CTET 2026 Exam LIVE: Official answer key soon; shift-wise paper analysis, memory-based questions
Sundararajan | February 9, 2026 | 01:27 PM IST | 12 mins read
CTET 2026 Feb 8 Exam LIVE: CTET 2026 ends with 25 lakh candidates appearing in exam. Updates on paper analysis, memory-based questions, qualifying marks, and result.
Know all about the analysis and preparation tips to crack the CTET exam without any difficulty.
Check NowThe Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has concluded the CTET 2026 yesterday on February 8. The exam was conducted on February 7 and 8 in two shifts each day. Earlier, the offline-mode CTET 2026 was supposed to be held only on a single day. However, due to the high volume of registrations, crossing over 25 lakh candidates, the board announced to conduct the eligibility test on two days.
New: CTET 2026 Admit Card Out; Download Now
Latest: CTET Question/Sample Papers
Don't Miss: CTET Preparation Tips
Also See: Upcoming Government Exams
As per the schedule, Paper 2 was conducted in the morning shift, while Paper 1 was held in the afternoon shift. Following the completion of the morning paper at 12:30, Shift 2 (Paper 1) was completed at 5:30 PM.
Though the exam was conducted smoothly at all other centres across the country. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) cancelled the CTET 2026 Paper 2 exam at two centres in Vaishali (Hajipur), Bihar, citing unavoidable circumstances.
The provisional answer key for CTET February 2026 is likely to be released by CBSE between February 17 and February 23, 2026. Usually, the board publishes the answer key within about 15 days after the exam concludes.
Also read SSC Selection Post Phase 13 results declared; just 2.3% shortlisted out of 29 lakh candidates
CTET 2026 exam pattern
CTET exam was conducted in 20 languages, such as English, Hindi, Assamese, Tamil, Telugu, Tibetan, Kannada, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Bangla, Garo, Khasi, Malayalam, Mizo, Gujarati, and Urdu. As per the reports, CBSE may include the Maithili language as an option in the exam.
CTET is conducted for candidates who want to teach Classes 1 to 8 in central government schools and other institutions that accept CTET scores. The exam has two papers: paper 1 is for teaching Classes 1 to 5, and paper 2 is for teaching Classes 6 to 8.
For the CTET February 2026 exam , a record 25,30,436 candidates have registered to appear for the eligibility test.
Follow us for the latest education news on colleges and universities, admission, courses, exams, research, education policies, study abroad and more..
To get in touch, write to us at news@careers360.com.
February 9, 2026 | 01:27 PM IST
Can the CTET score be used for multiple teaching recruitments?
Yes, the CTET certificate is valid for a lifetime. This means you can use the same qualification for various recruitment processes. It applies to central government schools and institutions that accept CTET.
February 9, 2026 | 01:27 PM IST
Will candidates receive a physical CTET certificate?
In recent years, CBSE has shifted to digital certificates instead of physical copies. Qualified candidates can download their marksheet and eligibility certificate from DigiLocker. These digital documents are considered official and valid for all recruitment purposes.
February 9, 2026 | 01:27 PM IST
Is there any option to re-evaluate CTET result?
No, CBSE does not allow rechecking or re-evaluation of CTET answer sheets. The results are prepared using final answer keys after considering objections. Once declared, the CTET result is treated as final and cannot be challenged further.
February 9, 2026 | 01:07 PM IST
Can I get a CTET certificate if I lose my original result?
Yes. You can download the digital certificate from DigiLocker anytime. It remains valid for life and can be used for job applications
February 9, 2026 | 12:27 PM IST
Private schools which accept CTET scores
Several leading CBSE-affiliated private schools across India accept or prefer CTET-qualified candidates for teaching positions to maintain high academic standards. Some of these schools include:
-
Delhi Public School (DPS)
-
The Heritage School
-
Modern School (Barakhamba Road / Vasant Vihar)
-
Amity International School
-
The Mother’s International School
February 9, 2026 | 11:43 AM IST
Can I improve my CTET score after qualifying?
