CBSE has scheduled the 22nd CTET for 12 and 13 December 2026, according to its revised examination notice. For teaching aspirants comparing CTET vs STET vs TET, the first question is which classes and recruitment system they want to enter.
CTET covers Classes 1–8. State TETs generally address elementary teaching eligibility, while Bihar’s STET covers Classes 9–12. Passing any of them does not automatically secure a job.
Key Highlights
- CTET is a central teacher eligibility test conducted by CBSE.
- TET is the broader term; state examinations have separate notifications.
- Bihar STET assesses eligibility for secondary and higher secondary teaching.
CTET vs STET vs TET: The Main Differences
TET means Teacher Eligibility Test. CTET belongs to that category, so treating “CTET” and “TET” as entirely unrelated qualifications is confusing.
The NCTE academic division explains that most states conduct their own TET, while CBSE conducts CTET under NCTE guidelines.
| Examination | Conducting Authority | Teaching Level | Recruitment Relevance |
| CTET | CBSE | Paper I: Classes 1–5; Paper II: Classes 6–8 | Central schools and other employers accepting CTET |
| State TET | Respective state authority | Generally Classes 1–8, depending on notification | Posts recognising that state’s certificate |
| Bihar STET | Bihar School Examination Board | Paper I: Classes 9–10; Paper II: Classes 11–12 | Secondary and higher secondary teaching eligibility in Bihar |
These teaching levels follow the CTET bulletin and Bihar STET eligibility requirements.
Here, STET refers to Bihar’s Secondary Teacher Eligibility Test. Elsewhere, writers may use STET to mean “State TET”. Always read the examination’s full name.
Who Can Apply for Each Examination?
Class 12 alone does not establish eligibility for primary teaching. A recognised teacher education qualification is also required under the applicable route.
Examples from NCTE’s minimum qualification rules and Bihar’s notified requirements include:
- Primary teaching: Class 12 with at least 50% marks plus a two-year D.El.Ed., or Class 12 with 50% plus a four-year B.El.Ed., are recognised routes.
- Upper primary teaching: Graduation with D.El.Ed., or graduation with the prescribed marks and B.Ed., are among the routes. Alternative integrated qualifications also exist.
- Bihar STET Paper I: The general route requires graduation with at least 50% in the relevant subject and B.Ed.
- Bihar STET Paper II: A relevant postgraduate qualification and B.Ed. form the general route. Subject-specific exceptions and relaxations require separate checks.
NDTV’s report on Bihar STET 2026 eligibility details the distinction between its two papers.
These examples do not replace the full notification. Reserved-category concessions, recognised institutions and subject combinations can change the outcome. CBSE’s eligibility guidance also states that permission to sit CTET does not confirm appointment eligibility; the recruiting authority verifies it later.
Which Examination Should You Prepare For?
Start with an actual vacancy advertisement. Its eligibility clause tells applicants which certificate the employer accepts.
- A central primary-school post: Look for the CTET Paper I requirement alongside the stated primary-teacher qualification.
- A state elementary-school post: Follow that state’s notification. CTET acceptance cannot be assumed merely because it is a central examination.
- A Bihar secondary-school post: Match the subject and class level to STET Paper I or II, then examine the separate recruitment conditions.
For example, someone targeting Class 10 teaching in Bihar would gain little from preparing only for CTET Paper II: that paper covers Classes 6–8. The identical “Paper II” label also means something different in Bihar STET, where it covers Classes 11–12.
There is no universal “better” examination. The useful certificate is the one recognised for the intended post.
CTET 2026 Updates and Certificate Rules
The September 14 CBSE notice places the next CTET on December 12–13. Examination city and allotted-date information will appear 15 days beforehand; admit cards will follow two days before the examination.
Under the CTET information bulletin, the qualifying benchmark is 60%, or 90 out of 150 marks, with concessions considered under applicable reservation policies. A qualifying score establishes eligibility, rather than a recruitment rank guaranteeing appointment.
For CTET vs STET vs TET decisions, read the latest examination notice alongside the vacancy advertisement before paying fees or buying preparation material.
FAQs
Can Teacher Training Students Apply for CTET?
Applicants enrolled in recognised teacher education courses may appear under NCTE’s applicable rules. Exam permission remains separate from completing qualifications required by the eventual recruiting authority.
Is a CTET Certificate Valid for Life?
CTET qualifying certificates have lifetime validity for all categories. That validity does not override recruitment age limits or other conditions specified when an applicant seeks employment.
Can CTET Be Taken Again After Passing?
CBSE allows qualified candidates to attempt CTET again to improve their scores. There is no restriction on attempts for obtaining the certificate under the published rules.
Does B.Ed. Alone Qualify Someone for Primary Teaching?
No. A standalone B.Ed. is not sufficient for new primary-teacher appointments. Applicants need a recognised primary-level qualification under the applicable rules, alongside the required eligibility test.
Will CTET Automatically Replace Bihar STET?
CTET covers Classes 1–8, whereas Bihar STET addresses Classes 9–12. A CTET certificate therefore does not automatically satisfy a Bihar secondary-teacher vacancy requiring the relevant STET qualification.
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