CTET - Central Teacher Eligibility Test: Complete Guide 2025

CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) is the mandatory qualification examination for aspiring teachers seeking employment in central government schools across India.

It is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to ensure minimum standards and quality in the recruitment of teachers.

The exam assesses candidates' understanding of child development, pedagogy, teaching methodologies, and subject knowledge for primary and upper primary levels.

CTET certificate has lifetime validity and is recognized by all central government schools and Union Territory administrations.

It is one of the most important teacher eligibility tests in India, with lakhs of candidates appearing each year to qualify for teaching positions.

• Two papers: Paper I for Primary Stage (Classes I-V) and Paper II for Elementary Stage (Classes VI-VIII)
• National level examination conducted twice a year
• No negative marking system
• Lifetime validity of CTET certificate
• Mandatory for teaching positions in central government schools
• Objective type multiple choice questions
• Focus on child pedagogy and teaching methodologies
• Recognized by all states and Union Territories

• Total Duration: 2.5 hours (150 minutes) for each paper
• Total Questions: 150 MCQs in each paper
• Total Marks: 150 marks for each paper
• Paper I Sections: Child Development & Pedagogy (30 Qs), Language I (30 Qs), Language II (30 Qs), Mathematics (30 Qs), Environmental Studies (30 Qs)
• Paper II Sections: Child Development & Pedagogy (30 Qs), Language I (30 Qs), Language II (30 Qs), Mathematics & Science (60 Qs) OR Social Studies (60 Qs)
• Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answers, 0 for wrong/unanswered
• Qualifying Marks: 60% (90 out of 150) for all categories
• Medium of Exam: English and Hindi

• Paper I (Primary Stage): Senior Secondary with 50% marks and 2-year D.El.Ed OR 45% marks with 2-year D.El.Ed OR 50% marks with 4-year B.El.Ed
• Paper II (Elementary Stage): Graduation and 2-year D.El.Ed OR Graduation with 50% marks and 1-year B.Ed OR Senior Secondary with 50% marks and 4-year B.El.Ed OR Graduation with 45% marks and 1-year B.Ed (NCTE norms)
• No upper age limit for appearing in CTET
• Candidates appearing in final year of qualifying examination can apply
• Different qualification requirements for different categories
• Minimum educational qualifications as per NCTE guidelines
• Open to Indian nationals and foreign nationals
• No restriction on number of attempts

CTET is a qualifying examination that makes candidates eligible to apply for teaching positions.

The actual recruitment is done through separate recruitment processes by different school organizations.

• CTET Registration – Online application with fee payment
• Admit Card Download – Available 2-3 weeks before exam
• CTET Examination – Offline OMR-based test at designated centers
• Result Declaration – Usually within 6 weeks after exam
• Certificate Download – Qualified candidates can download e-certificate
• School Applications – Apply separately to different schools/organizations
• Recruitment Process – Written test, interview, demonstration as per school requirements
• Document Verification – During recruitment process by respective organizations

CTET syllabus focuses on child development, pedagogy, teaching methodologies, and subject content knowledge.

The exam tests both conceptual understanding and practical application of teaching principles.

• Child Development & Pedagogy – Child development, learning theories, inclusive education, teaching-learning process
• Language I – Comprehension, grammar, language development, teaching methods
• Language II – Comprehension, grammar, language acquisition, teaching approaches
• Mathematics – Geometry, numbers, measurements, data handling, pedagogical issues
• Environmental Studies – Family and friends, food, shelter, water, travel, pedagogical issues
• Science – Food, materials, world of living, natural phenomena, pedagogical issues
• Social Studies – History, geography, social and political life, pedagogical issues
• Teaching Methodologies – Assessment, evaluation, classroom management, teaching aids

CTET preparation requires understanding of child psychology, pedagogy, and subject knowledge up to class 8.

Success depends on thorough concept clarity rather than rote learning.

• NCERT Books Study – Complete NCERT books from class 1 to 8 for all subjects
• Child Pedagogy – Understanding child psychology, learning theories, teaching methods
• Previous Year Papers – Solving at least 5-10 years of previous papers
• Mock Tests – Regular practice with full-length mock tests
• Teaching Methodologies – Study different teaching approaches and classroom strategies
• Revision Strategy – Regular revision of important concepts and formulas
• Time Management – Practice completing paper within 2.5 hours
• Current Educational Policies – Knowledge of NEP, RTE, and other educational reforms

• Child Development – Focus on Piaget, Kohlberg, Vygotsky theories, inclusive education concepts
• Languages – Practice comprehension passages, grammar rules, language teaching methods
• Mathematics – Clear basic concepts, practice calculations, understand pedagogical issues
• Environmental Studies – Study NCERT EVS books, understand teaching approaches
• Science – Focus on basic concepts, experiments, science teaching methodologies
• Social Studies – Study history, geography, civics with teaching perspectives
• Pedagogy Sections – Understand different teaching methods, assessment techniques
• Time Management – Allocate time wisely across sections during exam

• Kendriya Vidyalaya Teacher – Primary Teacher (PRT), Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT)
• Navodaya Vidyalaya Teacher – Teaching positions in JNVs across India
• Central Government School Teacher – Schools under central government administration
• Union Territory School Teacher – Schools in Delhi, Chandigarh, other UTs
• Private School Teacher – Many private schools prefer CTET qualified teachers
• State Government Teacher – Some states accept CTET scores for their recruitment
• Teaching Abroad – CTET qualification recognized in some international schools
• Education Consultant – Curriculum development, teacher training roles
• Content Developer – Educational content creation for publishers, edtech companies
• Remedial Teacher – Special education, learning support roles

CTET qualification opens doors to stable and respected teaching careers in government schools.

Teaching positions offer job security, regular promotions, and opportunities for professional growth.

• KVS Primary Teacher (PRT): ₹35,000 – ₹50,000 monthly (starting)
• KVS Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT): ₹45,000 – ₹65,000 monthly
• JNV Teacher: ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 monthly (plus allowances)
• Central Government Schools: ₹35,000 – ₹55,000 monthly
• Delhi Government Schools: ₹40,000 – ₹70,000 monthly
• Private Schools: ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 monthly (varies by school)
• Promotions: Head Teacher, Principal, Vice-Principal positions with higher pay
• Allowances: DA, HRA, Medical, Travel, and other benefits
• Job Security: Permanent positions with pension benefits
• Career Growth: Opportunities for promotions, special assignments, training abroad