Yes, you can reappear in future sessions of CTET to improve your score.
February 9, 2026 | 10:29 AM IST
Do I need CTET for state government schools?
Not always; many states conduct their own TET exams.
February 9, 2026 | 10:05 AM IST
Can I apply for both paper 1 and paper 2 with one CTET exam?
Yes, if you qualify both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
February 9, 2026 | 09:33 AM IST
Do CTET marks expire?
No, CTET certificates are valid for a lifetime.
February 9, 2026 | 09:05 AM IST
Is CTET mandatory for all teaching jobs?
It is required for central government schools, but some private schools may have separate criteria.
February 9, 2026 | 08:28 AM IST
Can I improve my CTET score after qualifying?
Yes, you can reappear in future sessions to improve your score.
February 9, 2026 | 07:59 AM IST
Is there an age limit to apply for CTET?
No, there is no upper age limit for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test. Candidates can appear for the exam at any age, provided they meet the required educational qualifications.
February 9, 2026 | 07:21 AM IST
Are CTET marks made public?
CTET does not make candidates’ individual scores public. It only indicates whether a candidate has qualified the exam or not.
February 8, 2026 | 10:46 PM IST
CTET 2026 exam
CBSE conducts CTET for those who want to teach Classes 1 to 8 in central government schools and other institutions that accept CTET scores. CTET has two papers: Paper 1 is for teaching Classes 1 to 5, and Paper 2 is for teaching Classes 6 to 8.
February 8, 2026 | 08:54 PM IST
CBSE: CTET likely to include Maithili language as option
As per several media reports, the CTET exam may soon include the Maithili language as an option in the exam. Currently, CBSE conducts CTET in 20 different languages, including Marathi, Bangla, Garo, Gujarati, English, Hindi, Assamese, Manipuri, Kannada, Khasi, Malayalam, Mizo, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Tibetan, and Urdu.
February 8, 2026 | 07:34 PM IST
CTET Feb 2026: Exam helpline
Candidates can contact the exam helpline numbers given below in case of any discrepancy or query regarding the CTET 2026:
- Contact No: 011-22240112
- Email: ctet.cbse@nic.in
February 8, 2026 | 06:46 PM IST
CTET 2026 February Exam Ended
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has concluded the CTET 2026 February exam today. The exam was held on February 7 and 8, 2026, for both Paper I and Paper II in 2 shifts.
February 8, 2026 | 06:14 PM IST
CTET result 2026 link download
Candidates can download their CTET February 2026 Result by visiting the official website ctet.nic.in after the official announcement of the result by the CBSE.
February 8, 2026 | 05:39 PM IST
Documents Required at CTET Exam Centre
Candidates can check the documents required at the CTET 2026 Exam Centre below:
- Printed copy of CTET Admit Card 2026
- A valid photo ID, such as Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, PAN card, or driving licence
- A passport-size photograph, if required as per admit card instructions
February 8, 2026 | 05:22 PM IST
CTET February 8 Shift 2 exam ends, analysis soon
The CTET 2026 Shift 2 (Paper 1) exam has been completed on February 8, 2026. The CTET 2026 exam analysis will be announced soon based on candidates' feedback and expert analysis.
February 8, 2026 | 04:47 PM IST
CTET Feb Exam 2026: Exam duration
The CTET February examination 2026 for both Paper I and Paper II has a fixed duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) per paper.
February 8, 2026 | 04:16 PM IST
Number of attempts for the CTET Exam 2026
According to the latest updates on the CTET 2026 website, there is no restriction on the number of attempts for the CTET 2026 examination.
February 8, 2026 | 03:38 PM IST
CTET February 2026 Exam: Marking Scheme
Candidates can check the marking scheme for CTET 2026 exam:
- 1 mark will be awarded for each correct answer.
- There is no provision for negative marking in the examination.
- There is no marking for unanswered questions.
