The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a crucial exam for aspiring teachers in India. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts the exam twice yearly, i.e. June and December. It serves as a benchmark to assess the eligibility of candidates for teaching positions in various schools. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the CTET syllabus, examination scheme, and paper pattern to help candidates prepare effectively.
CTET Syllabus and Exam Pattern
| Organization | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Name of Examination | CTET 2024 July Exam |
| CTET Exam Date 2024 | 07th July 2024 |
| Duration of CTET Exam | 2.5 hours (for each paper) |
| Language of Exam | 20 languages |
| Maximum Marks | 150 marks (for each paper) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR Based) |
| Website | ctet.nic.in |
CTET ensures teachers possess the essential skills and knowledge to educate students effectively. The exam is conducted in two papers:
- Paper I: For candidates aspiring to teach classes I to V.
- Paper II: For candidates aiming to teach classes VI to VIII.
Candidates intending to teach both levels need to appear for both papers.
Examination Timings and Exam Scheme
The CTET examination is held in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The exam is conducted in two shifts:
- Shift I: 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
- Shift II: 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Each paper consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), totalling two and a half hours per paper. Each question carries one mark, and there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
Paper I
| Subjects | Total Number of Questions | Total Number of Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 | 2.5 hours |
| Language I (compulsory) | 30 | 30 | |
| Language II (compulsory) | 30 | 30 | |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Paper II
| Subjects | Total Number of Questions | Total Number of Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 | 2.5 hours |
| Language I (compulsory) | 30 | 30 | |
| Language II (compulsory) | 30 | 30 | |
| A. Mathematics & Science | 30 + 30 | 60 | |
| B. Social Studies & Social Science | 60 | 60 | |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Paper I Syllabus and Structure
Paper I is intended for candidates who wish to teach classes I to V. The structure and content of Paper I are as follows:
- Child Development and Pedagogy (30 MCQs, 30 Marks)
- Focuses on educational psychology, understanding the characteristics and needs of diverse learners, and the attributes and qualities of a good facilitator of learning.
- Language I (30 MCQs, 30 Marks)
- Proficiencies related to the medium of instruction, including comprehension and language development.
- Language II (30 MCQs, 30 Marks)
- Elements of language, communication, and comprehension abilities. Language II should be different from Language I.
- Mathematics (30 MCQs, 30 Marks)
- Concepts, problem-solving abilities, and pedagogical understanding of mathematics.
- Environmental Studies (30 MCQs, 30 Marks)
- Concepts and pedagogical understanding of environmental studies.
Paper II Syllabus and Structure
Paper II is intended for candidates who wish to teach classes VI to VIII. The structure and content of Paper II are as follows:
- Child Development and Pedagogy (30 MCQs, 30 Marks)
- Educational psychology is relevant to the age group of 11-14 years, focusing on understanding diverse learners’ characteristics, needs, and psychology.
- Language I (30 MCQs, 30 Marks)
- Proficiencies related to the medium of instruction, including comprehension and language development.
- Language II (30 MCQs, 30 Marks)
- Elements of language, communication, and comprehension abilities. Language II should be different from Language I.
- Mathematics and Science (60 MCQs, 60 Marks) or Social Studies/Social Science (60 MCQs, 60 Marks)
- Candidates can choose between Mathematics and Science or Social Studies/Social Science, depending on their specialization and intended teaching subject.
Qualifying Marks and Certificate
To qualify for CTET, candidates must score at least 60% (90 out of 150 marks). School management may consider giving concessions to candidates belonging to SC/ST, OBC, and differently-abled categories per their reservation policies. The CTET certificate is valid for a lifetime and can be used to apply for teaching positions in various schools across India.