#1. National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) Passing Guidelines

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) under statutory guidelines framed by the NCTE. The exam contains 150 multiple choice questions with 1 mark each and zero negative marking.

As per Section 9 of NCTE guidelines, a person who scores 60% or more in the CTET examination will be considered a TET pass candidate. However, school managements (Central, State, local bodies, and aided institutions) may grant concessions to persons belonging to SC/ST, OBC, and differently-abled categories in accordance with their established reservation policies.

#2. The 82 vs 90 Marks Formula: General vs Reserved Categories

Aspirants frequently get confused about whether 82 or 83 marks is the qualifying threshold for reserved candidates:

• General (Unreserved) Candidates: 60% of 150 = Exactly 90 Marks. A score of 89 marks is considered 'Not Qualified'.
• OBC / SC / ST / PwD Candidates: 55% of 150 = 82.5 Marks. CBSE rounds off 82.5 to 82 marks under established judicial precedents. Candidates scoring 82 marks receive a valid Eligibility Certificate.
• Validity Period: All CTET qualifying certificates possess lifetime validity across India as per Gazette notification dated June 2021.

#3. State-Specific Concessions & Exceptions (Bihar, UP & Delhi)

While CBSE awards the certificate, recruitment eligibility depends on the employer state's education department rules:

• Bihar BPSC TRE (Teacher Recruitment Exam): Bihar grants the most generous concessions. BC/EBC candidates require 55% (82 marks), General Female candidates require 55% (82 marks), and SC/ST/Divyang candidates require only 50% (75 marks) to qualify for BPSC teacher vacancies.
• Uttar Pradesh Super TET / Basic Shiksha Parishad: UP strictly enforces 90 marks (60%) for General candidates and 82 marks (55%) for OBC/SC/ST candidates.
• Delhi DSSSB Schools: A major pitfall for candidates — Delhi DSSSB recognizes ONLY Delhi OBC candidates for the 82-mark OBC relaxation. Candidates having OBC certificates from UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, or other states are treated as Unreserved in Delhi and MUST score 90+ marks.
• Central Schools (KVS, NVS, EMRS): Kendriya Vidyalaya and Navodaya Vidyalaya strictly accept Central OBC NCL certificate holders scoring 82+ marks.

#4. DigiLocker Digital Certificate Download & Verification

CBSE no longer sends physical paper marksheet or certificates via postal mail:

• Step 1: Download the official DigiLocker mobile application or visit digilocker.gov.in.
• Step 2: Sign up using your Aadhaar card number and the mobile number linked with your CTET application form.
• Step 3: Navigate to 'Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)' under the education issuer tab.
• Step 4: Select 'Teacher Eligibility Test Certificate' or 'TET Marksheet', enter your CTET Roll Number, and select the exam session.
• Step 5: Download the digitally signed document carrying the CBSE Controller of Examinations cryptographic PKI signature and QR code.