CTET Syllabus 2026: Complete Paper 1 & Paper 2 Guide with Exam Pattern & Prep Tips
CTET Syllabus 2026: Complete Paper 1 & Paper 2 Guide with Exam Pattern & Prep Tips
With the CTET 2026 exam scheduled for February 8, 2026, understanding the detailed syllabus and exam structure is the most critical step in your preparation. This comprehensive guide breaks down the official CTET 2026 syllabus for both papers, explains the exam pattern, and provides strategic preparation tips to help you qualify.
CTET Syllabus 2026: Overview of Exam Structure
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to determine the eligibility of candidates for teaching classes I to VIII. The exam consists of two separate papers:
- Paper I: For candidates who intend to teach Classes I to V (Primary Stage).
- Paper II: For candidates who intend to teach Classes VI to VIII (Elementary Stage).
- Candidates who wish to teach all levels (I to VIII) must appear for and qualify in both papers.
All questions are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with four alternatives. Each question carries one mark, and there is no negative marking. The medium of the question paper will be available in 20 languages as listed in the Information Bulletin.
CTET Syllabus 2026: Paper 1 (For Classes I-V)
Paper I consists of five compulsory subjects, each with 30 questions for 30 marks, making a total of 150 questions worth 150 marks. The duration of the exam is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
1. Child Development and Pedagogy (30 Questions)
This section tests understanding of educational psychology and teaching-learning processes relevant to children aged 6-11 years.
- Child Development (15 Q): Concept of development, principles, influence of Heredity & Environment, socialization processes, theories of Piaget, Kohlberg, and Vygotsky, child-centered education, construct of intelligence, language & thought, gender issues, individual differences.
- Inclusive Education (5 Q): Addressing learners from diverse backgrounds, teaching children with special needs and learning difficulties.
- Learning and Pedagogy (10 Q): How children think and learn, failure in school performance, basic teaching-learning processes, social context of learning, cognition & emotions, motivation.
2. Language I (Compulsory) (30 Questions)
Focuses on proficiencies related to the medium of instruction.
- Language Comprehension (15 Q): Two unseen passages (prose/drama and a poem) with questions on comprehension, inference, grammar, and verbal ability.
- Pedagogy of Language Development (15 Q): Principles of language teaching, role of listening and speaking, challenges of teaching in a diverse classroom, language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing), teaching-learning materials, remedial teaching.
3. Language II (Compulsory) (30 Questions)
Focuses on the elements of language, communication, and comprehension abilities. Language II must be different from Language I.
- Comprehension (15 Q): Two unseen prose passages with questions on comprehension, grammar, and verbal ability.
- Pedagogy of Language Development (15 Q): (Same focus areas as for Language I).
4. Mathematics (30 Questions)
- Content (15 Q): Geometry, Shapes & Spatial Understanding, Solids, Numbers, Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Measurement, Weight, Time, Volume, Data Handling, Patterns, Money.
- Pedagogical issues (15 Q): Nature of Mathematics, place in curriculum, language of Mathematics, community Mathematics, evaluation, remedial teaching, problems of teaching.
5. Environmental Studies (EVS) (30 Questions)
- Content (15 Q): Family and Friends, Food, Shelter, Water, Travel, Things We Make and Do.
- Pedagogical Issues (15 Q): Concept and scope of EVS, significance, integrated approach, environmental studies & environmental education, learning principles, scope, activities, experimentation, discussion, CCE, teaching material/Aids, problems.
Also Read: Rajasthan Lab Assistant Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026: Complete RSSB Guide
CTET Syllabus 2026: Paper 2 (For Classes VI-VIII)
Paper II also has five sections totaling 150 MCQs for 150 marks, to be completed in 2 hours 30 minutes. Candidates must choose between Mathematics & Science or Social Studies/Social Science for the second section.
1. Child Development and Pedagogy (30 Questions)
- Content and weightage is identical to Paper I, but focuses on children at the elementary school stage (11-14 years).
2. Language I (Compulsory) (30 Questions)
- Identical in structure and focus to Paper I.
3. Language II (Compulsory) (30 Questions)
- Identical in structure and focus to Paper I.
4. (A) Mathematics and Science (60 Questions)
For candidates who choose this subject combination.
- Mathematics (30 Q):
- Content (20 Q): Number System, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Data Handling.
- Pedagogical issues (10 Q): Nature of Mathematics, place in curriculum, language of Mathematics, evaluation, remedial teaching.
