The CTET exam consists of two distinct papers: Paper 1 for aspiring primary teachers (Classes 1–5) and Paper 2 for upper primary teachers (Classes 6–8). Given the high volume of candidates competing annually, success requires a strategic approach. To excel, candidates must have a deep understanding of the official CTET syllabus, exam pattern, and detailed marking criteria.
CTET Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
To score well in the CTET 2026, scheduled for 6th September 2026, a structured preparation plan is essential. Mastering the CTET 2026 syllabus is the critical first step for every candidate. This comprehensive guide details the syllabus requirements for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test.
| Parameters | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| Subjects | Child Development and Pedagogy Language-I Language-II Mathematics Environmental Studies | Child Development and Pedagogy Language-I Language-II Mathematics and Science / Social Studies & Social Science |
| Questions | 150 | 150 |
| Maximum Marks | 150 | 150 |
| Exam Duration | 2.5 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions | |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR-Based) | |
| Marking Scheme | 1 mark for each correct answer | 1 mark for each correct answer |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking for wrong answers | No negative marking for wrong answers |
CTET 2026 September Notification Out - Click to Check
CTET Exam Syllabus 2026
Before diving into the syllabus, candidates should thoroughly review the CTET Exam Pattern. Understanding the weightage and structure of the test helps prioritize high-yield topics and builds a more effective study schedule.
- CTET will be conducted in two phases: Paper 1 for Classes 1 to 5 and Paper 2 for Classes 6 to 8.
- There will be 150 MCQs in each paper.
- There will be no negative marking for any incorrect answers.
- For Paper I, the difficulty level will be of the second stage and for Paper II, the difficulty level will be of the senior secondary stage.
- CTET Paper-1 is divided into 5 sections: Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I & II, Mathematics and Environmental Science.
- CTET Paper-2 is divided into four sections: Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I & II, Mathematics/Science, and Social Studies. Students will have the choice between Maths/Science and Social Studies.
Candidates qualified to teach both primary and upper primary levels may appear for both papers. Since CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2 occur in separate shifts on the same day, you can successfully register for both. Explore the syllabus details below.
CTET Paper 1 Syllabus 2026
The CTET Paper I evaluates candidates on Language I & II, Child Development and Pedagogy, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies. Here is the official CTET Syllabus 2026 for the Primary Stage (Classes I-V):
1. Child Development and Pedagogy Syllabus
a) Child Development (Primary School Child): 15 Questions
- Concept of development and its relationship with learning
- Principles of the development of children
- Influence of Heredity & Environment
- Socialization processes: Social world & children (Teacher, Parents, Peers)
- Piaget, Kohlberg and Vygotsky: constructs and critical perspectives
- Concepts of child-centred and progressive education
- Critical perspective of the construct of Intelligence
- Multi-Dimensional Intelligence
- Language & Thought
- Gender as a social construct; gender roles, gender-bias and educational practice
- Individual differences among learners, understanding differences based on diversity of language, caste, gender, community, religion etc.
- The distinction between Assessment for learning and assessment of learning; School-Based Assessment, Continuous & Comprehensive Evaluation: perspective and practice
- Formulating appropriate questions for assessing readiness levels of learners; for enhancing learning and critical thinking in the classroom and for assessing learner achievement.
b) Concept of Inclusive education and understanding children with special needs: 5 Questions
- Addressing learners from diverse backgrounds including disadvantaged and deprived
- Addressing the needs of children with learning difficulties, ‘impairment’ etc.
- Addressing the Talented, Creative, Specially abled Learners
c) Learning and Pedagogy: 10 Questions
- How children think and learn; how and why children ‘fail’ to achieve success in school performance.
- Basic processes of teaching and learning; children’s strategies of learning; learning as a social activity; social context of learning.
- Child as a problem solver and a ‘scientific investigator’
- Alternative conceptions of learning in children, understanding children’s ‘errors’ as significant steps in the learning process.
