What is CTET Exam? - Syllabus, Exam Pattern

What is CTET Exam? - Syllabus, Exam Pattern

Edited By Meghana Mohana Krishnan | Updated on May 26, 2020 03:42 PM IST | #CTET

What is CTET Exam - Central Board of Secondary Education (CNSE) conducts Central Teachers Eligibility Test which is commonly known as CTET. This test is a national level test conducted to determine the eligibility of the candidates to be recruited as Teachers in classes 1 to 8. The test is conducted in offline mode for two papers - paper I and II. For those candidates who wish to become a teacher in classes 1 to 5 have to take paper I while paper II must be taken by those who wish to become teachers in classes 6 to 8. In both papers - I and II, candidates have to secure just the minimum qualifying marks - 60% (general) and 55% (reserved category) to qualify CTET. Further, all the qualified candidates will be issued the CTET eligibility certificate through which they will be able to apply for various schools across the country. This test is conducted twice a year - July and December.

What is CTET Exam? - Syllabus, Exam Pattern
What is CTET Exam? - Syllabus, Exam Pattern

Who can apply for CTET?

There are certain eligibility criteria that have been determined by the conducting authorities for those who wish to fill the CTET application form. As per the CTET eligibility criteria, there is no age criteria set. However, candidates taking paper I must hold:

  • A Graduation degree with at least 50% marks or more and

  • A Bachelor’s in Education (B.Ed.) degree.

For Paper II, a candidates must have:

  • Secured at least 50% marks in graduation and passed or appearing in 1-year B.Ed. (Special Education).

CTET Dates 2020

This year, CTET 2020 is expected to be held on July 5. The table below contains the CTET exam dates along with other related dates.

CTET 2020 Important Dates

Events

Dates (July Session)

Dates (December Session)

CTET notification

January 23, 2020 (Released)

August 2020

CTET 2020 application form

January 24, 2020 (Released)

August 2020

Last date to fill CTET application form

March 16, 2020 (Extended)

September 2020

Admit card release date

June 17, 2020 (Tentative)

November 2020

CTET 2020

July 5, 2020

December 2020

What is the CTET exam structure?

It is very important for the candidates to know the structure and exam pattern of the CTET exam. As per the CTET exam pattern, the test is conducted in the offline mode i.e the pen and paper mode. CTET comprises two papers - paper I and II. Candidates may or may not appear for both papers depending on the classes for which they want to become teachers. Each of the two papers contains a total of 150 marks questions and candidates are given 2 hours 30 minutes to finish it. The questions are objective type multiple choice. Refer to the tables below for knowing the exam pattern in detail.

CTET 2020 Exam Pattern For Paper 1

Sections

No. of Questions

Marks

Language I (compulsory)

30

30

Language II (compulsory)

30

30

Child Development and Pedagogy

30

30

Environmental Studies

30

30

Mathematics

30

30

Total

150

150

CTET Exam Pattern 2020 For Paper 2

Sections

No. of Questions

Marks

Language I (compulsory)

30

30

Language II (compulsory)

30

30

Child Development and Pedagogy

30

30

Mathematics and Science (for Mathematics and Science teacher only)

60

60

Social Studies/Social Science (for Social Studies/Social Science teacher only)

60

60

Total

150

150

Who are considered CTET Qualified?

Only those candidates will qualify the exam who will secure the marks equal to or more than the minimum cut off marks as per their categories. The minimum qualifying marks is also the CTET cut off which is mentioned in the table below.

CTET 2020 Qualifying Marks

Category

Total Marks

Qualifying Percentage

Qualifying Marks

General

150

60%

90

Reserved

150

55%

82.5

CTET Eligibility Certificate 2020

All those candidates who qualify in the test will be issued the CTET eligibility certificate which can be downloaded from the official website by using their roll numbers.

Schools To Apply After Qualifying CTET

  • Schools run by Central Government like KVS, NVS, Central Tibetan Schools, etc and controlled under UT’s of Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and NCTof Delhi.

  • Unaided private schools

  • Schools owned and managed by the State Government/local bodies.

How to crack CTET Exam?
Know all about the analysis and preparation tips to crack the CTET exam without any difficulty.
Check Now

CTET Result Statistics

The table below contains the statistics of CTET result for previous years.

Year

Papers

No. of Qualified Candidates

No. of Appeared Candidates

December 2019

Paper I

2,47,386

16,46,620

Paper II

2,94,899

11,85,500

June 2019


Paper I

1,78,273

10,73,545

Paper II

1,26,968

8,78,425

Read More:

CTET Exam Dates 2020

CTET Syllabus 2020

CTET Exam Pattern 2020

CTET Answer Key 2020

CTET Result 2020

CTET Cut off 2020

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many times can I appear for CTET?

Candidates can appear for the CTET exam as many times as they wish. Candidates who have qualified can also appear for CTET again to improve their scores.

2. Will the exam be conducted in online mode?

No, the exam of CTET 2020 will be conducted in offline mode.

3. How many marks are allotted to Child Development and Pedagogy?

Both the papers I and II will have questions from the Child Development and Pedagogy section and will contain a total of 30 questions of 1 mark each.

4. At how many exam centres will the CTET 2020 be held?

This year, the exam will be held at various CTET exam centres in 112 cities across India. Exam centre of CTET 2020 has been changed to 112 cities.

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Questions related to CTET

Have a question related to CTET ?

The CTET 2025 application form has not been released yet. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is expected to release the official notification and application form soon. The exact dates for the application process have not been announced yet.

