CTET
A national eligibility certificate (valid for life) needed to apply for teacher posts in Classes 1-8 in central government schools such as Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas and many private and state schools. It qualifies you to apply; it is not a recruitment exam by itself.
Eligibility
Paper I (Classes 1-5): Class 12 with at least 50% plus a two-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) or four-year B.El.Ed, final-year students allowed. Paper II (Classes 6-8): graduation with at least 50% plus B.Ed (or equivalent), final-year students allowed. No upper age limit and no cap on attempts; the certificate has lifetime validity.
Age limit: Minimum 17 years; no upper age limit
Exam pattern
Offline OMR-based test, 2 hours 30 minutes per paper, 150 multiple-choice questions for 150 marks, no negative marking. Paper I has five sections of 30 marks each: Child Development and Pedagogy (CDP), Language I, Language II, Mathematics, Environmental Studies (EVS). Paper II has CDP, Language I, Language II and either Mathematics & Science (60 marks) or Social Studies (60 marks). Paper II is usually in the morning shift (9:30 am-12 noon) and Paper I in the evening (2:30-5 pm). Qualifying mark is 60% (90/150) for General; reserved categories commonly get relaxation to 55% (82/150).
Syllabus at a glance
Child Development and Pedagogy covers learning theories (Piaget, Vygotsky, Kohlberg), inclusive education, assessment and the National Curriculum Framework/NEP 2020 ideas. Language sections test comprehension and language pedagogy. Mathematics, EVS, Science and Social Studies are pitched at NCERT Class 1-8 content plus subject-specific pedagogy.
Upcoming dates
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| CTET 22nd edition: exam city and date intimation | About 15 days before the exam (late Nov 2026) | confirmed |
| CTET 22nd edition: admit card | Around 10 Dec 2026 (two days before the exam) | confirmed |
| CTET 22nd edition exam (applications closed 1 Sep 2026) | 12-13 Dec 2026 | confirmed |
| 22nd edition answer key and result | Jan-Feb 2027 | expected |
| Next CTET (23rd edition) notification and application window | TBA (2027) | tba |
Expected dates follow the usual calendar; confirm on the official notification before planning.
Free prep material
Standard books
- Child Development and Pedagogy for CTET & STET - Disha Experts (Disha Publication)
- CTET Success Master Paper I / Paper II - Arihant Experts (Arihant)
- NCERT textbooks, Classes 1-8 (Mathematics, EVS, Science, Social Science)
- CTET Previous Years' Solved Papers - Arihant Experts / Disha Experts
How toppers play it
- With no negative marking, attempt all 150 questions; never leave an OMR bubble blank.
- CDP and the two language pedagogy blocks are 90 of 150 marks and are common to both papers, so master these first: they decide whether you reach 90.
- Pick Language I and II strategically: choose the language you read fastest for comprehension passages, as passages are long and time-consuming.
- In EVS, Maths and Science, roughly half the questions are pedagogy rather than content; learn NCF 2005/NEP 2020 terms (constructivism, formative assessment, misconceptions).
- Solve the last 8-10 papers in a 150-minute sitting; CBSE repeats concepts and phrasing heavily.