February 8, 2026 | 02:37 PM IST
CTET 2026 Exam Shift 2: Exam begins
The CTET 2026 Shift 2 (Paper 1) exam for February 8 begins at 2:30 PM. The CTET exam 2026 will end at 5:00 PM.
February 8, 2026 | 01:37 PM IST
When to reach the CTET 2026 exam centre?
Candidates are advised to reach their CTET 2026 exam centre at least two hours (120 minutes) before the scheduled start of the test to complete security checks and entry formalities smoothly.
February 8, 2026 | 01:09 PM IST
What is the timing of CTET exam 2026?
The CTET February 2026 exam will be conducted on February 7 and 8, 2026, with two daily shifts, Paper 2 in the morning from 9:30 am to 12 pm and Paper 1 in the afternoon from 2:30 pm to 5 pm.
February 8, 2026 | 01:03 PM IST
CTET 2026 Exam Shift 1: Exam ends, analysis soon
The CTET 2026 Shift 1 (Paper 2) exam has been completed on February 8. The CTET exam 2026 analysis will be released soon based on candidates' feedback and expert analysis.
February 8, 2026 | 11:56 AM IST
CTET 2026 Exam Feb 8: Shift 1 Ongoing
The CTET 2026 Shift 1 (Paper 2) begins at 9:30 AM for the February session and will end at 12:00 AM. The Shift 2 (Paper 1) will be conducted from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
February 8, 2026 | 11:19 AM IST
Candidates ask "Is 82 marks pass for CTET 2026?"
82 marks out of 150 (55%) are enough to pass the CTET 2026 exam for reserved category candidates (OBC, SC, ST, and PwD), but for General/UR category candidates, they need at least 90 marks (60%) to qualify.
February 8, 2026 | 10:46 AM IST
CTET 2026: Marking scheme
The CTET marking scheme is simple and focuses on evaluating teaching ability without any penalty for incorrect answers. The scheme follows:
- Correct response: +1 mark is awarded
- Wrong answer: 0 marks (no negative marking)
- Unattempted question: 0 marks
February 8, 2026 | 09:54 AM IST
CTET 2026 final day shift 1 starts at 9:30 am
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has begun the CTET 2026 final day shift 1 at 9:30 am. The shift 1 will continue until 12:30 pm.
February 8, 2026 | 09:07 AM IST
How many registered for CTET 2026?
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) serves as a qualifying eligibility exam, not a recruitment process, which means there are no direct vacancies under CTET 2026.
Rather than offering posts, the exam sets eligibility benchmarks. This year, a record 25,30,436 candidates registered. Candidates who qualify CTET become eligible to apply for teaching positions as and when vacancies are announced by schools and recruiting authorities.
February 8, 2026 | 08:02 AM IST
CBSE to conduct CTET 2026 for final day today
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct the CTET 2026 exam for final day today in two shifts. The forenoon shift will be held from 9:30 am to 12 noon, the afternoon after will be from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
February 7, 2026 | 10:56 PM IST
Is it possible to take both CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2 together?
Yes, candidates are allowed to appear for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 in the same examination cycle, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
February 7, 2026 | 10:08 PM IST
Are CTET marks made public?
No, CTET does not release individual marks publicly. Candidates are only informed whether they have qualified or not.
February 7, 2026 | 08:56 PM IST
Can a candidate attempt CTET multiple times?
Yes, there is no restriction on the number of attempts for CTET. Candidates can appear for the exam as many times as they wish to improve their eligibility.
February 7, 2026 | 07:43 PM IST
Online platforms to access CTET documents
Candidates can also download their digital marksheets and eligibility certificates through DigiLocker, with CBSE usually sending an SMS alert once the documents are available. Additionally, scorecards and certificates can also be accessed via the UMANG mobile application.
February 7, 2026 | 07:04 PM IST
How to check CTET exam results ?
Candidates can follow the below steps to view CTET exam results;
- Visit the official CTET website.
- Select the result link for the relevant session (for example, CTET December 2024).
- Enter your roll number in the login section.
- Click on submit to view and download your scorecard.
