CTET · Cutoff
CTET Cutoff 2026 — expected score & rank bands
What does your score in Central Teacher Eligibility Test actually get you? These bands map a mock/exam percentage to the rank window and outcomes that score range has typically achieved.
AI-curated from historic cutoff patterns — indicative, not official. Always verify with the latest official notification.
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Category-wise expected cutoff (indicative)
| Category | Expected Cutoff (indicative) |
|---|---|
| General | 90-95 marks (60-63%) |
| EWS | 85-90 marks (57-60%) |
| OBC | 82-88 marks (55-59%) |
| SC | 80-85 marks (53-57%) |
| ST | 80-85 marks (53-57%) |
| PwD (all categories) | 75-80 marks (50-53%) |
- The General-OBC gap typically ranges 5-8 marks; SC/ST categories maintain a minimum 60% qualifying threshold but effective cutoffs hover around 53-57% based on competition density and paper difficulty.
- CTET cutoffs are qualifying in nature (certificate issued for ≥60% marks), but competitive recruitment positions often require 70%+ scores; year-to-year variations of 2-4% occur based on paper difficulty and overall candidate performance distribution.
- Paper I (Classes I-V) and Paper II (Classes VI-VIII) may show slight cutoff variations; urban centres and high-demand subjects typically see candidates scoring in the 70-80% range for actual teaching post selection beyond basic qualification.
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Outstanding — Top tier qualified
90–100%
- KVS PRT/TGT in metro cities — among top candidates, choice of preferred posting likely
- NVS teaching posts in Delhi NCR and metros — highly competitive
- Central Schools like APS, CTS — premium selection probability
- State government TET exams — strong foundation for state-level qualifications
- Top-tier private CBSE institutions — certificate demonstrates pedagogical excellence
- Interview and demo-lesson rounds — well-positioned for final selection stages
Excellent score — High competitiveness
80–89%
- KVS recruitment — very strong profile for metro/preferred location postings
- NVS teaching posts — competitive for Tier 1 city assignments
- Direct recruitment in premier CBSE schools — certificate provides strong credential
- DSSSB (Delhi) teaching positions — meets eligibility with high probability of selection
- Chandigarh Administration schools, UT teaching positions — highly competitive profile
Good score — Competitive range
70–79%
- Strong position for KVS PRT/TGT recruitment — typically shortlisted for interview round
- NVS teaching posts — good chances in Tier 2/3 region postings
- Central government schools and institutions — competitive profile
- Delhi government schools — meets eligibility (separate DSSSB exam required)
- Army Public Schools, Central Tibetan Schools — eligible with competitive edge
Qualified — Basic eligibility
60–69%
- CTET certificate awarded (valid 7 years for application to teaching posts)
- Eligible for Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) PRT/TGT positions — competitive selection still required
- Eligible for Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) teaching posts — subject to further selection
- State government school applications (varies by state; some accept CTET, some require state TET)
- Private CBSE schools — eligibility met, hiring depends on school requirements
Below qualifying threshold
0–59%
- Does not meet CTET qualifying criteria (60% minimum required)
- Certificate not awarded
- Recommend focused revision of Child Development, Pedagogy, and subject content
- Eligible to re-attempt in next cycle
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