• Updated on 12 May, 2026 by Gazal Arora
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CTET Cutoff 2026 refers to the minimum qualifying marks that candidates need to achieve to pass the exam, as the CBSE CTET does not have a separate cutoff score. The qualifying marks are different for various categories. For the General category, candidates need to score at least 60% to qualify. Meanwhile, reserved category candidates such as OBC, SC, and ST must obtain a minimum of 55% to clear the exam. The CTET exam is an eligibility test for teaching positions from Classes 1 to 8 in central and other schools. The CBSE declares results based on these qualifying marks, and candidates who meet or exceed these marks are declared successful. The detailed qualifying criteria for different categories are published along with the CTET results each year.
CTET Cutoff 2026: Qualifying Marks
CTET qualifying marks are fixed by CBSE. Candidates must score the minimum required percentage out of 150 marks. The qualifying marks vary depending on the category of the candidate, such as General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, or female candidates.
Check: CTET Notification 2026
How to Check the CTET Cutoff 2026?
Candidates can follow the steps below to check the CTET Cutoff 2026.
- Visit the official CTET website at ctet.nic.in.
- Look for the “CTET 2026 Cutoff” link or notification on the homepage and click on it.
- The cutoff PDF or webpage will open, showing the qualifying marks category-wise, such as General, OBC, SC, ST, and others.
- Download or save the cutoff document for future reference.
- Compare your CTET exam score with the cutoff marks to see if you have qualified.
- For detailed information, you can also check announcements or notifications related to the result on the website.
Factors Determining the CTET Cutoff 2026
CTET qualifying marks are predefined, but the effective qualifying trend may vary based on:
- Number of Candidates: The total number of aspirants appearing for CTET influences the cutoff; more candidates generally increase competition.
- Difficulty Level of Exam: If the question paper is difficult, cutoff scores tend to be lower; if the paper is easier, cutoffs rise.
- Total Vacancies: The availability of teaching jobs directly affects the cutoff. Fewer vacancies usually lead to higher cutoff marks.
- Reservation Policy: Different categories like General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and PwD have varied cutoffs based on reservation rules.
- Category-wise Performance: The average scores by candidates in each category influence respective cutoffs.
- Overall Candidate Performance: Collective marks distribution impacts cutoff trends year to year.
- Qualifying Marks Set by Authorities: Official qualifying percentage (60% for the general category, 55% for the reserved category) forms the base cutoff.
- Regional and School-wise Requirements: Some schools or states may set higher cutoffs depending on local demand.
Read: CTET Eligibility Criteria 2026
CTET Cutoff 2026: Previous Year Cutoff
Candidates can review the category-wise CTET cutoff marks to better prepare for the upcoming exam. By analysing the trends and previous years’ cutoff scores, aspirants can strategise their study plans effectively. Understanding past cutoff marks helps candidates set realistic goals for the exam. Below is a table showcasing the cutoff marks from previous years to assist candidates in evaluating their preparation level and aiming for the qualifying marks required to clear the CTET exam successfully.
CTET Cutoff January Session 2021
CTET Cutoff 2019 December Session
CTET Cutoff 2019 July Session
Read: CTET Exam Pattern 2026
CTET Cutoff 2026: Result
CTET Result 2026 will be announced by the Central Board of Secondary Education approximately 3-4 weeks after the exam. Candidates who appear for the exam can check their results online on the official CTET website by entering their roll number and other credentials. The result includes the candidate's marks and qualifying status. To pass, general category candidates must score at least 60%, while reserved category candidates require 55%. The CTET certificate is valid for a lifetime and is essential for aspirants aiming to become teachers in central and many state government schools.
CTET Cutoff 2026 FAQs
What is the CTET cutoff for 2026?
The CTET cutoff for 2026 is the minimum score that candidates must achieve to qualify for the exam. For the general category, the cutoff is 60%, which means candidates need to score at least 90 out of 150 marks. For reserved categories like SC, ST, and OBC, the cutoff is 55%, or 82 marks. CBSE sets this score and helps filter eligible candidates for teaching jobs.
How is the CTET cutoff decided?
The CTET cutoff is decided by considering many factors such as the number of candidates appearing, the difficulty level of the paper, and the total available seats. If more candidates appear or the paper is easy, the cutoff may be higher. The cutoff is also adjusted based on category-wise relaxation rules to ensure fair chances for all candidates.
Is the CTET cutoff different for Paper 1 and Paper 2?