February 7, 2026 | 06:16 PM IST
Where to Check CTET Results?
Candidates can check CTET results on its official website at ctet.nic.in
February 7, 2026 | 05:51 PM IST
CTET result date
The CTET February 2026 results are tentatively expected to be announced by the end of March 2026.
February 7, 2026 | 05:29 PM IST
CTET answer key objection window
After the provisional answer key is released, CBSE will open an objection window for 2 to 3 days. During this period, candidates can submit challenges against the answer key by paying a fee of Rs 1,000 per question.
February 7, 2026 | 04:48 PM IST
CTET answer key
For the CTET February 2026 examination, held on February 7 and 8, the provisional answer key is likely to be released by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) within 15 days after the exam concludes. Based on this timeline, candidates can expect the answer key to be published by late February 2026.
February 7, 2026 | 04:44 PM IST
CTET Exam: What after qualifying the exam?
Candidates who qualify the exam become eligible to seek teaching positions in central government institutions like Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), in addition to state and Union Territory schools, including recruitments conducted through bodies such as the DSSSB.
February 7, 2026 | 04:20 PM IST
Languages in CTET
The CTET examination is conducted in 20 Indian languages to ensure wider accessibility. The languages available include English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Garo, Gujarati, Kannada, Khasi, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Mizo, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Tibetan, and Urdu.
February 7, 2026 | 03:57 PM IST
In how many languages in CTET conducted?
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is conducted in 20 Indian languages
February 7, 2026 | 03:36 PM IST
CTET 2026: Total aspirants
The CTET 2026 February session has seen record participation, with 25,30,436 candidates registering for the examination.
February 7, 2026 | 02:57 PM IST
CTET paper 2 cancelled at two centres, re-test in 15 days
While CTET exam was conducted smoothly, the same could not be held at two centres in Vaishali (Hajipur)—St. John’s Academy, Basmati Nagar (125016) and Lakshya International Academy (125014)—due to unavoidable reasons. A re-examination for candidates assigned to these two centres will be organised within the next 15 days.
February 7, 2026 | 02:44 PM IST
CTET exam recruitment scope
After qualifying CTET, candidates are eligible to apply for teaching posts and can apply for:
-
Central government schools, such as those run by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).
-
State and Union Territory schools, including institutions recruited through bodies like the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) and various state education departments.
February 7, 2026 | 02:20 PM IST
CTET 2026: Total vacancies
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) serves as a qualifying eligibility exam, not a recruitment process, which means there are no direct vacancies under CTET 2026.
Rather than offering posts, the exam sets eligibility benchmarks. This year, a record 25,30,436 candidates registered. Candidates who qualify CTET become eligible to apply for teaching positions as and when vacancies are announced by schools and recruiting authorities.
February 7, 2026 | 01:49 PM IST
CTET qualifying criteria for reserved category students
To be considered CTET qualified, candidates must secure the minimum qualifying percentage prescribed by NCTE, which is 55% or 82 marks out of 150 for General category candidates.
February 7, 2026 | 01:29 PM IST
CTET qualifying criteria for general category students
To be considered CTET qualified, candidates must secure the minimum qualifying percentage prescribed by NCTE, which is 60% or 90 marks out of 150 for General category candidates.
February 7, 2026 | 01:13 PM IST
CTET Paper: Entry for afternoon shift begins
Candidates scheduled for the afternoon shift (Paper 1) are required to reach the examination centre by 12:30 AM, while those appearing for the afternoon shift (Paper 1) should report by 12:30 PM, ensuring arrival at least two hours before the exam begins.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clearly stated that no candidate will be permitted entry if they arrive after 9:30 AM for Paper 2 (morning shift) or after 2:30 PM for Paper 1 (evening shift) on February 7, 2026.
