Teaching & research eligibility
CTET: Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Eligibility
Central Teacher Eligibility Test · conducted by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
CTET is the Central Board of Secondary Education’s eligibility test for teachers of Classes 1–8 in central government schools such as Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas; many private and state schools also accept it. Paper I (Classes 1–5) and Paper II (Classes 6–8) each have 150 multiple-choice questions for 150 marks in 2½ hours, with no negative marking. You qualify with 60% (90 out of 150), and the certificate is valid for life.
When is CTET?
CBSE usually holds CTET twice a year; dates are announced on ctet.nic.in.
CTET at a glance
- Conducted by
- CBSE
- Papers
- Paper I (Classes 1–5), Paper II (Classes 6–8)
- Per paper
- 150 questions, 150 marks, 2½ hours
- Mode
- Pen and paper (OMR) in recent sessions
- Negative marking
- None
- Qualifying marks
- 60% (90/150); schools may relax this for reserved categories
- Certificate validity
- Lifetime
CTET exam pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science, or Social Studies/Social Science | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
CTET syllabus
Child Development & Pedagogy
- Child development and learning
- Inclusive education and children with special needs
- Learning and pedagogy
Languages I and II
- Unseen passages (comprehension)
- Pedagogy of language development
Mathematics and EVS (Paper I)
- Content up to primary level
- Pedagogical issues in teaching mathematics and EVS
Maths & Science or Social Studies (Paper II)
- Content up to upper-primary level
- Pedagogical issues of the subject
CTET eligibility
- Paper I: Class 12 with at least 50% and a two-year D.El.Ed (passed or final year), or an equivalent qualification listed in the bulletin.
- Paper II: graduation and a B.Ed (passed or final year), or an equivalent qualification listed in the bulletin.
- You can take both papers to teach Classes 1–8.
How to prepare for CTET
- 1Child Development & Pedagogy appears in both papers — master it first.
- 2Pedagogy questions test classroom judgement; learn the NCF principles behind them.
- 3With no negative marking, answer every question.
CTET FAQs
How long is the CTET certificate valid?
For life. CBSE made the CTET qualifying certificate valid for a lifetime.
Is there negative marking in CTET?
No. CTET has no negative marking.
What are the CTET qualifying marks?
60%, i.e. 90 out of 150. Schools and governments may give relaxation to reserved categories under their own policies.
Can I take both CTET papers?
Yes. Candidates who want to teach Classes 1 to 8 can take both Paper I and Paper II.
Does passing CTET give me a job?
No. CTET is an eligibility certificate; recruitment is done separately by schools and bodies such as KVS and NVS.
Practise CTET on GyanBook
Timed quizzes and mock tests that follow the real marking scheme, instant scores with step-by-step solutions, and progress tracking for every subject. Free to start.
Related exams
GyanBook India is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with the body that conducts CTET. These details were checked against official sources on 13 October 2026. Exam dates, eligibility rules and patterns can change — always confirm them on the official website (ctet.nic.in) before you apply.