CTET Answer Key 2026 – Download PDF & Check Score
CTET Exam Answer Key 2026 – Complete Detailed Guide (Download PDF, Objection Process, Score Calculation & Latest Updates)
What is CTET Exam Answer Key?
If you have appeared in the CTET exam, the first thing you wait for after the exam is the CTET Exam Answer Key.
The CTET Answer Key is an official document released by CBSE that contains the correct answers to all the questions asked in Paper 1 and Paper 2.
It helps you:
✔ Check your performance before result
✔ Calculate your expected marks
✔ Identify mistakes
✔ Raise objections if any answer seems incorrect
✔ Reduce result anxiety
👉 CTET Answer Key = Your Performance Preview Before Result
CTET Answer Key Release Timeline – Step-by-Step Process Explained
After the CTET examination is successfully conducted across the country, the answer key release process begins. Many students feel anxious during this phase because they want to know their expected marks as soon as possible.
1️⃣ CTET Exam Conducted
The process starts once the CTET exam (Paper 1 and Paper 2) is completed.
- The exam is conducted in online mode (CBT).
- Candidates receive their response sheet record.
- After the exam, the evaluation process begins internally.
At this stage, students should:
✔ Keep their admit card safe
✔ Remember their paper code
✔ Stay updated through the official website
2️⃣ Within 7–10 Days – Provisional Answer Key Released
Generally, within 7 to 10 days after the exam, the provisional answer key is released on the official CTET website.
This is the first official answer key and includes:
- All question paper sets
- Correct answers as per board evaluation
- Candidate response sheet access
This is very important because:
👉 Students can calculate their expected score before the result.
👉 Any errors can be identified at this stage.
This period is crucial for serious aspirants.
3️⃣ 3–5 Days Objection Window
Once the provisional answer key is released, the board opens an objection window for around 3 to 5 days.
During this period:
- Candidates can challenge any incorrect answer.
- Objections must be submitted online.
- A fee (usually ₹1000 per question) is charged.
- Supporting proof (book reference or valid source) must be attached.
Important:
If your objection is found correct → The fee is refunded.
If incorrect → The fee is not refunded.
4️⃣ Final Answer Key Released
After reviewing all objections submitted by candidates:
- Subject experts re-evaluate challenged questions.
- Necessary corrections are made.
- A final answer key is released.
This final answer key is:
✔ Official
✔ Error-checked
✔ Used for result preparation
Why Understanding This Timeline Is Important for Students
Many students panic after the exam. But understanding this structured timeline helps you:
- Stay mentally prepared
- Avoid fake news or unofficial answer keys
- Plan your next steps
- Raise objections within deadline
Types of CTET Answer Keys (Very Important to Understand)
CTET releases two answer keys, and every student should understand the difference.
1️⃣ Provisional Answer Key (First Answer Key)
This is the first answer key released after the exam.
What you can do with it:
✔ Check your answers
✔ Calculate your expected marks
✔ Find mistakes (if any)
✔ Raise objections if you feel any answer is wrong
Important thing to remember:
👉 This answer key is not final.
👉 Some answers may be corrected later.
2️⃣ Final Answer Key (Last & Official Answer Key)
After checking all objections submitted by students, CTET releases the Final Answer Key.
What happens here:
✔ Valid corrections are made
✔ Wrong answers (if any) are corrected
✔ Final answers are fixed
Most important:
👉 Once the final answer key is released, no more objections are allowed.
👉 The CTET result is prepared based only on this final answer key.
How to Download CTET Answer Key 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Wondering how to download CTET answer key 2026 for the Feb exam? Follow these simple steps on the official site:
Visit ctet.nic.in: Head to the official CTET website homepage.
Click the Link: Find and tap Login: CTET Feb 2026 Answer Key.
Log In: Enter your registration ID and password.
View & Download: Your CTET answer key 2026 PDF and response sheet will appear—download them instantly for score checking.
How to Calculate CTET Marks Using Answer Key 2026
Got your CTET answer key 2026 downloaded? Now, learn how to calculate CTET marks accurately to predict your score before results. The CTET marking scheme is straightforward: +1 for correct answers, 0 for unattempted, and -0.25 for wrong ones (Paper 1 & 2).
Step-by-Step CTET Score Calculation
Match Responses: Open your response sheet and the official CTET answer key PDF. Compare each question.
Tally Correct Answers: Count green matches (+1 mark each).
Count Wrong Answers: Note red mismatches (-0.25 marks each).
Skip Unattempted: These score 0—no penalty.
Apply Formula:
Total Score = (Correct Answers × 1) – (Wrong Answers × 0.25)
Example: 120 correct, 20 wrong = (120 × 1) – (20 × 0.25) = 120 – 5 = 115 marks.
Quick Tips for Accurate CTET Marks Calculation
- Use a CTET score calculator tool online for speed.
- Double-check negatives—they can drop your score fast.
- Qualifying marks: 60% (90/150) for General, 55% (82/150) for Reserved.
This method helps you gauge if you’ve cleared the CTET cutoff 2026!
What Are Minimum Qualifying Marks in CTET?
To qualify CTET:
| Category | Minimum % | Marks Required |
|---|---|---|
| General | 60% | 90 out of 150 |
| SC/ST/OBC/PwD | 55% | 82 out of 150 |
If you score:
- 90+ (General) → Qualified
- 82+ (Reserved) → Qualified
Remember: CTET is qualifying in nature, not a ranking exam.
Smart Strategy: How to Check Answer Key Properly
Most students make this mistake:
Don’t do that: Follow this strategy:
✔ Check paper code carefully
✔ Sit calmly
✔ Match answers one by one
✔ Count correct answers
✔ Note doubtful questions separately
✔ Research doubtful answers before raising objection
When will CTET answer key 2026 be released?
Usually within 7–10 days after the exam.
How to download CTET answer key PDF?
Visit ctet.nic.in → Click Answer Key → Login → Download PDF.
Is there negative marking in CTET?
No. CTET does not have negative marking.
How many marks required to qualify CTET?
90 marks for General category and 82 for reserved categories.
Can I challenge CTET answer key?
Yes, during objection window by paying ₹1000 per question.
Why CTET Answer Key Is Important for Serious Aspirants?
Many students ignore answer key seriously.
But toppers use it to:
- Analyse weak topics
- Identify conceptual gaps
- Plan next attempt
- Reduce anxiety
- Stay mentally prepared
CTET is a competitive environment.
Self-analysis is your biggest advantage.
