CTET Syllabus 2026 & Exam Pattern: Paper 1 & 2 Details

Selection Process

The CTET selection process is straightforward, focusing solely on a single-stage qualifying examination. Candidates must achieve the prescribed minimum marks to be declared eligible for teaching positions, with no further interview or physical test stages.

1. Appear for CTET Exam: Candidates can choose to appear for Paper 1 (for Classes 1-5), Paper 2 (for Classes 6-8), or both papers based on their desired teaching level.
2. Achieve Qualifying Marks: Secure the minimum qualifying marks in the respective paper(s) to pass the examination.
3. Receive Eligibility Certificate: Successful candidates are issued a CTET Eligibility Certificate, which holds lifetime validity.

Exam Pattern

The CTET Exam Pattern 2026 is designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude and teaching skills across two papers: Paper 1 for primary classes and Paper 2 for upper primary classes. Both papers consist of 150 multiple-choice questions, each carrying one mark, with no negative marking.

Paper 1 Exam Pattern (Classes 1-5)

Paper 2 Exam Pattern (Classes 6-8)

• Duration: Each paper has a duration of 2 Hours 30 Minutes (150 minutes).
• Marking Scheme: Each question carries 1 mark.
• Negative Marking: There is no negative marking for incorrect or unattempted answers.
• Qualifying Marks:
  • General / Unreserved Category: Minimum 90 out of 150 marks (60%).
  • SC / ST / OBC / PwD Category: Approximately 82-83 out of 150 marks (around 55%). Candidates should confirm the exact figure from the official CTET Information Bulletin.

Detailed Subject-Wise Syllabus

Understanding the detailed CTET syllabus is crucial for targeted preparation. The syllabus covers core pedagogical concepts, language proficiency, and subject-specific knowledge tailored for primary and upper primary teaching levels.

CTET Paper 1 Syllabus (Classes 1-5)

• 1. Child Development and Pedagogy (CDP) – 30 Marks
  • Child Development (Primary School Child) – 15 Questions: Concept of development and its relationship with learning, principles of child development, role of heredity and environment, socialisation processes, theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Kohlberg, child-centred and progressive education, multi-dimensional intelligence (Gardner), gender as a social construct, individual differences, assessment for learning vs. assessment of learning, CCE, school-based assessment, critical thinking.
  • Inclusive Education and Children with Special Needs – 5 Questions: Addressing needs of gifted, creative, specially-abled, and disadvantaged learners; learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD); strategies for inclusive classroom.
  • Learning and Pedagogy – 10 Questions: How children think and learn, motivation and learning environment, child as a problem solver, factors affecting learning, guidelines from NCF 2005 and NEP 2020.
• 2. Language I – 30 Marks
  • Language Comprehension (15 questions): Unseen prose/drama passage and a poem with questions on comprehension, inference, grammar, and verbal ability.
  • Pedagogy of Language Development (15 questions): Language acquisition, principles of language teaching, role of listening and speaking, role of grammar, challenges of teaching in a diverse classroom, language skills (LSRW), teaching-learning materials, remedial teaching.
• 3. Language II – 30 Marks
  • Comprehension (15 questions): Two unseen prose passages (discursive, literary, narrative, or scientific) with grammar and verbal-ability questions.
  • Pedagogy of Language Development (15 questions): Language acquisition and learning, approaches and methods of teaching, communicative language teaching, evaluation of language proficiency.
• 4. Mathematics – 30 Marks
  • Content (20 questions): Geometry and spatial understanding, numbers, addition and subtraction, multiplication, division, measurement (length, weight, capacity, time, area), data handling, patterns, money.
  • Pedagogical Issues (10 questions): Nature of mathematics and logical thinking, place of mathematics in the curriculum, language of mathematics, community mathematics, evaluation methods, error analysis, remedial teaching.
• 5. Environmental Studies (EVS) – 30 Marks
  • Content (20 questions): Family and Friends (relationships, work and play, animals, plants), Food, Shelter, Water, Travel, Things We Make and Do.
  • Pedagogical Issues (10 questions): Concept and scope of EVS, integrated EVS, environmental education, learning principles, activities and experimentation, comprehensive and continuous evaluation.

