CTET 2026 – Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern & Cut Off

Official Brief

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level examination conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to assess candidates aspiring to become teachers in central government and government-aided schools across India. Held twice a year, CTET evaluates teaching aptitude, subject knowledge and overall competence to ensure a uniform standard of teaching quality nationwide.

CTET is conducted in two papers: Paper I for candidates who wish to teach at the primary level (Classes 1–5), and Paper II for those aiming to teach at the upper primary level (Classes 6–8). Candidates who intend to teach both levels may appear for both papers.

Qualifying CTET is a mandatory requirement for teacher recruitment, in line with the minimum qualifications laid down by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. A CTET certificate carries several advantages: it is a prerequisite for teaching posts in central government schools such as KVS and NVS, it is recognised across India, and it is widely preferred by reputed private schools, strengthening a candidate's credibility and career prospects.

This page brings together everything you need for CTET — eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus ,cut off marks and preparation tips. For the latest notifications, exam events and results, eligibility, visit the official CTET website at ctet.nic.in.

Note: The CTET September 2026 exam is scheduled for 6 September 2026 (Sunday). For the latest exam dates, notifications and results, always refer to the official CTET website at ctet.nic.in.

CTET Syllabus 2026 – Overview

The CTET Syllabus 2026 is prescribed by the CBSE and is divided into two papers — Paper I for candidates who wish to teach Classes 1–5 and Paper II for Classes 6–8. Each paper carries 150 marks, is objective in nature, and has no negative marking. Paper I has five compulsory sections, while Paper II has four sections with a choice in the subject component. Both papers test not just subject knowledge but also pedagogy — how to teach the subject — making conceptual clarity essential. For the structure and marking, see the CTET exam pattern.

CTET Paper 1 Syllabus (Classes 1–5)

CTET Paper I evaluates foundational teaching ability across five compulsory sections of 30 marks each. The subject-wise syllabus is given below.

1. Child Development & Pedagogy (30 Marks):

Concept of development and its relationship with learning; principles of child development
Influence of heredity and environment, and socialisation processes
Theories of Piaget, Kohlberg and Vygotsky
Concepts of child-centred and progressive education; intelligence and its construct
Language and thought; gender as a social construct
Inclusive education and understanding children with special needs
Learning, pedagogy, assessment and evaluation

2. Language I (30 Marks):

Reading comprehension — unseen prose and poetry passages, with questions on comprehension, grammar and verbal ability
Pedagogy of language development — principles of language teaching, listening and speaking, role of grammar, remedial teaching and teaching-learning materials

3. Language II (30 Marks):

Comprehension — unseen prose passages testing comprehension, grammar and verbal ability
Pedagogy of language development — language acquisition, principles of teaching, and evaluation

4. Mathematics (30 Marks):

Content: number system, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions, money, measurement, weight, time, geometry and shapes, data handling and patterns
Pedagogical issues: nature of mathematics, place of mathematics in the curriculum, evaluation, and diagnostic and remedial teaching

5. Environmental Studies - EVS (30 Marks):

Content: Family and Friends (relationships, work and play, animals, plants), Food, Shelter, Water, Travel, and Things We Make and Do
Pedagogical issues: concept and scope of EVS, significance of EVS, integrated approach, learning principles, activities and teaching-learning materials

CTET Paper 2 Syllabus (Classes 6–8)

CTET Paper II tests more advanced subject knowledge along with pedagogy. It has four sections — three compulsory (Child Development & Pedagogy and two Languages, 30 marks each) and one subject component of 60 marks where candidates choose either Mathematics & Science or Social Studies/Social Science.

1. Child Development & Pedagogy (30 Marks):

Same core topics as Paper I, but with the psychological and pedagogical focus shifted to the elementary-school child (ages 11–14)
Child development, inclusive education, learning and pedagogy

2. Language I & Language II (30 Marks Each):

Comprehension of unseen prose and poetry passages, with grammar and verbal ability
Pedagogy of language development, set at a higher difficulty level than Paper I

3. Mathematics & Science (60 Marks) — for Maths/Science teachers:

Mathematics content: number system, algebra, ratio and proportion, geometry, mensuration and data handling, with pedagogical issues
Science content: food, materials, the living world, moving things, how things work, natural phenomena and natural resources, with the aims, approaches and evaluation of science teaching

4. Social Studies / Social Science (60 Marks) — for Social Studies teachers:

History: early societies, the first empires, the first cities, new ideas, political developments, the Mughals, the Delhi Sultans, the British Raj and the nationalist movement
Geography: the Earth, the environment, the solar system, air, water, resources, agriculture and human environments
Social and Political Life: diversity, government, democracy, local and state administration, and the Constitution
Pedagogy: concept and nature of social science, project work and evaluation

Download the Official CTET Syllabus

For the complete and authoritative syllabus, always refer to the official CTET information bulletin. Click below to visit the official CTET website for the detailed syllabus and notification.

