teachingTwice a year (typically July and December)
CTET
Central Teacher Eligibility Test
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
CTET is the eligibility test for teachers in central government schools (Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, Tibetan schools, etc.). It is NOT a recruitment exam — passing CTET qualifies a candidate to apply for teaching posts; the actual appointment is done by individual schools and bodies. Paper I is for Classes I–V (Primary) and Paper II is for Classes VI–VIII (Elementary).
2
Stages
300
Total Marks
18–0
Age Range
Exam Pattern
1Paper I — Primary Stage (Classes I–V)
2Paper II — Elementary Stage (Classes VI–VIII)
1
Paper I — Primary Stage (Classes I–V)
2.5 hours (150 minutes)Computer Based Test (CBT)
Total: 150 marks
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I (compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Language II (compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
2
Paper II — Elementary Stage (Classes VI–VIII)
2.5 hours (150 minutes)Computer Based Test (CBT)
Total: 150 marks
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy (compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Language I (compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Language II (compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science (for Maths/Science teachers) OR Social Studies/Social Science (for SST teachers) | 60 | 60 |
Syllabus
Child Development & Pedagogy: Learning theories, inclusive education, child psychologyLanguage I & II: Reading comprehension, grammar, language acquisition pedagogyMathematics (Paper I): Number system, shapes, measurement, patternsEnvironmental Studies (Paper I): Family, food, shelter, water, travel, things we make and doMathematics & Science (Paper II): Maths up to Class VIII + Physics, Chemistry, BiologySocial Studies (Paper II): History, Geography, Political Science, Economics up to Class VIII
Eligibility
Education
D.El.Ed (Diploma in Elementary Education) or B.Ed from a recognised institution, as specified in NCTE norms
Age Limit
18–0 years
No upper age limit — CTET has no maximum age restriction
Attempts
No restriction on attempts
Nationality
Indian
Cutoff Trends
2024
| Category | Stage | Cutoff Score |
|---|---|---|
| General | Paper I (qualifying) | 90 |
| SC/ST/OBC/PwD | Paper I (qualifying) | 82 |
2023
| Category | Stage | Cutoff Score |
|---|---|---|
| General | Paper I (qualifying) | 90 |
| SC/ST/OBC/PwD | Paper II (qualifying) | 82 |
2022
| Category | Stage | Cutoff Score |
|---|---|---|
| General | Paper I (qualifying) | 90 |
| SC/ST/OBC/PwD | Paper I (qualifying) | 82 |
Important Notes
- ●CTET is an eligibility test, not a recruitment exam — passing it qualifies you to apply for teaching posts but does not guarantee a job.
- ●CTET certificate now has lifetime validity (earlier it was 7 years) — once you clear it, you do not need to reappear.
- ●There is no negative marking in CTET — attempt all questions.