- Science (30 Q):
- Content (20 Q): Food, Materials, The World of the Living, Moving Things, How Things Work, Natural Phenomena, Natural Resources.
- Pedagogical issues (10 Q): Nature & structure of Science, approaches to teaching, experimentation, innovation, evaluation.
4. (B) Social Studies/Social Science (60 Questions)
For candidates who choose this subject combination.
- Content (40 Q):
- History: Key periods from early societies to India after independence.
- Geography: Geography as a study, planet, resources, human-environment relations.
- Social and Political Life: Diversity, government, democracy, state government, media, gender, constitution, judiciary, social justice.
- Pedagogical Issues (20 Q): Concept & nature of Social Science, classroom processes, developing critical thinking, enquiry, project work, evaluation.
CTET Syllabus 2026: Complete Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subjects | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Child Development and Pedagogy (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 | 2.5 Hours |
| Language I (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 | ||
| Language II (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 | ||
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | ||
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 | ||
| Total | 150 | 150 | ||
| Paper II | Child Development and Pedagogy (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 | 2.5 Hours |
| Language I (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 | ||
| Language II (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 | ||
| Either: Mathematics & Science Or: Social Studies/Social Science | 60 | 60 | ||
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Key Points:
- Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper based OMR sheet).
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), 4 options.
- Marking: +1 for correct answer, no negative marking.
- Language: Questions available in 20 languages. Language I & II must be chosen from the prescribed list.
CTET Preparation Tips 2026
- Master the NCERT Curriculum: The CTET syllabus is primarily based on the NCERT curriculum for classes I-VIII. Thoroughly study NCERT books for relevant subjects and classes.
- Prioritize Pedagogy: Don’t just focus on content knowledge. A significant weightage is given to pedagogical understanding. Understand how to teach concepts, address diverse learners, and assess students.
- Practice with PYQs and Mock Tests: Solve previous years’ question papers and take full-length mock tests. This is crucial for managing time, understanding the difficulty level, and identifying weak areas.
- Focus on Child Development: This section is common and scoring. Clearly understand the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Kohlberg, and concepts of inclusive education.
- Create Subject-wise Notes: Make concise notes for each subject, especially for pedagogical sections and key definitions. This aids in quick revision.
- Time Management Strategy: During the exam, allocate time per section. Don’t spend too much time on a single question. Mark difficult ones and return later if time permits.
CTET Syllabus 2026 FAQs
- Q: Is the CTET syllabus based on NCERT?
- A: Yes. The questions for Paper I will be based on NCERT syllabus for classes I-V, and for Paper II on NCERT syllabus for classes VI-VIII. The difficulty level, however, can be up to the secondary stage.
- Q: Can I write Paper I and Paper II in different languages?
- A: The languages you choose for Language I and Language II must be selected at the time of application and will be printed on your admit card. You must attempt the paper only in those chosen languages.
- Q: For Paper II, do I have to prepare for all subjects (Maths, Science, Social Science)?
- A: No. You must choose one combination at the time of application: either Mathematics & Science or Social Studies/Social Science. You only need to prepare for the combination you have chosen.
- Q: How important is the pedagogy section compared to content?
- A: Extremely important. Exactly 50% of the questions in subjects like Mathematics, EVS (Paper I), and Mathematics/Science/Social Studies (Paper II) are based on pedagogical issues. In Child Development and Languages, the entire focus is on pedagogy and comprehension.
- Q: Are there any changes in the CTET 2026 syllabus compared to previous years?
- A: As per the official CTET 2026 Information Bulletin, the core structure and syllabus remain consistent with previous editions. Always refer to the latest bulletin on the official website ctet.nic.in for any updates.
- Q: What is the best way to prepare for the Language sections?
- A: Focus on reading comprehension skills by practicing unseen passages. Revise basic grammar rules. For pedagogy, understand the theories of language acquisition and effective teaching strategies for reading and writing.
- Q: Is the CTET exam conducted online or offline?
- A: The CTET exam is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper) where candidates mark their responses on an OMR sheet.
Conclusion: CTET Syllabus 2026
Success in CTET 2026 requires a balanced focus on subject content and pedagogical knowledge. Start your preparation by analyzing the detailed syllabus provided here, gather your resources (primarily NCERT books), and follow a disciplined study plan with consistent practice. Remember, qualifying CTET is a gateway to teaching opportunities in central government schools, and a strong command over the prescribed syllabus is your key to clearing this exam.
