CTET Answer Key 2026 PDF Download Paper 1 & 2 Response Sheet, OMR Copy, and Objection Link

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is all set to release the CTET Answer Key 2026 for the January/July cycle on its official portal, ctet.nic.in. For the lakhs of aspirants who appeared for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026, this document is not just a sheet of answers—it is the verdict on their eligibility for upcoming teaching vacancies in KVS, NVS, and DSSSB. With the exam conducted offline (Pen & Paper mode), the board typically releases the provisional answer key along with the scanned OMR sheets within 15-20 days of the examination.

Why is the 2026 Answer Key critical? This year, the stakes are higher as multiple state governments and central bodies like the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) are expected to announce massive recruitment drives in late 2026. Qualifying CTET 2026 is the mandatory gateway. This article serves as your “Master Guide,” providing direct links to download the CTET Answer Key 2026 Paper 1 and Paper 2, a step-by-step guide to calculating your raw score, and the “Helpful Content” you need to challenge incorrect questions before the window closes. Do not ignore the OMR Sheet download—it is your only proof of attempted answers.

Quick Highlights CTET 2026 Answer Key

Important Dates & Schedule Don’t Miss the Objection Window

The CBSE provides a very short window (usually 2-3 days) for candidates to download their OMR sheets and challenge the key. Once this link is deactivated, you cannot access your response sheet.

• CTET 2026 Exam Date: Date based on cycle
• Provisional Answer Key Release: Tentatively 15 Days after Exam
• Objection Window Start: Same day of release
• Last Date to Challenge Key: 3 Days after release
• Final Answer Key & Result: Expected 1 week after objection closes

Expert Note: The OMR sheet and Answer Key are often removed from the website after the result declaration. Download and save the PDF immediately for future reference, as RTI applications for OMR sheets are time-consuming.

How to Calculate Score: CTET Answer Key 2026 Paper 1 & 2

Many students get confused because CBSE releases a “Master Question Paper” along with the key. Here is the correct way to check your marks to avoid panic.

Understanding the Sets (A, B, C, D)

CBSE releases one “Master Answer Key” mapped to the “Master Question Paper” available on the website.

1. Download the Master Question Paper for your subject (e.g., Social Science/Maths).
2. Match your specific Question Booklet Set (A, B, C, or D) questions with the Master Paper.
3. Check the answer in the key against the Master Paper question number, not your booklet’s number.

Marking Scheme for Calculation

• Correct Answer: +1 Mark
• Incorrect Answer: 0 Marks (No Negative Marking)
• Unattempted: 0 Marks

Formula:

Total Score = (Number of Correct Answers in CDP + Language I + Language II + Maths/EVS/SST)

Qualifying Marks & Cut-Off Criteria

CTET is a qualifying exam, meaning there is no “merit list” cut-off, but a fixed passing percentage.

Note: Some private schools may prefer candidates with higher scores (100-110+), so aiming high helps in interviews.

Vacancy & Career Opportunities Why CTET 2026 Matters

While CTET itself doesn’t offer a job, it unlocks the door to the 7th Pay Commission salaries. Upon qualifying CTET 2026, you become eligible for:

1. Central Govt Schools (KVS/NVS/Army Schools)

• Post: PRT (Primary Teacher) & TGT (Trained Graduate Teacher).
• Salary: Level 6 & Level 7 Pay Matrix. Starting In-hand salary ₹55,000 to ₹65,000+.
• Allowances: HRA, DA, TA, and Medical benefits.

2. Delhi Govt Schools (DSSSB)

• DSSSB is expected to release vacancies for PRT and TGT in 2026. CTET is mandatory.
• Salary: Delhi teachers are among the highest paid in India (approx. ₹70,000+ for TGT).

How to Download CTET Answer Key 2026 (Step-by-Step)

Follow this “Zero-Error” method to access your key and OMR sheet:

1. Visit Official Website: Go to ctet.nic.in.
2. Find the Link: Look for the notification banner “Submit Key Challenge (CTET 2026)”.
3. Login: Enter your Roll Number and Date of Birth (as per admit card).
4. Download OMR: First, click on “Download OMR Sheet Paper 1/Paper 2” (This is your actual answer sheet image).
5. Download Key: Click on “Download Answer Key”.
6. Match & Calculate: Compare your OMR responses with the official key.

Pro-Tip: If you see a discrepancy (e.g., you marked ‘A’ but the OMR scan shows blank), take a screenshot immediately. This is technical evidence.

How to Challenge the Answer Key? (Objection Process)

If you are 100% sure an answer in the official key is wrong (e.g., based on NCERT books), you can challenge it.

1. Login to the objection portal on ctet.nic.in.
2. Select Question: Choose the specific question number from the Master Paper.
3. Select Correct Option: Mark the option you believe is correct.
4. Upload Proof: Upload a PDF of the reference (NCERT text is the best proof).
5. Pay Fee: ₹1000/- per question (Non-Refundable unless accepted).
6. Submit: Finalize the submission.

Note: If the board accepts your challenge, the fee is usually refunded, and the marks are updated for ALL candidates.

Direct Links Section

Detailed Strategy What if You Score 80-89 Marks?

Many candidates get stuck in the 80-89 range.

• For OBC/SC/ST: If you are at 80 or 81, check the answer key for “ambiguous questions.” Often, 1-2 marks increase in the final key due to dropped questions or multiple correct options (Z-marking).
• For General: If you are at 88 or 89, submit challenges for doubtful questions. Even a single mark increase can save you 6 months of waiting for the next cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is the CTET Answer Key 2026 released?

Ans: The answer key is usually released 15-20 days after the exam. Check the direct link above for the latest status.

Q2: Will I get a refund if my objection is correct?

Ans: Yes, CBSE refunds the ₹1000 fee if the subject expert committee accepts your challenge and changes the answer key.

Q3: Can I get my OMR sheet re-checked?

Ans: No, CBSE does not allow manual re-checking of OMR sheets. The machine grading is final. However, you can access the scanned copy of your OMR to ensure no scanning error occurred.

Q4: Is there normalization in CTET 2026 marks?

Ans: Since the exam is now conducted in Offline (Pen-Paper) mode in a single shift (usually), there is no normalization. Your raw score is your final score.

Q5: What is the validity of the CTET 2026 Certificate?

Ans: The CTET Qualifying Certificate is now valid for Lifetime. You do not need to re-appear unless you want to improve your score.