CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) is conducted by CBSE to check eligibility for teaching jobs, with Paper 1 for classes 1 to 5 and Paper 2 for classes 6 to 8, each having 150 multiple choice questions in 150 minutes and no negative marking in recent patterns, and with 60 percent normally needed to qualify for general candidates, as per official rules. The next CTET dates and notification should be checked on the official CBSE CTET website, because reports of exact dates differ and one source on 2 November 2026 only mentioned an exam around 12 December without clear confirmation. This guide explains who can apply, how the pattern works, what to study in each section, how to plan 60 days of preparation and what mistakes to avoid. It is based on general patterns in recent years and does not replace the official bulletin. See also our government exams category for related teaching recruitments.
Last Checked: 2 November 2026
Some pages list CTET dates around December, but they are not all clearly confirmed in the reports available on this date. Treat any date you read here or elsewhere as tentative until the official CBSE CTET notice is published. Registration, exam city, admit card and result dates are always announced in the official information bulletin.
CTET at a Glance
| Point | General details | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) | Official notice is final |
| Purpose | Eligibility for teacher posts in central government schools and many other schools | Qualifying CTET does not guarantee a job |
| Papers | Paper 1 for primary teachers (classes 1 to 5) and Paper 2 for elementary teachers (classes 6 to 8) | You can take one or both |
| Mode | Computer-based or pen and paper as announced in the notice | Check the bulletin |
| Questions | 150 MCQs, 1 mark each, in recent patterns | Verify for the current cycle |
| Time | 150 minutes in recent patterns | Extra time rules for eligible candidates as per notice |
| Negative marking | No negative marking in recent patterns | Confirm in the bulletin |
| Qualifying marks | Generally 60 percent for general category with relaxations as per rules | Check the official criteria |
CTET certificates have been described in recent notices as valid for life, but always check the current rule in the notice.
Who Is Eligible? (General Idea)
- Paper 1: candidates with senior secondary and a diploma or degree in elementary education, or equivalent qualifications as specified in the notice.
- Paper 2: graduates with B.Ed or equivalent teacher training qualifications, or other combinations as listed in the notice.
- Minimum marks in the qualifying degree, with relaxation for reserved categories.
- Final-year students of the teacher training course may be allowed to appear in some cases, but this depends on the notice.
Because the National Council for Teacher Education sets teacher qualifications, always read the official eligibility table before applying.
Paper Structure and Sections
| Section | Paper 1 (classes 1 to 5) | Paper 2 (classes 6 to 8) |
|---|---|---|
| Child development and pedagogy | 30 questions | 30 questions |
| Language I | 30 questions | 30 questions |
| Language II | 30 questions | 30 questions |
| Mathematics | 30 questions | Mathematics and science for maths and science teachers, 60 questions |
| Environmental studies | 30 questions | Social studies and social science for social studies teachers, 60 questions |
The exact distribution depends on your chosen subject group in Paper 2. Verify in the current notice.
How to Study Child Development and Pedagogy
This section is common to both papers and is often scoring if you understand the concepts. Study learning theories, stages of development, inclusive education, individual differences, motivation, assessment, learning disabilities and teaching methods. Use simple examples from classrooms to remember each theory, and practise case-based questions. Read the NCERT and NCF guidance on the teaching of each subject, and revise key terms and thinkers using a one-page chart.
How to Prepare Language Papers
- Practise unseen passages for comprehension daily
- Revise grammar basics, vocabulary and common errors
- Study language pedagogy, such as how to teach reading, writing and speaking
- Read questions on listening and speaking skills, language acquisition and multilingual classrooms
- For Hindi, English or other languages, practise passages in that language
How to Prepare Maths, Science, EVS and Social Studies
For Paper 1, focus on primary school level concepts in maths and environmental studies, and on how to teach them using activities and examples. For Paper 2, revise content from classes 6 to 8, plus pedagogy of your subject, such as use of experiments in science and use of maps and timelines in social studies. NCERT textbooks are the best base for both content and teaching approach. Keep notes of formulas, concept maps and common misconceptions.
