The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is expected to release the CTET 2026 provisional answer key for the February session today, 24 February 2026, on the official CTET portal. The answer key will cover both Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the exam conducted on 7 and 8 February 2026.
How to Download CTET Answer Key 2026 PDF?
Candidates waiting for their answer keys should follow these steps once the key is officially available:
- Visit the official CTET website – ctet.nic.in.
- Look for the link titled “CTET 2026 Answer Key – Paper 1 & Paper 2” on the homepage.
- Log in using registration ID and date of birth.
- The provisional answer key and OMR response sheet should be displayed.
- Download the PDF for future reference and score estimation.
CTET Objection Window and Challenge Process
After the provisional answer key is released, CBSE will open a short objection window for candidates who find discrepancies in the provided solutions. Aspirants can challenge specific answers by submitting evidence and paying the requisite objection fee per question. Once the challenge window closes, CBSE will review all submissions before finalising the answer key.
What Happens Next: CTET Final Key and Result?
Once the provisional answer key objections are reviewed and resolved, CBSE will publish the final answer key, which will be used to calculate scores. Based on this final key, the CTET 2026 result is likely to be announced in early March 2026. Candidates are advised to keep track of updates and rely on the official CTET portal for notifications.
Importance of CTET for Teaching Aspirants
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) remains a qualifying benchmark for candidates aspiring to teach in government and private schools across India. The exam is mandatory for eligibility in various central and state teaching positions, and a clear answer key helps candidates estimate performance ahead of the final results.