CTET Paper I: exam pattern and preparation strategy
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is conducted by CBSE on behalf of the Ministry of Education. A valid CTET score is mandatory for teaching in central government schools (Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, central government schools). Paper I qualifies for Classes 1–5 (Primary) and Paper II for Classes 6–8 (Upper Primary). This section covers Paper I.
Exam pattern
| Questions | 150 MCQs (30 per section) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 150 minutes (2.5 hours) |
| Marking | 1 mark each · no negative marking |
| Validity | Lifetime (as per NEP 2020 / NCTE notification) |
| Conducted by | CBSE on behalf of Ministry of Education |
Subject weightage
- Child Development & Pedagogy: 20%
- Language I (Hindi): 20%
- Language II (English): 20%
- Mathematics: 20%
- Environmental Studies (EVS): 20%
Selection process
- Score 60% or above (150 marks = 90+) to qualify CTET; 55% for SC/ST candidates.
- Use the CTET certificate to apply for central government school teacher recruitment (KVS, NVS, Army Public Schools, etc.).
- CTET is also accepted by several state governments and private schools - eligibility varies by state/institution.
Marking scheme
Each correct answer awards 1 mark. There is NO negative marking. Always attempt every question.
Syllabus
Child Development & Pedagogy
30 marks - child development, learning theories, inclusive education, assessment.
- Child Development
- Theories of Learning
- Piaget, Vygotsky & Constructivism
- Inclusive Education
- Assessment & Evaluation
- Intelligence & Creativity
- Motivation & Learning
- Language Development in Children
- Social and Emotional Development
- Learning Difficulties and Special Needs
- Teaching Methods and Classroom Management
Hindi Language
30 marks - Hindi grammar, comprehension, language pedagogy.
- Hindi Grammar (हिंदी व्याकरण)
- Sandhi & Samas (संधि और समास)
- Rasa, Chand & Alankar (रस, छंद और अलंकार)
- Language Pedagogy (भाषा शिक्षण)
- Varn Vichaar (Study of Letters/Sounds)
- Shabd Vichaar (Study of Words)
- Vakya Vichaar (Study of Sentences)
- Muhavare aur Lokoktiyan (Idioms and Proverbs)
English Language
30 marks - English grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, teaching methods.
- Grammar Essentials
- Vocabulary Skills
- Reading and Writing Skills
- Language Teaching Methods
- Parts of Speech
- Tenses
- Comprehension Skills
- Phonics and Pronunciation
Mathematics
30 marks - number system, arithmetic, geometry, measurement, maths pedagogy.
- Number System
- Arithmetic Operations
- Geometry and Measurement
- Maths Pedagogy
- Fractions and Decimals
- Data Handling
- Patterns and Symmetry
- Money and Time
Environmental Studies (EVS)
30 marks - environment, living world, social environment, EVS pedagogy.
- Living World
- Our Environment
- Social Environment
- EVS Pedagogy
- Water and Air
- Plants and Animals Around Us
- Our Food
- Family and Community
How to prepare
- CTET CDP questions lean heavily on NEP 2020 perspectives and NCERT textbooks for teacher education (NCTE guidelines). Know the key points of RTE 2009 and NEP 2020.
- The syllabus for CTET Paper I and HTET Level 1 is almost identical - use this platform to prepare both together.
- Language sections focus significantly on pedagogy (how to teach reading, writing, speaking) - know the communicative approach and process writing well.
- CTET is held twice a year - attempt it alongside your HTET preparation since the content is shared.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CTET Paper I exam pattern?
Questions: 150 MCQs (30 per section). Duration: 150 minutes (2.5 hours). Marking: 1 mark each · no negative marking. Validity: Lifetime (as per NEP 2020 / NCTE notification). Conducted by: CBSE on behalf of Ministry of Education.
How many questions are there in CTET Paper I and how much time is given?
CTET Paper I has 150 MCQs (30 per section) to be attempted in 150 minutes (2.5 hours).
Is there negative marking in CTET Paper I?
Each correct answer awards 1 mark. There is NO negative marking. Always attempt every question.
What is the syllabus and subject weightage for CTET Paper I?
The paper is weighted roughly as: Child Development & Pedagogy (20%), Language I (Hindi) (20%), Language II (English) (20%), Mathematics (20%), Environmental Studies (EVS) (20%).
How should I prepare for CTET Paper I?
CTET CDP questions lean heavily on NEP 2020 perspectives and NCERT textbooks for teacher education (NCTE guidelines). Know the key points of RTE 2009 and NEP 2020.
Can I practise for CTET Paper I online for free?
Yes. Eklavya offers free trilingual (English, Hindi, Hinglish) practice questions, full weighted mock tests with percentile ranking, a daily quiz and study notes for CTET Paper I.