Visit Official CTET Website

Eligibility Criteria

criterion	detail
CTET Nationality & Age Limit	There is no nationality restriction specified for the CTET exam, and importantly, there is no upper age limit — candidates of any age who meet the educational qualifications can appear. The minimum age is generally 17–18 years. Because there is no maximum age and no cap on the number of attempts, candidates can appear for CTET as many times as they wish to qualify or improve their score.
CTET Paper I Eligibility (Classes 1–5)	To appear for Paper I (Primary level, Classes 1–5), a candidate must meet any one of the following: Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) Senior Secondary with at least 45% marks and a 2-year D.El.Ed, as per NCTE (Recognition Norms and Procedure) Regulations, 2002 Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed) Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and a 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education) Graduation and passed or appearing in a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education
CTET Paper II Eligibility (Classes 6–8)	To appear for Paper II (Upper Primary level, Classes 6–8), a candidate must meet any one of the following: Graduation and passed or appearing in a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) Graduation with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in a 1-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) Graduation with at least 45% marks and a 1-year B.Ed, as per NCTE Regulations, 2002 Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed) Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in a 4-year B.A./B.Sc.Ed or B.A.Ed/B.Sc.Ed Graduation with at least 50% marks and a 1-year B.Ed (Special Education)
CTET Eligibility for Both Papers	Candidates who intend to teach both the primary level (Classes 1–5) and the upper primary level (Classes 6–8) must meet the eligibility criteria for both Paper I and Paper II, and appear for both papers. The two papers are conducted in separate sessions on the exam day.
CTET Marks Relaxation & Final-Year Students	A relaxation of 5% in the qualifying marks is allowed for candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC and PwD), as per the rules of the central government and NCTE. Candidates who are in the final year of their teacher-training course (such as D.El.Ed, B.Ed or B.El.Ed) are also eligible to apply on a provisional basis. For the complete and authoritative criteria, candidates should always refer to the official CTET eligibility page.
Check Official CTET Eligibility Criteria	Eligibility requirements can be revised by the NCTE and CBSE from time to time, so candidates must verify their eligibility against the official notification before applying. View Official CTET Eligibility Criteria

Expert Preparation Tips

CTET Exam – Quick Overview

CTET is conducted by CBSE in two papers — Paper I for those who want to teach Classes 1–5 and Paper II for Classes 6–8. Each paper has 150 multiple-choice questions for 150 marks, to be completed in 2.5 hours (150 minutes). A major advantage is that there is no negative marking in CTET, so every question is worth attempting. Candidates need 60% (90 out of 150) to qualify, with relaxation for reserved categories, and the CTET certificate is now valid for a lifetime.

CTET Preparation Tips 2026

CTET rewards conceptual understanding and teaching aptitude over rote learning. A structured, syllabus-driven approach with steady practice is the proven way to clear it in the first attempt.

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus First

Begin by getting the structure of both papers clear — the five sections, 150 marks, 2.5-hour duration, and the no-negative-marking rule. Keep the CTET exam pattern and syllabus handy so you study only what's prescribed. Because there's no negative marking, plan to attempt all 150 questions.

2. Master Child Development & Pedagogy (CDP)

CDP is the most important section because it appears in both papers and carries 30 marks each. Focus on understanding — not memorising — the major theories of child development and learning (Piaget, Vygotsky, Kohlberg), theories of intelligence, assessment and evaluation, and inclusive education including children with special needs. Strong CDP preparation alone can lift your overall score significantly.

3. Strengthen Both Language Papers (Language I & II)

Language I tests your proficiency in the medium of instruction along with its pedagogy, while Language II — which must be different from Language I — tests comprehension and grammar. For both, practise unseen prose and poetry comprehension passages, revise grammar from a basic grammar book, and study language-teaching pedagogy. Regular reading is the simplest way to improve both languages together.

4. Build Mathematics with Content and Pedagogy

Mathematics appears in Paper I (Class 1–5 level) and Paper II (up to Class 8 level), and questions cover both the concept and how to teach it. Revise NCERT Mathematics for the relevant classes, and prepare pedagogy topics such as teaching methods and formative versus summative assessment. Since there's no negative marking, attempt every maths question.

5. Prepare EVS (Paper I) or Science & Social Studies (Paper II)

Paper I includes Environmental Studies (EVS), while in Paper II candidates choose either Mathematics & Science (60 marks) or Social Studies/Social Science (60 marks) depending on the subject they wish to teach. Cover the relevant NCERT books thoroughly, and for EVS and Social Studies, daily newspaper reading helps with the awareness-based questions.

