CTET is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and covers Child Development & Pedagogy, Languages and Maths/EVS or Maths-Science/Social Studies. This page summarises the CTET exam pattern, marking scheme and syllabus as a study snapshot for previous year question practice. Confirm eligibility, dates and marking in the latest official notification on ctet.nic.in.
Pattern snapshot
| Item | Paper I (Classes I to V) | Paper II (Classes VI to VIII) |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 150 MCQs | 150 MCQs |
| Marks | 150 | 150 |
| Duration | 2.5 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Negative marking | None | None |
| Conducting body | CBSE | CBSE |
Official notice wins
Read the current CTET information bulletin on ctet.nic.in before applying; dates, languages and eligibility can change.
Sections
Paper I: Child Development and Pedagogy (30), Language I (30, the medium of instruction), Language II (30), Mathematics (30) and Environmental Studies (30).
Paper II: Child Development and Pedagogy (30), Language I (30), Language II (30), and either Mathematics and Science (60) for science and maths teachers or Social Studies/Social Science (60) for social studies teachers.
Child Development and Pedagogy covers development of the child, inclusive education and learning and pedagogy. In the subject sections, half the questions are on content and half on the pedagogy of that subject.
Qualifying marks
60% (90 of 150) for the general category; 55% for SC, ST, OBC and persons with disabilities, as per the CBSE notice. A CTET pass certificate is valid for life.
Link keys to the syllabus
After checking a key, count correct answers per section. A low Child Development and Pedagogy score matters in both papers, since it is common and worth 30 marks. In Paper II, the 60-mark subject block carries as much weight as the three 30-mark sections.