February 7, 2026 | 12:54 PM IST
CTET 2026 Paper 1: Section wise marks
For candidates appearing in CTET Paper 1 (Classes 1–5), the question paper is designed to assess teaching aptitude and subject knowledge relevant to the primary level. The paper is divided into multiple sections, with marks distributed as follows:
-
Child Development & Pedagogy: 30 marks
-
Language I (Compulsory): 30 marks
-
Language II (Compulsory): 30 marks
-
Mathematics: 30 marks
-
Environmental Studies (EVS): 30 marks
- Total Marks: 150
February 7, 2026 | 12:29 PM IST
CTET 2026 Paper 2: Section wise marks
While CTET 2026 has marks for both shifts, below is the section wise marks distribution for paper 2;
-
Child Development & Pedagogy: 30 marks
-
Language I (Compulsory): 30 marks
-
Language II (Compulsory): 30 marks
-
Subject-Specific Paper (Mathematics & Science or Social Science): 60 marks
- Total Marks: 150
February 7, 2026 | 12:09 PM IST
CTET 2026: Total number of questions
Each paper includes 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) carrying one mark each, making the paper worth 150 marks, to be completed within a 150-minute time limit.
February 7, 2026 | 11:48 AM IST
CTET 2026: Who holds the exam?
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) holds the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) on behalf of the Ministry of Education.
February 7, 2026 | 11:29 AM IST
CTET 2026 marks scheme
The CTET marking scheme is simple and focuses on evaluating teaching ability without any penalty for incorrect answers. The scheme follows:
-
Correct response: +1 mark is awarded
-
Wrong answer: 0 marks (no negative marking)
-
Unattempted question: 0 marks
February 7, 2026 | 10:57 AM IST
CTET 2026 syllabus for paper 2
The CTET paper 2 questions will be based on the topics prescribed in syllabus of the NCERT for classes 6 to 8, "but their difficulty standard as well as linkages, could be up to the senior secondary stage", the CBSE Board said.
"The test items in Mathematics and Science, and Social Studies/Social Science will focus on the concepts, problem solving abilities and pedagogical understanding and applications of the subjects," as per the information brochure.
February 7, 2026 | 10:28 AM IST
Hundreds of teachers protest against mandatory TET qualification
Several teachers across the country protested against the Supreme Court order which mandated qualifying the teacher eligibility test (TET) for continuing their in-service job. The protesters wore headbands with “Save Education” and “No TET” written on them.
February 7, 2026 | 10:07 AM IST
CTET 2026 paper 2 exam pattern, marking scheme
CTET exam pattern for paper 2 for Classes 6 to 8 elementary stage. Candidates can check the CTET question paper pattern and marking scheme for paper 2.
|
CTET Paper 2 |
Number of questions |
Marks |
|
Child Development and Pedagogy (compulsory) |
30 MCQs |
30 marks |
|
Mathematics and Science OR Social Studies/Social Science |
60 MCQs |
60 marks |
|
Language I (compulsory) |
30 MCQs |
30 marks |
|
Language II (compulsory) |
30 MCQs |
30 marks |
February 7, 2026 | 09:32 AM IST
CTET February 7 exam begins
The CBSE CTET day 1 exam begins for teacher eligibility test.
February 7, 2026 | 09:17 AM IST
CBSE CTET may soon offer Maithili as language option
CBSE may soon offer CTET in Maithili as an option language, as per reports. CTET is conducted in 20 different languages, including English, Hindi, Assamese, Manipuri, Marathi, Bangla, Garo, Gujarati, Kannada, Khasi, Malayalam, Mizo, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Tibetan, and Urdu.
February 7, 2026 | 08:34 AM IST
CTET applicable for KVS, NVS, Tibetan schools
CTET qualification is applicable to schools of the central government, such as Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs), central Tibetan schools, and schools under the administrative control of Union Territories’ (UT) of Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Andaman and Nicobar islands, Lakshadweep and NCT of Delhi.
CTET may also be considered by participating unaided private schools. The scores will also be used by schools owned and managed by state government, local bodies, and aided schools.