60-Day Preparation Plan
| Days | Focus | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 15 | Child development and pedagogy | Notes, thinker charts, practice questions |
| 16 to 30 | Language sections | Passages, grammar, pedagogy questions |
| 31 to 45 | Maths, EVS or subject-specific papers | NCERT revision and topic-wise questions |
| 46 to 55 | Mock tests | Full-length tests in 150 minutes with analysis |
| 56 to 60 | Revision | Short notes, key terms and rest |
Adjust the plan to the actual exam date. If you have less time, give more attention to child development, language and your subject paper and attempt more mocks.
Exam Day Tips
- Check the admit card, centre and reporting time
- Read each question carefully; many are application-based
- Do not leave questions blank, since there is no negative marking in recent patterns
- Manage time: about 1 minute per question leaves time for review
- Avoid last-minute new study; revise only key points
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring pedagogy and studying only content
- Skipping language preparation
- Studying only from coaching notes without NCERT
- Not practising case-based questions
- Relying on unofficial date lists
Key Teaching Theories to Revise
| Area | Names and ideas to remember | Where it is asked |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive development | Piaget’s stages and Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development | Child development questions and case studies |
| Moral development | Kohlberg’s levels | Application-based questions |
| Learning theories | Behaviourism, constructivism, social learning | Teaching method questions |
| Inclusive education | Types of disabilities, adaptations, equity | Policy and classroom scenarios |
| Assessment | Continuous and comprehensive evaluation, formative and summative assessment | Evaluation and feedback questions |
| Motivation and intelligence | Different theories and multiple intelligences | Learner differences questions |
Do not just memorise names. Link each theory to a classroom example, because CTET often asks how a teacher should respond in a situation.
Solving Case-Based Questions
Many questions describe a classroom situation and ask what a teacher should do. Read the situation carefully, think about the learner’s needs and choose the answer that is inclusive, positive and supportive. Avoid options that punish, label or compare students. Choose options that encourage participation, use activities and respect individual differences. Practise at least ten such questions a day in the last month.
Language Pedagogy Made Simple
- Languages are learned through use, listening, speaking, reading and writing
- Mother tongue plays an important role in early learning
- Errors are part of learning and should be treated with guidance
- Reading comprehension is built through stories, discussion and questions
- Assessment should check use of language, not only grammar rules
Prepare two or three lines on each of these points. They help in both language I and language II sections.
Maths and EVS Teaching: Practical Examples
For primary maths, understand how children learn numbers through objects, patterns, stories and games. Know common difficulties such as place value, subtraction with borrowing and word problems. For EVS, understand how to link topics like family, food, water and plants with children’s daily experiences. For upper primary, revise how to use experiments, models and local examples to explain science and social science concepts. Questions often ask which activity best explains a concept, so think like a teacher.
After CTET: What Next
After qualifying CTET, you can apply for teacher recruitments in central government schools and in many other schools that accept CTET, along with state tests such as TET where required. Keep your scorecard safe, update your resume and watch official recruitment notices. If you do not qualify, review your mistakes, strengthen weak sections and try again in the next cycle.
Keep a Weekly Review
At the end of every week, spend an hour reviewing what you studied, the tests you took and the mistakes you made. Write three points to improve in the coming week. This small habit keeps you consistent and reduces last-minute stress before the exam.
Final Thoughts
CTET is an important step for teaching careers. Check the official notice for dates and eligibility, prepare child development and pedagogy deeply, practise language papers and subject content and take regular mock tests. With a calm and consistent plan, you can increase your chances of qualifying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CTET?
CTET is a national eligibility test for teachers conducted by CBSE for classes 1 to 8.
When is the next CTET?
Dates should be checked on the official CBSE CTET website. Reports about exact dates differ.
Who can apply for Paper 1?
Candidates with the required senior secondary and elementary teacher education qualifications as in the notice.
Who can apply for Paper 2?
Graduates with required teacher training qualifications as specified in the notice.
Is there negative marking in CTET?
Recent patterns had no negative marking. Confirm in the current bulletin.
What are the qualifying marks?
Generally 60 percent for general category with relaxations as per rules. Check the notice.
Is CTET valid for life?
Recent notices described validity as lifetime. Check the current rule.
Can I take both papers?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility for both.
Which section is the most important?
Child development and pedagogy plus language sections carry a large share in both papers.
How many mocks should I take?
Take as many as you can analyse. In the last month, two or three per week is common.
Does passing CTET give a job?
No. It makes you eligible to apply for teaching posts, which have their own selection process.
What study material should I use?
Use NCERT books, official syllabus and a few reliable practice sets.
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