET, the qualifying marks are expected to remain the same in 2026 unless officially revised.

Also See: CTET February 2026 Exam Announced: Official Notice, Exam Dates, Syllabus & Updates

Minimum Passing Marks

To qualify for CTET:

General Category: 60%
Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD): 55%

This criterion applies separately to Paper I and Paper II.

Category-Wise CTET Passing Marks (Out of 150)

Category	Qualifying Percentage	Marks Required (Out of 150)
General	60%	90 marks
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)	55%	82 marks
SC	55%	82 marks
ST	55%	82 marks
PwD	55%	82 marks

If you score equal to or more than the required marks for your category, you are declared CTET qualified.

Is There Any Section-Wise Passing Criteria in CTET?

No. CTET does not have section-wise qualifying marks.

This means:

You are not required to pass each subject individually.
Only the total score out of 150 is considered.
Weak performance in one section can be compensated for by stronger performance in others.

However, balanced preparation is still important for long-term teaching competence and interviews.

Does CTET Have Cut-Off Marks Like Other Exams?

This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of CTET.

CTET does not have cut-off marks in the traditional sense. There is only a minimum qualifying mark, not a fluctuating cut-off based on competition.

Key difference:

Cut-off: Changes every year depending on exam difficulty and candidate performance
CTET Passing Marks: Fixed qualifying benchmark set by NCTE

Once you cross the qualifying threshold, your score does not affect your CTET qualification status.

Does Scoring More Than Passing Marks Give Any Advantage?

In terms of CTET qualification status alone, the answer is “No”. A candidate scoring 90 and another scoring 130 are both equally CTET qualified.

Also See: What Happens After Clearing CTET? A Complete Career Roadmap

However, higher CTET scores can still matter indirectly:

Some private schools prefer higher-scoring candidates
Interview panels may consider CTET scores as a credibility factor
Higher marks reflect stronger conceptual clarity

That said, CTET score does not guarantee selection, regardless of how high it is.

CTET Passing Certificate: Validity and Importance

Once qualified, you receive a CTET Eligibility Certificate.

Important points:

The CTET certificate is valid for lifetime (as per current policy).
There is no restriction on the number of times you can appear for CTET.
You can improve your score by reappearing, but the best qualification remains valid.

This certificate is required for applying to:

Central Government schools
Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS)
Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS)
Many state and private schools

What Happens If You Miss the Passing Marks?

If you score:

89 marks (General) or
81 marks (Reserved categories)

You are not CTET qualified, even if you miss the target by just one mark.

In that case:

You must reappear in the next CTET cycle
There is no grace marking
There is no re-evaluation for qualification

This makes targeting at least 5–10 marks above the minimum a smart strategy.

Realistic Score Targets for CTET Aspirants

To stay safe and confident:

General category aspirants: Target 100–110 marks
Reserved category aspirants: Target 90–95 marks

This buffer protects you from silly mistakes and ensures smooth qualification.

Common Myths About CTET Passing Marks

Let’s clear some confusion:

Myth: Higher CTET marks guarantee a government job
Reality: CTET only establishes eligibility
Myth: CTET cut-off changes every year
Reality: Only qualifying marks apply
Myth: You must pass every subject section
Reality: Only total marks matter
Myth: Reserved category candidates need the same marks as General candidates
Reality: Relaxation applies as per NCTE norms

Also See: CTET Eligibility February 2026: Check Minimum Qualifications for Paper 1 & Paper 2

Final Takeaway: What You Should Focus On

CTET passing marks are clear, fixed, and transparent. The real challenge is not understanding the criteria; it is meeting them with confidence. Focus on consistent preparation, strong NCERT-based concepts, and regular mock practice. Aim higher than the minimum to eliminate risk.

CTET is not about competition; it is about competence. Once you cross the qualifying benchmark, the certificate stays with you for life, opening doors to teaching opportunities across India.

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