6. Make NCERT Books Your Foundation

Across every section, NCERT textbooks (Classes 1–8, as per your paper) are the core resource. The questions are fundamental but applied, so build clarity from NCERT first before moving to reference books and notes.

7. Solve Previous Year Papers and Take Mock Tests

Practising previous year question papers is the fastest way to understand the exam pattern, question style and time management. Take full-length, timed mock tests, then analyse every mistake to fix weak areas. You can access the official previous year papers and answer keys using the button below.

8. Don't Ignore Pedagogy in Any Subject

A common mistake is preparing only the content. Every subject in CTET — Maths, EVS, Science, Social Studies and the languages — includes pedagogy questions on teaching methods and child learning. Give pedagogy dedicated attention in each section, not just CDP.

9. Follow a Study Plan and Revise Consistently

Break preparation into phases — syllabus and CDP first, then subject-wise study, then mock tests and revision in the final weeks. With 150 questions in 150 minutes, practicing under timed conditions builds the speed and confidence needed on exam day.

<a href='https://ctet.nic.in/archive/' target='_blank' rel='noopener' style='display:inline-block;padding:12px 30px;background:#1e3a8a;color:#ffffff;font-weight:600;font-size:16px;text-decoration:none;border-radius:8px;'>CTET Previous Year Papers & Answer Keys</a>

CTET Cut Off – Overview

The CTET Cut Off refers to the minimum qualifying marks a candidate must score to clear the exam and receive the CTET certificate. Unlike most competitive exams, the CTET cut off is not a fluctuating figure that depends on vacancies, exam difficulty or the number of candidates. Instead, it is a fixed benchmark pre-defined by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) as per NCTE guidelines. The qualifying marks are the same for both Paper 1 and Paper 2, and are released category-wise. Since CTET is a qualifying examination, any candidate who meets these marks is awarded the certificate, regardless of how others perform.

CTET Qualifying / Cut Off Marks (Category-wise)

The category-wise CTET qualifying marks (out of 150) are given below. A candidate must score at or above these marks to qualify and obtain the CTET eligibility certificate. The same marks apply to both Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Category	Qualifying Percentage	Qualifying Marks (out of 150)
General (UR)	60%	90
OBC	55%	82
SC	55%	82
ST	55%	82
PwD	55%	82

Note: As scores are whole numbers, a General candidate must secure exactly 90 marks and a reserved-category candidate exactly 82 marks to qualify — even one mark below (89 or 81) is treated as not qualified.

Key Points About the CTET Cut Off

A few important points help candidates understand how the CTET cut off works:

Fixed, not competitive: the cut off is decided in advance and does not change with the difficulty of the paper or the number of applicants
Same for both papers: the qualifying marks are identical for Paper 1 (Classes 1–5) and Paper 2 (Classes 6–8)
No negative marking: each correct answer carries 1 mark and nothing is deducted for wrong answers, so candidates should attempt all 150 questions
Reserved-category relaxation: a 5% relaxation (from 60% to 55%) applies to OBC, SC, ST and PwD candidates as per government norms
Lifetime validity: once qualified, the CTET certificate is valid for a lifetime for teacher recruitment

How to Calculate Your CTET Score

Calculating your CTET score is simple because there is no negative marking. Each correct answer earns 1 mark, so your total score is the number of questions you answered correctly. To check your percentage, use the formula:

CTET Percentage = (Your Score ÷ 150) × 100

For example, a score of 90 out of 150 equals 60% — the qualifying mark for the General category. Comparing your score against the category-wise qualifying marks above tells you whether you have cleared the exam.

Check the Official CTET Result & Cut Off

The CTET cut off and result are released together on the official CBSE CTET website. For your official scorecard and the eligibility certificate, always refer to the official source.

Visit Official CTET Website

Sample Practice Questions

Q1: What is the role of children's emotions in learning?

A) Emotions distract children from learning and therefore need to be controlled
B) There needs to be a clear disconnect between cognition and emotions of children for effective learning
C) Emotions give meaning to learning experiences and need to be integrated within learning process
D) Emotions make learning process ‘messy’ and unpredictable.

Answer: null

Emotions play a crucial role in learning by giving meaning to experiences and motivating engagement. Integrating emotions within the learning process enhances understanding and retention.

Q2: A social science teacher usually assigns different tasks to different students. He believes in :

A) Students don’t like the same kind of work being assigned to all.
B) There exist individual differences between the students.
C) It promotes competition among the students.
D) With this method the students will not be able to copy each other's work.

Answer: null

Assigning different tasks to different students reflects the teacher's recognition of individual differences among students. This approach caters to varied abilities and learning styles, promoting personalized learning.

