What is CTET?

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026, conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), certifies candidates for teaching positions in Central Government Schools (Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, DSSSB schools, etc.) across India. CTET is mandatory for teaching Classes 1–8 and is a lifetime-valid qualification (since 2021). Paper I is for Classes 1–5 and Paper II is for Classes 6–8.

Eligibility Criteria

Paper I: D.El.Ed. or equivalent with 50% marks. Paper II: Bachelor's degree + B.Ed. or integrated B.El.Ed. Age: No specific limit (individual school norms apply).

Exam Pattern 2026

StageModeQuestionsMarksDuration
Paper IOffline OMR5 sections × 30 Q1502.5h
Paper IIOffline OMR4 sections × 30 Q + 60 Q1502.5h

Syllabus Overview

  • Child Development & Pedagogy: Development of child (0–8 years), Learning and Pedagogy, Inclusive Education, Assessment for Learning.
  • Language I (Compulsory): Language Comprehension, Pedagogy of Language Development.
  • Language II (English/Hindi/Others): Comprehension, Grammar, Pedagogy.
  • Mathematics (Paper I): Number System, Shapes & Geometry, Data Handling, Measurement. Pedagogy of Mathematics.
  • Environmental Studies (Paper I): Family, Animals, Food, Water, Shelter, Travel, Things We Make & Do. Pedagogy of EVS.
  • Science (Paper II): Food, Materials, World of Living, Moving Things, Natural Phenomena, Natural Resources.
  • Social Studies (Paper II): History, Geography, Social & Political Life, Pedagogy of Social Science.

Expected Cut-offs 2026

Minimum qualifying marks: 60% (90/150) for General; 55% (82/150) for SC/ST/OBC/PWD.

Preparation Tips

  1. Focus on CDP — it carries 30 marks and covers Piaget, Vygotsky, Kohlberg theories.
  2. Practise language pedagogy questions — they are scoring but tricky.
  3. For Math/Science/SS, solve NCERT textbooks from Class 1–8 thoroughly.
  4. Attempt at least 15 full-length CTET mock tests.
  5. Keep note of government policies on education (NEP 2020, RTE Act).

Important Books & Resources

  • CTET & TET — Child Development & Pedagogy by Himanshi Singh
  • Arihant — CTET Paper I & II Previous Year Papers
  • Pearson — CTET & State TET Mathematics & Pedagogy
  • NCERT — Class 1–8 Textbooks (EVS, Math, Science, SS)
  • R Gupta — CTET English Language & Pedagogy

Start your CTET 2026 preparation with GPT Sir — India's AI-powered exam prep books!