What is the difference between CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2?

CTET Paper 1 is for candidates intending to teach Classes I to V (Primary Stage), whereas CTET Paper 2 is for candidates intending to teach Classes VI to VIII (Elementary Stage). Candidates can appear in both papers if eligible.

What is the validity period of the CTET Certificate?

The validity period of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) qualifying certificate for appointment is for lifetime for all categories.

Is there any negative marking in CTET or UPTET?

No, there is NO negative marking in CTET or UPTET examinations. Each question carries 1 mark, and candidates are encouraged to attempt all 150 questions.

📚 Central & State Teacher Eligibility

Teaching Exams Guide 2026

Your complete roadmap to CTET, State TETs, KVS, NVS, and DSSSB Primary, Trained Graduate (TGT), and Post Graduate (PGT) teacher recruitments.

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Key Body

CBSE & State Boards

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Certificate Validity

Lifetime Validity

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Negative Marking

No Negative Marks

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Qualifying Score

60% (90 / 150 Marks)

1. Overview of Teaching Recruitments in India

Under the Right to Education (RTE) Act guidelines issued by NCTE, clearing a Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is a mandatory prerequisite for appointment as a teacher in central schools (KVS, NVS, Central Tibetan Schools, Army Public Schools) and government/aided schools across Indian states.

2. Key Teaching Examinations

CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test)

Conducted biannually by CBSE for determining eligibility to teach in Central Government schools and UT schools.

Paper 1: Primary Stage (Class 1 to 5) Paper 2: Elementary Stage (Class 6 to 8) Qualifying Marks: 60% for General / 55% for Reserved

KVS Recruitment (Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan)

Direct recruitment for PRT (Primary Teacher), TGT (Subject Teacher), and PGT (Post Graduate Teacher) across 1250+ KV schools.

Eligibility: CTET + B.Ed/D.El.Ed + Degree/Post Graduation Stages: Written CBT + Class Demo & Interview

State TETs (UPTET / REET / Bihar STET)

State-specific teacher eligibility tests required for government school teacher vacancies in respective states.

Format: Paper 1 (Primary) & Paper 2 (Upper Primary) Language: State Regional Language Pedagogy

DSSSB Teacher Recruitment

Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board recruitment for PRT, TGT, PGT, and Nursery teachers in Delhi Directorate of Education.

Format: 200 Marks Online CBT Negative Marking: 0.25 marks penalty

3. CTET Exam Pattern (Paper 1 & Paper 2)

Both papers consist of 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) of 1 mark each, conducted for 2.5 hours (150 minutes) with no negative marking:

Paper 1 (Class I to V)

No.	Subject Component	MCQs	Marks
1	Child Development and Pedagogy (Compulsory)	30	30
2	Language I (Compulsory)	30	30
3	Language II (Compulsory)	30	30
4	Mathematics	30	30
5	Environmental Studies (EVS)	30	30
Total Aggregate		150 MCQs	150 Marks (150 Minutes)

Paper 2 (Class VI to VIII)

No.	Subject Component	MCQs	Marks
1	Child Development & Pedagogy	30	30
2	Language I	30	30
3	Language II	30	30
4	For Maths/Science Teachers: Mathematics & Science OR For Social Studies Teachers: Social Studies/Social Science	60	60
Total Aggregate		150 MCQs	150 Marks (150 Minutes)

4. Key Pedagogical & Syllabus Topics

Child Development: Piaget, Kohlberg, Vygotsky Theories Inclusive Education & Addressing Learners with Diverse Needs Learning and Pedagogy: Problem Solving, Motivation & Cognition Language Pedagogy: Principles of Language Teaching, Remedial Teaching NCERT Environmental Studies (Theme: Family, Food, Shelter, Water, Travel) Pedagogical Issues in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can a candidate appear in CTET multiple times to improve their score?

Yes. A person who has qualified CTET may also appear again for improving their score. There is no restriction on the number of attempts a person can take.

Are B.Ed holders eligible for Primary (Class 1-5) teaching?

Following the Supreme Court judgment on NCTE regulations, D.El.Ed / BTC qualification is required for Primary Teacher (PRT) appointments, while B.Ed graduates are eligible for TGT and PGT teaching posts.