- Cognition & Emotions
- Motivation and learning
- Factors contributing to learning - personal & environmental
2. Mathematics Syllabus (30 Questions)
a) Content: 15 Questions
- Geometry
- Shapes & Spatial Understanding
- Solids around Us
- Numbers
- Addition and Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Measurement
- Weight
- Time
- Volume
- Data Handling
- Patterns
- Money
b) Pedagogical issues: 15 Questions
Nature of Mathematics and logical thinking; understanding children’s reasoning patterns and pedagogical strategies for effective learning.
- Place of Mathematics in Curriculum
- Language of Mathematics
- Community Mathematics
- Valuation through formal and informal methods
- Problems of Teaching
- Error analysis and related aspects of learning and teaching
- Diagnostic and Remedial Teaching
3. Environmental Studies Syllabus (30 Questions)
a) Content: 15 Questions
I. Family and Friends:
- Relationships
- Work and Play
- Animals
- Plants
II. Food
III. Shelter
IV. Water
V. Travel
VI. Things We Make and Do
b) Pedagogical Issues: 15 Questions
- Concept and scope of EVS
- Significance of EVS, integrated EVS
- Environmental Studies & Environmental Education
- Learning Principles
- Scope & relation to Science & Social Science
- Approaches of presenting concepts
- Activities
- Experimentation/Practical Work
- Discussion
- CCE
- Teaching material/Aids
- Problems
4. Language I Syllabus (30 Questions)
a) Language Comprehension: 15 Questions
Reading unseen passages (prose or drama and one poem) featuring questions on comprehension, grammar, and verbal ability (prose may be literary, scientific, or narrative).
b) Pedagogy of Language Development: 15 Questions
- Learning and acquisition
- Principles of language Teaching
- Role of listening and speaking; function of language and how children use it as a tool
- A critical perspective on the role of grammar in learning a language for communicating ideas verbally and in written form
- Challenges of teaching language in a diverse classroom; language difficulties, errors and disorders
- Language Skills
- Evaluating language comprehension and proficiency: speaking, listening, reading and writing
- Teaching-learning materials: Textbook, multi-media materials, multilingual resource of the classroom
5. Language 2 Syllabus (30 Questions)
a) Comprehension: 15 Questions
Two unseen prose passages (discursive, literary, narrative, or scientific) with items focusing on comprehension, grammar, and verbal skill.
b) Pedagogy of Language Development: 15 Questions
Note: The Pedagogy of Language Development section covers the same concepts for both languages.
Language 2 must be distinct from Language 1. Candidates select two languages from a list of 20, but the chosen languages must be different.
CTET Paper 2 Syllabus 2026
The CTET Paper 2 syllabus encompasses subject-specific topics essential for exam success. Below, we have outlined the detailed syllabus to help you plan your preparation effectively.



Note: In CTET Paper 2, Mathematics & Science together account for 60 questions, while Social Studies accounts for 60 questions. Candidates must choose between the Mathematics & Science section or the Social Studies section.
CTET Syllabus PDF
To assist your preparation, we have provided the comprehensive CTET Syllabus PDF, containing all key topics required for the 2026 examination.
| Papers | Download PDF |
| Paper 1 | Syllabus PDF |
| Paper 2 | Syllabus PDF |
Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Pass % | Passing MArks |
| General | 60% | 90/150 |
| SC/ST/OBC/PwD | 55% | 82/150 |
FAQs
Each correct answer is awarded 1 mark.
No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
The difficulty level of CTET Paper-1 is aligned with the secondary level, while Paper-2 corresponds to the senior-secondary level.
The CTET exam is now conducted in offline mode.
Yes, the NCTE has officially extended the validity of the CTET certificate from 7 years to a lifetime.
Unlike many competitive exams, there is no limit on the number of attempts for the CTET exam.
Also Read:
- CTET Syllabus 2026: Official PDF for Paper 1 & 2 Exam Pattern
- CTET Answer Key 2026 Released: Download Paper 1 & 2 Response Sheet PDF
- CTET 2026 Notification: September Session Application, Exam Dates, & Eligibility
- CTET Paper 2 Syllabus 2026: Exam Pattern, Subject-wise Topics & PDF
- CTET Exam Pattern 2026: Detailed Overview for Paper I & II
- CTET Online Form 2026 Deadline Today: Last Chance to Apply at ctet.nic.in