CTET 2026 Answer Key: Expected release date, where to check and what follows

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 was conducted on February 7 and 8, 2026, by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The examination took place in two shifts on both days, covering Paper I and Paper II, at centres across India.

With the exam now concluded, candidates are awaiting the release of the CTET 2026 answer key and the next steps in the evaluation process.

Although CBSE has not yet officially confirmed the answer key release date, past trends indicate that the provisional answer key is likely to be published later this month.

CTET 2026 answer key likely release date

CBSE usually releases the provisional answer key within 10 to 15 days after the exam. If the board fowllows this pattern, CTET 2026 provisional answer key might be released between February 18 and February 23, 2026.

How the answer keys are released?

The answer key will be available online in PDF format on the official CTET website, allowing candidates to review their responses and estimate their scores.

What happens after the provisional answer key is released?

Once released, CBSE usually offers 2-3 days time for candidates to challenge any answer they believe is incorrect. Candidates have to provide supporting documents or evidence to challenge any answer. Note that you will have to pay a fee to challeng the released answer key.

Final answer key and result declaration

The final answer key is expected in late February or early March, while the result is likely to be announced in the first or second week of March 2026. CBSE generally takes one to two weeks after the exam to process response sheets, verify data, and prepare the provisional answer key. The objection process further strengthens the accuracy and credibility of the results.

CTET 2026: Key dates (expected)

• Exam dates: February 7–8, 2026
  
  
• Provisional answer key: February 18–23, 2026
  
  
• Objection window: 2–3 days after answer key release
  
  
• Final answer key: Late February or early March 2026
  
  
• Result announcement: First or second week of March 2026
  
  

Important advisory for candidates

All dates mentioned above are tentative and based on previous years’ timelines. CBSE will announce the official schedule on the CTET website.

Candidates are advised to regularly check the official CTET portal for updates on the provisional answer key, objection process, and result declaration.