No, the CTET cutoff percentage is usually the same for both Paper 1 (Classes 1-5) and Paper 2 (Classes 6-8). Both papers have 150 marks, and the qualifying marks for general candidates remain at 90. Reserved category candidates also have the same cutoff across both papers. The emphasis is on qualifying as per category norms.
Can the CTET cutoff change every year?
Yes, the CTET cutoff can change every year depending on factors like exam difficulty, candidate performance, and the number of contenders. However, the minimum qualifying percentage fixed by CBSE usually stays around 60% for general candidates and 55% for reserved categories.
What happens if a candidate's score is below the CTET cutoff?
If a candidate scores below the cutoff marks, they will not qualify for the CTET certificate. This means they will not be eligible for government teaching jobs that require CTET qualification. It is important to prepare well and score at or above the cutoff to advance in the recruitment process.
Does the CTET cutoff have negative marking?
No, the CTET exam does not have negative marking. This means candidates are not penalized for wrong answers. It encourages candidates to attempt all questions. The cutoff is based solely on the number of correct answers, making every correct response important for clearing the exam.
Are cutoffs different for male and female candidates?
No, CTET cutoff marks are the same for male and female candidates. The cutoff is only category-based, with general and reserved categories having different minimum qualifying marks. Gender does not affect the cutoff for CTET 2026.
Where can candidates check the CTET cutoff marks?
CTET cutoff marks are officially released on the CTET’s official website, ctet.nic.in, after the exam results are announced. Candidates can log in using their credentials to view the cutoff marks and check if they have qualified in their respective category.
Is the CTET cutoff valid for a lifetime?
Yes, the CTET certificate issued after qualifying for the exam is valid for a lifetime. This means once a candidate crosses the cutoff and qualifies, they do not need to appear again for eligibility certification.
Is there any relaxation in the cutoff for PwD candidates?
Yes, candidates with disabilities are given relaxation in the cutoff marks similar to other reserved categories. They need to score at least 55% or 82 out of 150 marks to qualify for CTET.
Does coaching affect CTET cutoff scores?
Coaching does not directly affect the CTET cutoff, but it can help improve a candidate’s preparation. Better preparation leads to a higher score and increases the chances of crossing the CTET cutoff, making candidates eligible for teaching jobs.
Why is the CTET cutoff important for candidates?
The CTET cutoff is important because it sets the minimum benchmark to qualify for teaching jobs in central and many state government schools. Without clearing the cutoff, candidates do not get the CTET certificate, which is mandatory in many teaching recruitment processes.
Can the cutoff be challenged or appealed?
No, the CTET cutoff determined by CBSE cannot be challenged or appealed. It is final and based on official assessment and policies. Candidates need to focus on scoring above the cutoff for qualification.
What is the minimum cutoff for reserved categories?
The minimum cutoff for reserved categories like SC, ST, and OBC is 55%, which translates to 82 out of 150 marks. This helps provide fair opportunities to candidates from different socio-economic backgrounds.
How to improve chances of qualifying for the CTET cutoff?
To improve chances of qualifying for the CTET cutoff, candidates should thoroughly study the syllabus, practice previous year papers, take mock tests, and focus on weak areas. Regular revision and time management during test-taking also improve the chances of scoring above the cutoff mark.
Rank vs Rank Predictor
Estimated rank
0
General qualifying cutoff
N/A
Likely Colleges (Sample)
No likely colleges found for this prediction.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is CTET cutoff 0?
Latest available cutoff year for CTET is 0. Cutoffs vary by college, course and category (General, OBC, SC/ST, EWS).
How much rank is enough for CTET?
There is no single fixed rank for CTET because cutoffs depend on your category (General, OBC, SC/ST, EWS), target college/course and counselling round. In our latest cutoff dataset, the primary cutoff type is cutoff, so compare your value using the same metric. For a genuine estimate, check the cutoff trend (last 3–5 years) and shortlist options where your value is better than (or close to) the latest closing cutoff.
Which colleges accept CTET?
Multiple colleges accept CTET. Check the college list and then filter by course/category for a precise shortlist.
Which categories are available in CTET cutoff?
Categories depend on counselling. Use category-wise cutoff summary to see available categories for the latest year.
Which courses are most common for CTET accepting colleges?
Courses vary by college. Use course-wise keys and filters to find the most common courses for this exam.
Which states and college categories are common in CTET cutoff data?
State-wise and college-category-wise distribution depends on the accepting colleges. Use cutoff-wise keys for the latest available distribution.