The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level exam conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to determine eligibility for teaching positions in Classes 1-8 in government and private schools. With over 20 lakh applicants yearly, cracking CTET requires a solid grasp of the syllabus, exam pattern, and key topics . Whether you’re aiming for Paper 1 (Primary Stage: Classes 1-5) or Paper 2 (Elementary Stage: Classes 6-8), this guide breaks down everything—section-wise topics, marking scheme, and preparation tips—backed by expert insights and real-life success strategies.
Key Highlights of CTET 2025 🎯
Here’s a quick snapshot of the CTET 2025 exam:
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organizing Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Papers | Paper 1 (Classes 1-5) & Paper 2 (Classes 6-8) |
| Total Questions | 150 MCQs per paper |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct, no negative marking |
| Duration | 2.5 hours per paper |
| Languages Offered | 20 (Including Hindi, English, Bengali, etc.) |
| Qualifying Marks | 60% (90/150) |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
CTET Exam Pattern 2025: Paper 1 vs. Paper 2 📝
The exam structure differs for Paper 1 and Paper 2. Here’s a comparison:
📌 CTET Paper 1 (Primary Stage: Classes 1-5)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Language II (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies (EVS) | 30 | 30 |
📌 CTET Paper 2 (Elementary Stage: Classes 6-8)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Language II (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science (OR) | 60 | 60 |
| Social Studies/Social Science | 60 | 60 |
🔹 Pro Tip: If you’re applying for both levels (Classes 1-8), you must attempt both papers .
Detailed CTET Syllabus 2025: Subject-Wise Breakdown 📖
1. Child Development & Pedagogy (Common for Both Papers)
This section tests your understanding of teaching psychology, child behavior, and inclusive education. Key topics:
| Topic | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Child Development (Ages 6-14) | 15 Qs |
| Inclusive Education & Special Needs | 5 Qs |
| Learning Theories (Piaget, Vygotsky) | 10 Qs |
🔹 Expert Insight: “Focus on Piaget’s cognitive stages and Vygotsky’s social learning theory—they’re frequently asked!” – Dr. Rina Sharma, Education Consultant .
2. Language I & II (Compulsory for Both Papers)
Tests proficiency in teaching medium (Language I) and comprehension (Language II).
| Section | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Language I | Grammar, Pedagogy, Unseen Passages |
| Language II | Comprehension, Language Development |
🔹 Real-Life Example: Priya, a CTET qualifier, scored 28/30 in Language II by practicing daily comprehension passages .
3. Mathematics (Paper 1 & Paper 2)
- Paper 1: Basic arithmetic (Addition, Shapes, Time).
- Paper 2: Advanced topics (Algebra, Geometry, Data Handling).
| Paper 1 Topics | Paper 2 Topics |
|---|---|
| Numbers & Operations | Algebra & Equations |
| Measurement | Mensuration |
| Data Handling | Probability |
4. Environmental Studies (EVS) – Paper 1 Only
Covers real-world concepts like family, food, and environment.
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Family & Friends | Relationships, Animals |
| Food & Shelter | Nutrition, Housing |
| Water & Travel | Conservation, Transport |
5. Science & Social Studies (Paper 2 Only)
- Science: Food, Materials, Natural Phenomena.
- Social Studies: History, Geography, Civics.
| Science Topics | Social Studies Topics |
|---|---|
| Human Body | Indian Freedom Struggle |
| Electricity | Maps & Globes |
| Natural Resources | Government Systems |
Preparation Tips for CTET 2025 🚀
1. NCERT Books Are Your Best Friend
- Classes 1-8 NCERTs cover 90% of the syllabus .
- Focus on pedagogy sections—they’re high-scoring.
2. Solve Previous Year Papers
- 60% of questions are repeated or similar .
- Time management improves with practice.
3. Mock Tests & Speed Drills
- Take 2-3 mocks weekly to gauge progress.
- Allocate 1 min/question to avoid last-minute rush.
🔹 Pro Tip: “Revise Child Development theories daily—they’re conceptual and need repetition.” – Ankit Verma, CTET Mentor .
Final Thoughts
The CTET 2025 syllabus is vast but manageable with structured preparation. Focus on high-weightage topics, practice previous papers, and strengthen pedagogical concepts. Remember, no negative marking means attempt all questions—even educated guesses help!
🔗 For updates, check the official website: ctet.nic.in
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- CTET exam pattern
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This guide ensures you’re exam-ready with credible insights, actionable tips, and a clear roadmap. Happy studying! 📖✨
Divya Reddy is a career guidance writer specializing in exam results and admit cards. With a Master’s in Human Resources and 8+ years of experience, Divya loves helping students navigate their academic journeys. She enjoys practicing yoga.
