CTET 2026 Syllabus and Exam Pattern – The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 is a national-level eligibility exam conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to determine the teaching eligibility for Classes I–VIII. Whether you want to become a Primary Teacher (Class I–V) or an Elementary Teacher (Class VI–VIII), CTET is mandatory to qualify.
Understanding the syllabus and exam pattern is the first step toward clearing this exam. In this article, we provide a complete, clear, and SEO-friendly explanation of CTET 2026 Syllabus & Exam Pattern for both Paper 1 and Paper 2, including section-wise marks distribution and important topics.
Overview of CTET 2026 Syllabus
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 |
| Conducted By | CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper / OMR-Based) |
| Exam Duration | 2.5 Hours (150 Minutes) |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Marks | 150 Marks |
| Total Questions | 150 Questions |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Validity of CTET | Lifetime |
| Papers | Paper 1 & Paper 2 |
| Official Website | www.ctet.nic.in |
CTET Exam 2026
CTET consists of two papers:
| Paper | For |
|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Teachers of Classes I–V (Primary Level) |
| Paper 2 | Teachers of Classes VI–VIII (Elementary Level) |
CTET 2026 Exam Pattern – Paper 1 (For Classes I to V)
- Total Questions: 150
- Total Marks: 150
- Duration: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
- Type: MCQ, No Negative Marking
| Subjects | No. of 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 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
CTET 2026 Syllabus Paper 1
Child Development & Pedagogy (30 Marks)
- Concept and principles of child development
- Learning and Pedagogy
- Inclusive education and understanding diverse learners
- Motivation and learning
- Child-centered and progressive education
- Role of teachers, parents, and peers
Language I (30 Marks)
- Reading comprehension
- Language acquisition theories
- Principles of language teaching
- Grammar & vocabulary
- Teaching-learning materials
- Evaluating language comprehension
Language II (30 Marks)
- Two passages (prose/drama & poetry)
- Development of language skills
- Communication abilities
- Remedial teaching
- Language comprehension and pedagogy
Mathematics (30 Marks)
- Number System & Basic Arithmetic
- Geometry & Measurements
- Data Handling
- Pedagogical Issues
- Problem-solving abilities
- Strategies of teaching Mathematics
Environmental Studies (30 Marks)
- Family & Friends
- Food, Work & Shelter
- Travel and Things We Make
- Natural Resources
- Concept of environmental education
- Teaching-learning strategies
CTET 2026 Exam Pattern – Paper 2 (For Classes VI to VIII)
- Total Questions: 150
- Total Marks: 150
- Duration: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
- Type: MCQ, No Negative Marking
| Sections | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I (compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Language II (compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science OR Social Science/Social Studies | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
CTET 2026 Syllabus Paper 2
Child Development & Pedagogy (Compulsory – 30 Marks)
- Learning theories: Piaget, Vygotsky & Kohlberg
- Cognitive development of children
- Factors influencing learning
- Inclusive education
- Individual differences
- Learning disabilities
- Motivation & emotions
Language I (30 Marks)
- Reading comprehension
- Pedagogy of language development
- Grammar, sentence formation
- Listening & speaking skills
- Principles of language teaching
Language II (30 Marks)
- Unseen passages (2 types)
- Vocabulary & grammar
- Language skills evaluation
- Remedial teaching
- Communication skills
Mathematics & Science (60 Marks) (For students choosing Science stream)
Mathematics Topics:
- Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration
- Number systems & Arithmetic
- Data handling
Science Topics: - Food, Nutrition, Materials
- Natural resources, Environment
- Force, Motion, Work, Energy
Social Studies (60 Marks) (Alternative to Maths/Science)
- History: Ancient, Medieval & Modern India
- Geography: Climate, Resources, Environment
- Political Science: Constitution, Democracy
- Pedagogical issues in Social Science
Important Points About CTET 2026
- No negative marking
- Validity – Lifetime
- Minimum Qualifying Marks:
| Category | Required % | Required Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General | 60% | 90/150 |
| OBC/SC/ST/PwD | 55% (relaxation) | 82/150 |
The CTET 2026 exam offers an excellent opportunity for aspiring teachers to begin their professional journey. A structured preparation strategy with the official CTET syllabus and exam pattern will help candidates score well. Since there is no negative marking, candidates should attempt all 150 questions to maximize their score.
FAQ – CTET 2026 Syllabus
What is the exam date for CTET 2026?
The CTET 2026 exam will be held on 8th February 2026 (Sunday).
Who conducts the CTET Exam?
The CTET exam is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
How many questions are asked in each CTET paper?
Each paper consists of 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
Is there negative marking in CTET 2026?
No, there is no negative marking in CTET 2026.
What is the exam duration of CTET 2026?
The duration of the exam is 2 hours 30 minutes.
