CTET Syllabus 2026
Central Teacher Eligibility Test
Conducted By
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
Eligibility
Paper I (Classes 1-5): D.El.Ed / B.El.Ed; Paper II (Classes 6-8): B.Ed or D.El.Ed with relevant subject
Age Limit
No upper age limit
Exam Pattern
Two Papers: Paper I (Primary - Classes 1-5), Paper II (Elementary - Classes 6-8)
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test is mandatory for teaching jobs in central schools like KVS and NVS. Conducted by CBSE, it awards a lifetime-valid qualification certificate. The exam has two papers. Paper I is for teachers of classes one to five. Paper II is for teachers of classes six to eight. Both papers test Child Development and Pedagogy, two languages, Mathematics, and Science or Social Studies. Understanding pedagogy is the most important part of clearing this exam. Most candidates spend three to six months studying child psychology and school curriculum concepts. There is no negative marking, but accuracy is key. Use our interactive checklist below to systematically cover all pedagogy and subject topics before the exam.
Detailed Topic-wise Syllabus (46 topics)
Paper I - Primary Stage (Classes 1 to 5)
150 MCQs | 150 marks | 150 minutes | For candidates who want to teach Classes I to V
Child Development and Pedagogy 30 Marks
- Child Development - Growth, Development Concepts, Stages
- Inclusive Education and Understanding Children with Special Needs
- Piaget, Kohlberg and Vygotsky - Theories and Implications
- Concepts of Learning, Motivation and Its Role
- Heredity and Environment - Role in Child Development
- Socialization Processes and its Social World
- Critical Perspective of Teaching and Assessment
- Intelligence - Multi-dimensional Theory
- Language and Thought - Relation and Development
- Gender as a Social Construct and Gender Bias
Language I (Hindi/English/Regional Language) 30 Marks
- Unseen Prose and Poetry Comprehension
- Language Pedagogy - Language Learning and Acquisition
- Role of Listening and Speaking
- Grammar - Parts of Speech, Tenses, Voice
- Language Skills - Reading, Writing, Oral
Language II (English/Hindi/Sanskrit) 30 Marks
- Comprehension - Unseen Passages
- Grammar and Verbal Ability
- Language Pedagogy - Language Development in Primary
Mathematics 30 Marks
- Geometry - Shapes, Spatial Understanding
- Shapes and Spatial Understanding
- Numbers - Counting, Operations, Patterns
- Measurement - Weight, Length, Time
- Data Handling - Graphs, Charts
- Mathematics Pedagogy - Problem Solving in Mathematics
Environmental Studies 30 Marks
- Family and Friends - Relationships, Work and Play
- Food - Food Sources, Nutrition, Preservation
- Shelter - Types of Houses, Building Materials
- Water - Sources, Purification, Conservation
- Travel - Modes of Transport, Routes
- Things We Make and Do - Craft, Tools
- EVS Pedagogy - Scope, Significance, Activities
Paper II - Elementary Stage (Classes 6 to 8)
150 MCQs | 150 marks | 150 minutes | For candidates who want to teach Classes VI to VIII
Child Development and Pedagogy (Compulsory) 30 Marks
- Adolescent Development - Physical, Social, Emotional
- Learning and Cognition - Theories of Learning
- Constructivism in Teaching
- Motivation and Achievement
- Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation
- Teaching Approaches - Project-Based, Problem-Based
Language I - Compulsory 30 Marks
- Comprehension - Unseen Prose Passages
- Grammar and Verbal Ability (Advanced)
- Language Learning and Acquisition
Language II - Compulsory 30 Marks
- Comprehension - Unseen Passages
- Grammar and Language Usage
- Language Pedagogy at Middle Level
Subject-Specific (Mathematics & Science OR Social Studies) 60 Marks
- Mathematics Track: Number System, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Data Handling + Pedagogy
- Science Track: Food, Materials, Living World, Motion, Natural Phenomena, Natural Resources + Pedagogy
- Social Studies Track: History, Geography, Social and Political Life (Class 6-8 NCERT syllabus) + Pedagogy
Recommended Reference Books
| Subject | Book Title | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development | Child Development and Pedagogy | Arihant Experts |
| Mathematics | Mathematics & Pedagogy for CTET | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Hindi Language | Hindi Bhasha Evam Shiksha Shastra | Arihant |
| Environmental Studies | Environmental Studies and Pedagogy | S. Chand |
| Social Science | Social Science & Pedagogy | Arihant |
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