Mumbai: Teachers in Maharashtra are asking for a change in the date of the state's Class 5 and 8 scholarship exam. This is because it falls on the same day, February 8, 2026 , as the important Central Teachers Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 exam. Thousands of teachers face a problem as they cannot be at both exams at once.
Many teacher groups have asked the Maharashtra State Council of Examinations (MSCE) to move the scholarship exam. They say missing the CTET exam could harm their careers. The MSCE is now looking into these requests.
Understanding the Exams
To help you understand the situation better, here is a quick look at both exams:
| Exam Name | CTET 2026 | Maharashtra Scholarship Exam |
| Date | February 8, 2026 | February 8, 2026 |
| Organiser | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) | Maharashtra State Council of Examinations (MSCE) |
| Purpose | Qualifying exam for teaching jobs across India | Assesses merit of Class 5 and 8 students in Maharashtra |
| Affected Teachers | Those wishing to take the CTET exam | Around 50,000 teachers needed for supervision |
| Affected Students | N/A | Nearly 9 lakh (900,000) students |
| Importance | Needed to apply for many teaching positions in schools | Helps students get scholarships based on their performance |
Why the Clash is a Problem for Teachers
The Central Teachers Eligibility Test (CTET) is a very important exam for people who want to become teachers. It is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Passing CTET allows teachers to apply for teaching jobs in many government schools across India. This exam will be held in 132 cities throughout India and in 20 different languages .
For many teachers in Maharashtra, taking the CTET exam is a step towards a better career. If they miss it, they might lose out on future job chances. These teachers are also often the ones who supervise the state scholarship exam.
About the Scholarship Exam
The Maharashtra scholarship exam is held for students in Class 5 and Class 8 . It helps identify talented students and provides them with financial support (scholarships). This exam is a big event, with nearly 9 lakh students taking part. To make sure the exam runs smoothly, about 50,000 teachers are needed to supervise the students in exam centres.
Teachers' Demands and Official Response
Teacher associations, groups representing teachers, have formally asked the MSCE to change the scholarship exam date. They want the exam to be postponed by at least one week. This would give teachers enough time to take the CTET exam and then be available for scholarship exam duty.
Officials from the MSCE have confirmed that they have received many requests from teachers about this issue. An official source from MSCE stated that they are looking into the matter. They added that no final decision has been made yet, but the council is thinking about the requests carefully.
Next Steps for CTET 2026
The CBSE will conduct the CTET 2026 exam on February 8, 2026 . The official announcement and details on how to apply for CTET are expected to be released soon. Interested teachers should keep an eye on the official CTET website, ctet.nic.in , for updates on the application process and other important information.