Tentative Important Dates:

CTET 2025 Notification Release: Expected in April 2025

CTET 2025 Application Start: Expected in April 2025

CTET 2025 Application End: Expected in April 2025

CTET 2025 Exam Date: Expected on July 6, 2025

Based on Karnataka’s OBC list and APDSC (Andhra Pradesh DSC) norms , here’s a structured approach:

  • APDSC follows Andhra Pradesh’s OBC list , not Karnataka’s.

  • If applying in Karnataka : Use Karnataka’s OBC certificate (e.g., Category 2A, 3A)

  • For Karnataka-Based Applications
    If you’re applying in Karnataka (assuming a typo in "APDSC"):

    • OBC Sub-Castes :

      • Category 2A : Balija, Bestha, Gangaputra

      • Category 3A : Uppara, Vishwakarma.

      • Full List : Refer to the Karnataka OBC PDF ( Result 1 (https://www.ncbc.nic.in/Writereaddata/cl/karnataka.pdf) ) for your exact sub-caste.

    • OC Option :

      • Avoid OC if you hold a valid Karnataka OBC certificate, as it reduces competition (OBC has reserved seats).

      • If opting for OC : You cannot claim reservation benefits .

  • Do Not Opt for OC : As an OBC candidate, selecting OC forfeits your reservation eligibility , increasing competition.

  • Verify Sub-Caste : Cross-check your caste in Karnataka’s OBC list ( Result 1 (https://www.ncbc.nic.in/Writereaddata/cl/karnataka.pdf) ) and match it exactly in the application.
  • Example : If your caste is Balija (2A in Karnataka), select "Balija" under OBC. Do not choose OC .

    Final Answer : Do not select OC . Choose your exact OBC sub-caste from Karnataka’s OBC list (e.g., Balija, Uppara) to retain reservation benefits. If applying in Andhra, confirm eligibility first.


As you can see choose whether to take it or not its upto you but you can opt for OBC  its the better option.However you can match your resuts from the above links provided and search further for it .always takes what's suitable for future refrences.

Hope it will help you clear your mind.


Yes, preparing for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) in just 2-3 months starting from level zero is absolutely achievable with a focused and strategic approach. The CTET syllabus, while comprehensive, is designed to assess your understanding of fundamental teaching concepts and child psychology, which can be grasped within a dedicated timeframe.

To succeed, you'll need to create a structured study plan. Begin by thoroughly understanding the CTET syllabus for the specific level (Paper I for primary, Paper II for upper primary, or both). Divide the syllabus into manageable topics and allocate time for each based on its weightage and your familiarity. Consistent daily study is key, even if it's for a few focused hours each day.

Since you're starting from level zero, NCERT books from classes 1 to 8 (depending on the paper you're attempting) will be your foundational resources. These books provide the core concepts in subjects like Child Development and Pedagogy, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Science, and Languages. Supplement your NCERT reading with CTET-specific guidebooks and study materials that offer concise explanations and practice questions aligned with the exam pattern.

Regular practice through previous years' question papers and mock tests is crucial. This will familiarize you with the exam format, question types, time management, and help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. Analyze your performance in these practice sessions and dedicate more time to areas where you are struggling. Effective time management during the actual exam is also something you can develop through consistent practice.

Finally, stay focused and motivated throughout your preparation. Avoid distractions and maintain a positive attitude. Consistent effort and a well-planned strategy will significantly increase your chances of clearing the CTET exam within your 2-3 month timeframe, even starting from a basic level of understanding.

I hope it helps.

Hello Pooja,

To prepare for the CTET exam , here are the best sample papers and resources:

  1. Previous Year Papers: These give insight into the exam pattern and types of questions. Available online or in books.

  2. Official Sample Papers: Download from the CTET official website (ctet.nic.in).

  3. Books:

    • "CTET & TETs" by Arihant Publications for practice questions.

    • "CTET Success Master" by Upkar Prakashan for mock tests.

  4. Online Platforms: Websites like Careers360 offer free sample papers.

  5. Mobile Apps: Apps like Unacademy , Testbook , and GradeUp provide mock tests and sample papers.

Focus on key areas: Child Development , Language , Math/Science/Environmental Studies based on the level (Primary/Upper Primary).


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, then feel free to share your questions with us, we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

Yes, you can apply for CTET even if you are in the first semester of BTC . To be eligible for CTET exam, you must have passed the Senior Secondary (12th) class examination with minimum 50% marks and have a two-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) or B.Ed degree, whether you are in the first semester or any other semester.

In detail:

Eligibility:

For CTET Paper 1 (Class 1-5), you must have passed Senior Secondary (12th) class examination with minimum 50% marks and two-year D.El.Ed or B.Ed. Must have a degree. BTC course is a type of D.El.Ed, so you can apply even if you are in the first semester.

BTC (D.El.Ed):

This is a two year diploma course to become a primary teacher. Even though you are in the first semester, you are eligible to apply for CTET Paper 1.

CTET Exam:

CTET is a teacher eligibility test conducted for the recruitment of primary and upper primary teachers across India.

Application Process:

You can fill the online application form by visiting the official website of CTET.

Information in the application form:

You will have to fill your educational qualification, personal details and other required information in the application form.

Last Date:

The last date for application for CTET will be given in the exam notification.

Exam Schedule:

The schedule of CTET exam will also be given in the exam notification.

So, you can apply for CTET even if you are in the first semester of BTC. Just make sure you have the required educational qualifications and fill the application form correctly.

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