What is CTET?

​The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level exam conducted twice a year by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) under the guidelines of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). It establishes a benchmark of quality and aptitude for aspiring educators entering the Indian schooling system.

​Passing the CTET is an essential requirement for anyone looking to secure teaching appointments for Classes I to VIII across Central Government schools—such as Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), Central Tibetan Schools, and various schools under Union Territory administrations, as well as many private CBSE-affiliated institutions.

​Key Exam Features

• ​Two Exam Levels:
  • ​Paper I: For candidates aiming to teach Primary Stage (Classes 1 to 5).
  • ​Paper II: For candidates aiming to teach Elementary Stage (Classes 6 to 8). (Candidates can opt for either or both papers depending on their qualifications.)

• ​Structure & Format:
  • ​150 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) per paper, carrying 1 mark each.
  • ​No negative marking for incorrect answers.
  • ​Core subjects include Child Development & Pedagogy, Language I & II, Mathematics, Environmental Studies (Paper I), and Mathematics/Science or Social Studies (Paper II).

• ​Qualifying Criteria:
  • ​General Category: Minimum 60% (90 out of 150 marks).
  • ​Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD): Minimum 55% (82 out of 150 marks).

• ​Lifetime Validity & Unlimited Attempts:
  • ​Once qualified, the CTET certificate remains valid for life.
  • ​There is no upper age limit and no restriction on the number of attempts to appear or improve one’s score.