Q3: Ocean water keeps moving continuously unlike the calm water of ponds and lakes. Which one of the following categories is not one of the movements of water ?

A) Waves
B) Water cycle
C) Tides
D) Currents

Answer: null

The water cycle describes the continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, but it is not a direct movement of ocean water like waves, tides, or currents. Therefore, 'Water cycle' is not a category of ocean water movement.

Q4: ‘Mechanics’ of language in speaking skills includes ________.

A) pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary
B) clarity of message
C) social and cultural rules of using language
D) script, words and sentences

Answer: null

The 'mechanics' of language in speaking skills refer to the technical aspects such as pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. These elements are essential for producing correct and understandable speech.

Q5: What are the identifying characteristics of learners with Dyslexia?

A) Struggle with word recognition , decoding and spelling
B) Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity
C) Originality, fluency, flexibility
D) Difficulty in muscle control, movement and coordination

Answer: null

Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties in word recognition, decoding, and spelling. These challenges affect reading skills despite normal intelligence and adequate instruction, distinguishing dyslexia from other conditions.

Citizen Queries

What is the CTET exam and who conducts it?▾

CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) is a national-level examination conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to determine a candidate's eligibility for teaching posts in Classes 1 to 8 in central government and CBSE-affiliated schools such as KVS, NVS and Army Public Schools. It is held twice a year and is a qualifying exam, not a direct recruitment exam.

What is the difference between CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2?▾

CTET Paper 1 is for candidates who wish to teach at the primary level (Classes 1–5), while Paper 2 is for those who wish to teach at the upper primary level (Classes 6–8). Each paper has 150 marks. Candidates who want to teach Classes 1 to 8 must appear for and qualify both papers.

Is there an age limit for the CTET exam?▾

No. There is no upper age limit for appearing in CTET — candidates of any age who meet the educational qualifications can apply. The minimum age is generally 17–18 years. This makes CTET accessible to fresh graduates as well as experienced candidates looking to enter the teaching profession.

How many times can I attempt the CTET exam?▾

There is no limit on the number of attempts for CTET. A candidate can appear as many times as they wish to qualify or to improve their score. Since CTET is held twice a year, there are regular opportunities to reattempt, and a candidate who already qualified may retake the exam to achieve a higher score.

What are the qualifying marks for CTET?▾

To qualify CTET, General category candidates must score at least 60% (90 out of 150 marks), while candidates from reserved categories (OBC, SC, ST and PwD) must score at least 55% (82 out of 150 marks). The qualifying marks are the same for both Paper 1 and Paper 2, and CBSE issues the eligibility certificate to all candidates who meet this benchmark.

Is there negative marking in the CTET exam?▾

No, there is no negative marking in CTET. Each question carries 1 mark for a correct answer, and no marks are deducted for a wrong or unattempted answer. Because of this, candidates are advised to attempt all 150 questions in each paper.

What is the validity of the CTET certificate?▾

The CTET certificate is valid for a lifetime. Earlier the validity was 7 years, but the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) and CBSE extended it to lifelong validity. This means once a candidate qualifies CTET, the certificate remains valid for all future teacher recruitment, with no need to reappear.

Can I apply for both CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2?▾

Yes. A candidate who wishes to teach both the primary level (Classes 1–5) and the upper primary level (Classes 6–8) can appear for both Paper 1 and Paper 2, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for each. Both papers are conducted on the same day in separate sessions.

What is the educational qualification required for CTET?▾

For Paper 1 (Classes 1–5), a candidate generally needs Senior Secondary (with the required marks) along with a Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) or B.El.Ed. For Paper 2 (Classes 6–8), a candidate needs a graduation degree along with a B.Ed or an equivalent teacher-training qualification recognised by NCTE. The detailed, option-wise eligibility is listed on the official CTET eligibility page.

Can final-year students apply for the CTET exam?▾

Yes. Candidates who are in the final year of their teacher-training course (such as D.El.Ed, B.Ed or B.El.Ed) are eligible to apply for CTET on a provisional basis. This allows aspiring teachers to qualify CTET before completing their training course, saving valuable time in their career path.

What is the difference between CTET and State TET?▾

CTET is conducted by CBSE and qualifies candidates for teaching jobs in central government and CBSE-affiliated schools across India, giving pan-India validity. A State TET is conducted by the respective state education board and is valid mainly for teaching jobs within that state. Candidates aiming for central schools or nationwide mobility should appear for CTET.

Does qualifying CTET guarantee a teaching job?▾

No. CTET is an eligibility test, not a recruitment exam, so qualifying it does not guarantee a teaching job. It makes a candidate eligible to apply for teaching vacancies in schools such as KVS, NVS and other central and CBSE-affiliated institutions, where final selection is based on the respective recruitment process and the school's own criteria.

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