February 7, 2026 | 08:09 AM IST
CTET paper 1, 2 in MCQ format
There will be two papers for CTET - paper 1 will be for a person who intends to be a teacher for Classes 1 to 5 and paper 2 for Class 6 to 8 teacher. All questions in the exam will be in multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with four alternatives out of which one answer will be correct.
February 7, 2026 | 07:55 AM IST
CTET Feb 7 shift 1 entry begins
Candidates appearing for the morning shift for paper 2 should report at the exam centre at 7.30 am for paper 1 at 12.30 pm, at least two hours before the exam timings.
“Candidate(s) who report(s) at the examination centre after 09:30 AM in PAPER-II (Morning) and after 02:30 PM in PAPER- I (Evening) to be held on 08.02.2026 shall not be allowed to appear in the examination,” CBSE said.
February 7, 2026 | 07:33 AM IST
CTET Feb 2026 exam in two shifts
The CBSE will conduct the CTET exam 2026 for a duration of 2:30 hours. The first shift will be held from 9.30 am to 12 noon and second shift from 2.30 pm to 5 pm at 140 cities.
February 7, 2026 | 07:19 AM IST
CBSE to conduct CTET 2026 today
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) to determine the minimum qualifications for a person to be eligible for appointment as a teacher for Class1 to 8. Due to a large number of registrations, the CTET exam will be conducted on two days - February 7 and 8.
February 6, 2026 | 10:39 PM IST
Is CTET exam paper based or computer based?
The CTET 2026 is held offline, where candidates write their answers on an OMR sheet using a pen.
February 6, 2026 | 09:57 PM IST
Is CTET paper 1 and 2 conducted on the same day?
Yes, CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2 are conducted on the same day in two different shifts, usually on February 7 and 8, 2026. The paper 2 will be held from 9:30 am to 12 pm, and the paper 1 will be held from 2:30 pm to 5 pm.
February 6, 2026 | 09:27 PM IST
How do I download my CTET admit card?
Candidates appearing for the CTET February 2026 can download the CTET admit card from the official website, ctet.nic.in by entering the valid application number and password.
February 6, 2026 | 08:42 PM IST
What to carry for a CTET exam 2026?
Candidates should carry only allowed items to the exam hall, including the CTET 2026 admit card, a good-quality black or blue ballpoint pen, and any transparent items permitted by the exam centre.
February 6, 2026 | 08:18 PM IST
What is the duration of CTET 2026?
The CTET 2026 exam lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes for both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
February 6, 2026 | 08:07 PM IST
What is the timing of CTET exam 2026?
As per the CTET exam timings, CBSE will conduct the Paper 1 in shift 2 from 2:30 pm to 5 pm, and Paper 2 will be conducted in shift 1 from 9:30 am to 12 pm on both days.
Next Story
]UGC NET December 2025 results out; 1.76 lakh qualify for JRF, PhD admissions
Candidates seeking Assistant Professor eligibility, PhD admission, and JRF can access their scorecards, verify qualification status, and check cut-off marks on the official website ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
Aatif Ammad | 12 mins readFeatured News
]- Maharashtra eases university teacher recruitment norms; academic weightage cut to 60% from 75%
- UP Budget 2026-27: Vocational education funds up 88%; 14 new medical colleges; school outlay highest
- 3 yrs after UGC guidelines, 80% central universities yet to appoint professors of practice, private ones lead
- NMC approves record 20,098 new MBBS, PG medical seats, 777 after initial rejection
- 2 years into paramedical courses, students find themselves in vocational training; 300 protest in North Bengal
- Vidya Pravesh: 4.2 crore students across 8.9 lakh schools covered, but numbers now falling consistently
- Over 7 lakh Kendriya Vidyalaya students assessed via education ministry’s TARA app, 1.46 lakh on career tool
- Caste on Campus: The shape of discrimination in universities and why many back UGC equity regulations
- Across Telangana’s new government medical colleges, 26 depts empty, 31 with single teachers: Doctors’ survey
- ‘No TET’: School teachers’ jobs at risk, hundreds in Delhi to rally against mandatory eligibility tests