CTET Paper 2 Syllabus (Classes 6-8)

• 1. Child Development and Pedagogy (CDP) – 30 Marks
  • Child Development (15 questions): Adolescent development, Piaget’s formal operational stage, Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development, Kohlberg’s moral reasoning, individual differences, gender and socialisation.
  • Inclusive Education (5 questions): Gifted and creative children, learning disabilities, strategies for children with special needs, inclusive classroom environment.
  • Learning and Pedagogy (10 questions): Motivation in adolescents, critical thinking development, teaching strategies for abstract concepts, assessment of learning, NEP 2020 and NCF guidelines.
• 2. Language I and Language II – 30 Marks Each
  • Comprehension (15 questions): Unseen passages with grammar and inference-based questions (upper primary level).
  • Pedagogy of Language Development (15 questions): Language acquisition, teaching methods, diversity in classrooms, LSRW skills, remedial teaching.
• 3(A). Mathematics and Science – 60 Marks (for Maths/Science Teacher Aspirants)
  • Mathematics (30 questions: 20 content + 10 pedagogy)
    • Number System: Knowing numbers, whole numbers, integers, fractions.
    • Algebra: Introduction to algebra, ratio and proportion, simple linear equations.
    • Geometry: Basic geometrical ideas, elementary shapes, symmetry, construction.
    • Mensuration: Area, perimeter, surface area and volume of 2D and 3D figures.
    • Data Handling: Data collection and representation, mean, median, mode.
    • Pedagogical Issues: Nature of mathematics, place of mathematics in the curriculum, problem-solving, error analysis, evaluation methods.
  • Science (30 questions: 24 content + 6 pedagogy)
    • Food: Sources, components, cleaning food.
    • Materials: Materials of daily use, fibres to fabric, metals and non-metals.
    • The World of the Living: Cell structure, reproduction in plants and animals, microorganisms, body movements.
    • Moving Things, People and Ideas: Force, pressure, friction, sound, electricity, light.
    • How Things Work: Electric circuits and magnets.
    • Natural Phenomena: Earthquakes, reflection and refraction of light, weather and the water cycle.
    • Natural Resources: Air, water, coal and petroleum, conservation and pollution.
    • Pedagogical Issues: Nature and structure of science, integrated approach, observation and experimentation, evaluation, remedial teaching.
• 3(B). Social Studies / Social Science – 60 Marks (for SST Teacher Aspirants)
  • History: Early societies, Indus Valley Civilisation, Janapadas and Mahajanapadas, Mauryan Empire, religious and cultural developments, Medieval India (Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, Bhakti/Sufi), Colonial period (East India Company, Revolt of 1857), Modern India (social reform, nationalist movement, Constitution).
  • Geography: Earth’s interior, rocks, relief features, globe (latitudes, longitudes), air and water, natural vegetation, human settlements, agriculture, industries, resources and sustainable development.
  • Social and Political Life / Civics: Democracy, Indian democratic system, Central/State/Local Government, Parliament, Judiciary, social justice, media, gender discrimination, marginalisation, making of the Constitution.
  • Pedagogical Issues for Social Studies (6-8 questions): Concept and nature of Social Science/Social Studies, classroom processes, critical thinking, use of enquiry and empirical evidence.

Preparation Tips & Strategy

Cracking the CTET 2026 exam requires a well-structured and consistent preparation strategy. Focus on understanding core concepts, practicing regularly, and analyzing your performance to identify areas for improvement. A smart approach can significantly boost your chances of success in this competitive examination.

• Master the Official Syllabus: Begin by thoroughly understanding the official CTET syllabus for both Paper 1 and Paper 2. Map out each topic and its weightage to create a focused study plan.
• Prioritize Child Development & Pedagogy (CDP): Dedicate significant time to CDP, as it forms a common and conceptual base for both papers. Focus on understanding theories and their practical applications.
• Utilize NCERT Textbooks: For subjects like EVS, Science, and Social Studies, rely heavily on NCERT textbooks from the relevant classes (Class III-V for Paper 1 EVS, Class VI-VIII for Paper 2 Science/SST).
• Practice Previous Year Papers: Regularly solve CTET Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs) to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, question types, and recurring topics.
• Attempt All Questions: Since there is no negative marking, make sure to attempt every question in both papers. Even an educated guess can fetch you marks.
• Take Mock Tests: Closer to the exam date, take timed, full-length mock tests to simulate exam conditions. Analyze your performance to identify weak areas and refine your strategy.
• Revision is Key: Consistently revise all subjects and topics. Create short notes for quick review, especially for pedagogical concepts and factual information.

Best Books for Preparation

Choosing the right study material is vital for CTET preparation. Complementing NCERT textbooks with specialized guides and practice books can provide a comprehensive approach to cover all aspects of the syllabus.

Important Links