CTET

Eligibility Criteria for Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET)

• Educational Qualification:
  • For Primary Level (Class 1 to 5): Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in final year of 2- year Diploma in Elementary Education (by whatever name known).
  • For Upper Primary Level (Class 6 to 8): Graduation and passed or appearing in final year of 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education or 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed).
• Age Limit: No prescribed age limit for appearing in CTET.
• Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens to appear for CTET.

CTET Exam Pattern

• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (Online)
• Number of Papers: Two Papers
  • Paper 1: For candidates who wish to teach Classes 1 to 5
  • Paper 2: For candidates who wish to teach Classes 6 to 8
• Number of Questions: 150 multiple-choice questions in each paper
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes per paper
• Marking Scheme: Each question carries 1 mark; no negative marking.
• Subjects Covered:
  • Paper 1: Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics, Environmental Studies
  • Paper 2: Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics and Science (for Mathematics and Science teachers), or Social Studies/Social Science (for Social Studies teachers)
• Exam Frequency: Usually held twice a year, typically in July and December
• Notification Release: Notifications are generally released 1-2 months prior to the exam on the official website.

CTET Detailed Syllabus

Paper 1 (Primary Stage): Classes 1 to 5

• Child Development and Pedagogy: Child development (primary school child), concepts of inclusive education and understanding children with special needs, learning and pedagogy.
• Language I: Language Comprehension, Pedagogy of Language Development.
• Language II: Comprehension, Pedagogy of Language Development.
• Mathematics: Content like Number System, Arithmetic, Geometry, and Pedagogical issues.
• Environmental Studies: Content related to Family and Friends, Food, Shelter, Water, Travel, etc., Pedagogical issues.

Paper 2 (Elementary Stage): Classes 6 to 8

• Child Development and Pedagogy: Child development (elementary school child), concepts of inclusive education and understanding children with special needs, learning and pedagogy.
• Language I: Language Comprehension, Pedagogy of Language Development.
• Language II: Comprehension, Pedagogy of Language Development.
• Mathematics and Science: Content and pedagogy for Mathematics and Science teachers.
• Social Studies/Social Science: Content and pedagogy for Social Studies teachers, including History, Geography, Social and Political Life.

Other Important Information about CTET

Application Process

1. Visit the official website https://ctet.nic.in
2. Register with a valid email ID and mobile number.
3. Fill in the online application form carefully with required personal, educational and contact details.
4. Upload scanned copies of photograph and signature as per specifications.
5. Pay the application fee online using available payment modes.
6. Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.

Courses Offered

• CTET qualification is a minimum eligibility criteria for appointment as teacher in Central Government schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and other private aided schools.
• It certifies competence to teach classes 1 to 8 based on the paper cleared.

Facts about the Exam

• CTET is mandatory for teaching jobs in Central Government schools and many state government schools.
• The validity of CTET certificate is seven years from the date of declaration of result.
• No negative marking encourages attempts on all questions.

Admit Card

• Available for download on official website about 10-15 days before the exam.
• Download by logging in with application number and date of birth/password.
• Carry the admit card and a valid photo ID proof to the exam center.

Results & Cut-Offs

• Results are declared on official website usually 30-45 days after exam date.
• Cut-off marks vary each year and depend on category and number of candidates.
• General category cut-off is typically about 60% marks (90 out of 150) to qualify.

Preparation Tips

• Understand the CTET syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly.
• Refer to NCERT textbooks for classes 1 to 8 for subjects included in the exam.
• Use previous years’ question papers for practice.
• Allocate regular study time and focus more on Child Development and Pedagogy sections.
• Some recommended books: "CTET & TETs Exam Guide" by Arihant, "Child Development and Pedagogy" by Ramesh Publishing, NCERT books.
• Online resources and mock tests on the official website and educational platforms help in preparation.

FAQs

• Q: Is CTET mandatory for teaching in all schools?
  A: CTET is mandatory for Central Government schools; many states also mandate it but not all private schools.
• Q: What is the validity period of CTET certificate?
  A: The certificate is valid for seven years from the date of declaration of results.
• Q: Can a candidate appear for both Paper 1 and Paper 2?
  A: Yes, candidates can appear for both papers if they wish to teach classes 1 to 8.
• Q: Is there negative marking in CTET?
  A: No, there is no negative marking.
• Q: How to download the admit card?
  A: Visit the official website, login with application credentials, and download the admit card.
• Q: When is CTET conducted?
  A: Usually twice a year, in July and December.