CTET 8 February 2026 Paper 1 and Paper 2 Answer Key (Unofficial): Comprehensive Analysis and Solutions

CTET 7 February 2026 Paper 1 and Paper 2 Answer Key (Unofficial)

Understanding the CTET Structure (February 2026)

To accurately analyze performance, one must revisit the blueprint of the exam. The 8 February 2026 session adhered to the standard CBSE pattern but introduced subtle shifts in difficulty and question framing.

Paper 1: The Foundation (Classes I to V)

Designed for primary teachers, Paper 1 tests patience, empathy, and foundational knowledge. It comprised 150 MCQs across five sections:

• Child Development and Pedagogy (30 Marks): Focuses on the psychology of 6-11 year olds.
• Language I (30 Marks): Usually the medium of instruction (Hindi/English).
• Language II (30 Marks): The second language for communication.
• Mathematics (30 Marks): Basic numeracy and pedagogical understanding.
• Environmental Studies (30 Marks): Integrating science, social science, and environmental education.

Paper 2: The Specialization (Classes VI to VIII)

Paper 2 is for subject specialists. While CDP and Languages remain common, the fourth section allows a choice:

• Mathematics & Science (60 Marks): For Maths/Science teachers.
• Social Studies/Social Science (60 Marks): For Humanities/Commerce teachers.

The total duration was 150 minutes, demanding speed and accuracy without negative marking.

Examination Day Experience: 8 February 2026

Reports from examination centers across major cities indicate a smooth conduction of the exam. The morning shift (Paper 1) began at 9:30 AM, and the afternoon shift (Paper 2) commenced at 2:00 PM.

Candidate Feedback: “The paper was not about rote learning anymore,” remarked Anjali, a candidate from Delhi. “Especially in CDP and SST, we had to apply logic. The Assertion-Reason questions were tricky.” This sentiment was echoed widely—the exam has evolved from factual recall to conceptual application. The difficulty level was rated as Moderate to Difficult, specifically due to the length of the reading passages in language sections and the analytical nature of the Social Studies questions.

Paper 2 is often considered the tougher of the two. Let’s break down the specific questions and the logic behind their answers.

1. Social Studies / Social Science (SST)

This section was a test of “historical thinking” and “geographical reasoning.” It moved away from simple dates to complex cause-and-effect relationships.

2. Language I & II (Hindi & English)

The language sections were heavily influenced by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and NCF 2022. The focus was on “Multilingualism as a Resource.”

3. Child Development & Pedagogy (CDP)

This section was the heart of the exam. It moved away from “Who said what?” to “How would you apply this?”.

Key Themes Observed:

• Inclusive Education: Questions on Dyslexia and Dyscalculia required identifying symptoms (e.g., difficulty in reading text vs. difficulty in number operations).
• Constructivism: Several questions supported the idea of children as active builders of knowledge, rejecting rote memorization.
• Gender: A scenario-based question asked about assigning specific roles to boys and girls. The correct answer identified this as Gender Stereotyping.
• Assessment: Questions emphasized Assessment for Learning (Formative) over Assessment of Learning (Summative).

Paper 1 Answer Key Analysis (Unofficial)

For primary teachers, the Paper 1 exam was a mix of foundational numeracy and environmental awareness.

Environmental Studies (EVS)

The EVS section was thematic. It integrated Science and Social Science concepts seamlessly.

• Map Skills: A tricky question on direction and speed (Time/Distance) challenged many. Candidates had to calculate average speed from a train schedule.
• Themes: Questions on “Family and Friends,” “Shelter” (types of houses in different states like Assam vs. Rajasthan), and “Water conservation” were prominent.
• Pedagogy: Teachers were asked how to teach “Plants”. The best answer involved experiential learning (taking children to a garden) rather than showing a diagram.

Mathematics (Primary)

Maths was conceptual but lengthy.

• Van Hiele Theory: A question on geometric thinking stages appeared, asking to identify the “Analysis” stage.
• NEP 2020: Questions on the foundational numeracy goals were asked.
• Content: Basic operations, fractions, and patterns. A specific question on symmetry in English alphabets was reported.

Answer Key Verification and Challenge Process

While unofficial keys give you a head start, the official process is what ultimately counts. Here is what you need to know about the next steps:

1. Release Date: CBSE is expected to release the official provisional answer key within 10-15 days (approx. 18-22 February 2026).
2. Challenge Window: A short window of 2-3 days will be provided to challenge the key.
3. Fee: Usually ₹1000 per question (refundable if your challenge is accepted).
4. Evidence: Challenges must be backed by standard proofs, primarily NCERT textbooks. Guidebooks or internet articles are not accepted as proof.

Expected Cutoff Marks for CTET February 2026

CTET is a qualifying exam, meaning there is no competitive “merit list” cutoff. You simply need to cross the threshold. However, based on the paper’s difficulty, we do not expect any relaxation in these standard norms.

*Note: While 82 is the technical pass mark for reserved categories (55% of 150 is 82.5), CBSE generally accepts 82 as the passing score.

Post-Examination Strategy

Common Mistakes & Preparation Tips for Future

Looking at today’s paper, here are the lessons for future aspirants:

• 1. Ignoring Pedagogy: Many candidates focus only on content. Today’s paper proved that Pedagogy is 50% of the battle. Understanding NCF 2005, NCF 2022, and NEP 2020 is non-negotiable.
• 2. Rote Learning vs Concepts: The “Assertion-Reason” questions in SST cannot be solved by memorizing dates. You need to understand the why and how of history.
• 3. Language Neglect: Candidates often take Hindi/English lightly. The “Passage” sections today were lengthy and dense, punishing those who hadn’t practiced reading speed.