CTET Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026: Paper I and Paper II, Marks, Qualifying Score
At a glance
- StatusUpdated
- Exam12–13 Dec 2026
- OrganisationCentral Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
Quick Answer: CTET has two papers: Paper I for Classes 1–5 and Paper II for Classes 6–8. Each has 150 multiple-choice questions for 150 marks in 2.5 hours, with no negative marking. Candidates need 60% (90 marks) to qualify, with relaxation for reserved categories as per the information bulletin. The 2026 exam is on 12–13 December.
Paper I Exam Pattern (Classes 1–5)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Total (2.5 hours) | 150 | 150 |
Paper II Exam Pattern (Classes 6–8)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science (for Maths/Science teachers) or Social Studies/Social Science (for SST teachers) | 60 | 60 |
| Total (2.5 hours) | 150 | 150 |
Qualifying Marks
| Category | Qualifying marks |
|---|---|
| General | 60% (90 out of 150) |
| SC / ST / OBC / differently abled | Relaxation as per the CTET information bulletin (55% has been applied in past bulletins) |
There is no negative marking. The CTET certificate is valid for life.
Topic-wise Syllabus
| Section | Main topics |
|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | Child development and learning, inclusive education and children with special needs, learning and pedagogy, assessment |
| Language I & II | Reading comprehension (unseen passages), language pedagogy – learning and acquisition, teaching skills, assessment |
| Mathematics | Number system, geometry, measurement, data handling, patterns and the pedagogy of mathematics |
| Environmental Studies (Paper I) | Family and friends, food, shelter, water, travel, things we make and do, and EVS pedagogy |
| Science / Social Studies (Paper II) | Class 6–8 level content with the pedagogy of the subject |
The detailed syllabus is in the CTET information bulletin on ctet.nic.in.
Topic Weightage (estimate)
Estimate based on the structure of previous papers, not an official figure: in each 30-question language or subject section, roughly half the questions test content and half test pedagogy; Child Development & Pedagogy is entirely pedagogy and psychology.
30-Day Plan (suggested)
- Days 1–10: Child Development & Pedagogy – theories of learning, inclusive education, assessment.
- Days 11–20: Your subject sections – content first, then the pedagogy part of each.
- Days 21–27: One full 150-question mock every day in 2.5 hours; review every wrong answer.
- Days 28–30: Revise notes and previous papers; no new topics.
Important Links
| CTET Admit Card 2026 | Click Here – CTET Admit Card 2026 |
|---|---|
| Official Website (information bulletin) | Click Here – Official Website (information bulletin) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are in CTET?
150 multiple-choice questions for 150 marks in each paper, in 2.5 hours.
Is there negative marking in CTET?
No.
CTET me pass hone ke liye kitne marks chahiye?
General ke liye 60% yaani 150 me se 90 marks. Reserved categories ko bulletin ke hisaab se chhoot.
Who should take Paper I and Paper II?
Paper I is for teaching Classes 1–5 and Paper II for Classes 6–8. You can take both.
How long is the CTET certificate valid?
For life.
When is the CTET 2026 exam?
On 12 and 13 December 2026.
Every date, fee and number on this page comes from the official notice or website (ctet.nic.in) and was last checked on 17 Oct 2026. Details can change, so confirm on the official website before applying or paying. Sarkari Job is not affiliated with Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Spotted an error? See our corrections policy.