Official CBSE Information Bulletin Anatomy
CTET 2026 Examination Anatomy & Key Highlights
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in accordance with NCTE guidelines. It is the mandatory national benchmark for teachers aspiring to teach in Central Government schools (KVS, NVS, CTSA), UT administrative schools, and leading institutions nationwide.
Conducting Body
CBSE, New Delhi
Exam Frequency
Twice a Year (Biannual)
Total Questions & Marks
150 MCQs • 150 Marks
Exam Duration
150 Minutes (2.5 Hours)
Marking Scheme
+1 Mark • NO Negative Mark
Cutoff / Standards
60% (90 Marks) / 55% (82 Marks)
Score Validity
Lifetime (NCTE Approved)
Attempt Limit
No Limit (Unlimited Attempts)
Minimum Educational Qualifications & Eligibility Norms
Who is Eligible to Apply for CTET?
As per official NCTE notifications, candidates must fulfill the prescribed teacher training qualifications (D.El.Ed, B.El.Ed, B.Ed, or equivalent) and minimum percentage criteria for Paper I and Paper II:
Paper I (Primary: Classes I to V)
Primary Teacher Eligibility (PRT)
- Senior Secondary (10+2) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed / BTC).
- OR Senior Secondary (10+2) with at least 45% marks and passed or appearing in final year of 2-year D.El.Ed per NCTE Regulations 2002.
- OR Senior Secondary (10+2) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in final year of 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed).
- OR Senior Secondary (10+2) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in final year of 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education).
- OR Graduation with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in final year of 2-year D.El.Ed.
Paper II (Elementary: Classes VI to VIII)
Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) Eligibility
- Graduation and passed or appearing in final year of 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
- OR Graduation with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in 1-year Bachelor in Education (B.Ed) or 2-year B.Ed.
- OR Graduation with at least 45% marks and passed or appearing in 1-year B.Ed in accordance with NCTE Regulations.
- OR Senior Secondary (10+2) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in final year of 4-year B.El.Ed / B.A.Ed / B.Sc.Ed.
- OR Post-Graduation with minimum 55% marks and 3-year integrated B.Ed.-M.Ed.
Important: A relaxation of up to 5% in qualifying marks in minimum educational requirements is allowed to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories.
Official Exam Structure & Marking Scheme
CTET Paper Structure & Marks Distribution
Section-by-section breakdown of total questions, maximum marks, and time duration verified against the official CTET scheme.
Paper-I (Primary Stage: Classes I to V)
| Subject / Section |
Questions |
Marks |
Duration |
| Child Development and Pedagogy |
30 MCQs |
30 Marks |
30 Minutes |
| Language I (English) |
30 MCQs |
30 Marks |
30 Minutes |
| Language II (Hindi & Pedagogy) |
30 MCQs |
30 Marks |
30 Minutes |
| Mathematics & Pedagogy |
30 MCQs |
30 Marks |
30 Minutes |
| Environmental Studies (EVS) |
30 MCQs |
30 Marks |
30 Minutes |
| Total (Paper-I (Primary Stage: Classes I to V)) |
150 Questions |
150 Marks |
150 Minutes |
Paper-II (Elementary Stage: Classes VI to VIII)
| Subject / Section |
Questions |
Marks |
Duration |
| Child Development and Pedagogy |
30 MCQs |
30 Marks |
30 Minutes |
| Language I (English / Hindi) |
30 MCQs |
30 Marks |
30 Minutes |
| Mathematics and Science |
60 MCQs |
60 Marks |
60 Minutes |
| Social Studies and Social Science |
60 MCQs |
60 Marks |
60 Minutes |
| Total (Paper-II (Elementary Stage: Classes VI to VIII)) |
180 Questions |
180 Marks |
180 Minutes |
Step-by-Step Preparation Roadmap
How to Prepare for CTET and Score 120+ Marks
Teacher eligibility exams evaluate pedagogy, conceptual clarity, and child-centered teaching methods. Follow this 4-step preparation strategy:
1
Master the 50% Pedagogy Weightage
Pedagogy carries 50% of the total marks across subjects. Focus thoroughly on Piaget, Vygotsky, Kohlberg, Bloom's Taxonomy, Inclusive Education, RTE Act 2009, and NEP 2020.
2
Thoroughly Study NCERT / SCERT Textbooks (Classes 1 to 8)
Read NCERT EVS and Math textbooks (Classes 3-5) for Primary Level, and NCERT Science, Mathematics, and Social Science (Classes 6-8) for Upper Primary Level line-by-line.
3
Solve 10+ Years of Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs)
Over 60% of question patterns in TET exams repeat across previous shifts. Practicing real question papers reveals the exact phrasing style.
4
Take Timed CBT Mock Tests on TargetExams
Attempt section-wise and full-length timed tests on TargetExams to build the pacing needed to solve 150 questions in 150 minutes without exam stress.
Official Clarifications & FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions on CTET
Is there any negative marking in CTET?
No. There is no negative marking in either Paper I or Paper II. Each correct answer carries +1 mark, and 0 marks are awarded for incorrect or unattempted questions.
What is the validity period of the CTET Certificate?
As per the NCTE notification, the validity period of CTET qualifying certificate for appointment is for LIFETIME for all categories.
Are B.Ed degree holders eligible for CTET Paper I (Primary)?
In accordance with the Supreme Court of India verdict and updated NCTE guidelines, candidates holding B.Ed are eligible for Paper II (Classes VI to VIII). Candidates with D.El.Ed / B.El.Ed / Special D.Ed are eligible for Paper I.
Can a candidate take CTET multiple times to improve their score?
Yes. There is no restriction on the number of attempts a candidate can take for CTET. A person who has qualified CTET may also appear again for improving their score.
