CTET Syllabus 2026 covers Paper 1 and Paper 2 topics for primary and upper primary teachers. Download the latest syllabus and check subject-wise details here.
CTET Syllabus 2026 defines the topics and subjects of Paper 1 and Paper 2, which are crucial for candidates appearing for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test. Paper 1 is for candidates who want to teach Classes 1 to 5, and Paper 2 is for teaching Classes 6 to 8. The syllabus comprises subjects such as Child Development & Pedagogy, Language, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, Science, and Social Studies. Knowing the syllabus in detail enables the candidates to concentrate on the important areas and prepare well.
CTET Syllabus 2026 Pattern Overview
CTET is organized by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and tests the knowledge of the candidates in several teaching-related subjects.
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper-Based) |
| Papers | Paper 1 (Classes 1-5) & Paper 2 (Classes 6-8) |
| Duration | 2.5 hours (Each Paper) |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Marks | 150 Marks (Each Paper) |
| Passing Marks | 90/150 (General/OBC), 82/150 (SC/ST/PwD) |
CTET Exam Date 2026 Overview
CTET Exam date 2026 is scheduled to be held on 8 February 2026. The exam will take place in two shifts: Paper II will be conducted in the morning from 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon, while Paper I will be held in the evening from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Candidates are advised to reach their allotted exam centres well before the reporting time to complete the verification and security procedures smoothly.
| Event | Date (Tentative) | Details |
| CTET Notification 2026 | 28 November 2025 | Official notification release on ctet.nic.in |
| CTET Exam Date 2026 | 8 February 2026 | National-level examination |
| Paper II Timing | 9:30 AM – 12:00 Noon | Morning session |
| Paper I Timing | 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Evening session |
| Admit Card Release Date | 10 days Before Exam | Available for download on ctet.nic.in |
| Answer Key Release Date | 6 weeks after exam (Tentative) | Published a few weeks after the exam |
Candidates should regularly check the official website www.ctet.nic.in for the latest updates.
CTET Syllabus 2026 Paper 1 Classes 1-5
CTET Syllabus 2026 Paper 1 is designed for candidates aiming to teach Classes 1 to 5 and covers Child Development & Pedagogy, Language, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies.
| Section | Sub-Section | Number of Questions | Topics Covered |
| I. Child Development and Pedagogy | a) Child Development (Primary School Child) | 15 | • Concept of development and its relationship with learning
• Principles of the development of children • Influence of Heredity & Environment • Socialization processes: Social world & children (Teacher, Parents, Peers) • Piaget, Kohlberg, and Vygotsky: constructs and critical perspectives • Concepts of child-centered and progressive education • Critical perspective of the construct of Intelligence • Multi-Dimensional Intelligence • Language & Thought • Gender as a social construct; gender roles, gender-bias, and educational practice • Individual differences among learners, understanding differences based on diversity of language, caste, gender, community, religion, etc. • Distinction between Assessment for learning and assessment of learning; School-Based Assessment, Continuous & Comprehensive Evaluation: perspective and practice • Formulating appropriate questions for assessing readiness levels of learners; for enhancing learning and critical thinking in the classroom and for assessing learner achievement. |
| b) Concept of Inclusive Education and Understanding Children with Special Needs | 5 | • Addressing learners from diverse backgrounds including disadvantaged and deprived
• Addressing the needs of children with learning difficulties, “impairment,” etc. • Addressing the Talented, Creative, Specially abled Learners. |
|
| c) Learning and Pedagogy | 10 | • How children think and learn; how and why children “fail” to achieve success in school performance
• Basic processes of teaching and learning; children’s strategies of learning; learning as a social activity; social context of learning • Child as a problem solver and a “scientific investigator” • Alternative conceptions of learning in children, understanding children’s “errors” as significant steps in the learning process • Cognition & Emotions • Motivation and learning • Factors contributing to learning—personal & environmental. |
|
| II. Mathematics | a) Content | 15 | • Geometry
• Shapes & Spatial Understanding • Solids around Us • Numbers • Addition and Subtraction • Multiplication • Division • Measurement • Weight • Time • Volume • Data Handling • Patterns • Money. |
| b) Pedagogical Issues | 15 | • Nature of Mathematics/Logical thinking; understanding children’s thinking and reasoning patterns and strategies of making meaning and learning
• Place of Mathematics in Curriculum • Language of Mathematics • Community Mathematics • Evaluation through formal and informal methods • Problems of Teaching • Error analysis and related aspects of learning and teaching • Diagnostic and Remedial Teaching. |
|
| III. Environmental Studies | a) Content | 15 | i. Family and Friends:
• Relationships • Work and Play • Animals • Plants ii. Food iii. Shelter iv. Water v. Travel vi. Things We Make and Do. |
| b) Pedagogical Issues | 15 | • Concept and scope of EVS
• Significance of EVS, integrated EVS • Environmental Studies & Environmental Education • Learning Principles • Scope & relation to Science & Social Science • Approaches of presenting concepts • Activities • Experimentation/Practical Work • Discussion • CCE • Teaching material/Aids • Problems. |
|
| IV. Language I | a) Language Comprehension | 15 | • Reading unseen passages—two passages: one prose or drama and one poem with questions on comprehension, inference, grammar, and verbal ability (Prose passage may be literary, scientific, narrative, or discursive). |
| b) Pedagogy of Language Development | 15 | • Learning and acquisition
• Principles of language Teaching • Role of listening and speaking; function of language and how children use it as a tool • Critical perspective on the role of grammar in learning a language for communicating ideas verbally and in written form • Challenges of teaching language in a diverse classroom; language difficulties, errors, and disorders • Language Skills • Evaluating language comprehension and proficiency: speaking, listening, reading, and writing • Teaching-learning materials: Textbook, multi-media materials, multilingual resource of the classroom • Remedial Teaching. |
|
| V. Language II | a) Comprehension | 15 | • Two unseen prose passages (discursive or literary or narrative or scientific) with questions on comprehension, grammar, and verbal ability. |
| b) Pedagogy of Language Development | 15 | • Learning and acquisition
• Principles of language Teaching • Role of listening and speaking; function of language and how children use it as a tool • Critical perspective on the role of grammar in learning a language for communicating ideas verbally and in written form • Challenges of teaching language in a diverse classroom; language difficulties, errors, and disorders • Language Skills • Evaluating language comprehension and proficiency: speaking, listening, reading, and writing • Teaching-learning materials: Textbook, multi-media materials, multilingual resource of the classroom • Remedial Teaching. |
CTET Syllabus 2026 Paper II for classes VI to VIII Elementary Stage
CTET Syllabus 2026 Paper II is meant for candidates aspiring to teach Classes 6 to 8 at the elementary stage, covering Child Development & Pedagogy, Languages, Mathematics & Science, and Social Studies/Social Science.
| Section | Sub-Section | Number of Questions | Topics Covered |
| I. Child Development and Pedagogy | a) Child Development (Elementary School Child) | 15 | • Concept of development and its relationship with learning
• Principles of the development of children • Influence of Heredity & Environment • Socialization processes: Social world & children (Teacher, Parents, Peers) • Piaget, Kohlberg, and Vygotsky: constructs and critical perspectives • Concepts of child-centered and progressive education • Critical perspective of the construct of Intelligence • Multi-Dimensional Intelligence • Language & Thought • Gender as a social construct; gender roles, gender-bias, and educational practice • Individual differences among learners, understanding differences based on diversity of language, caste, gender, community, religion, etc. • Distinction between Assessment for learning and assessment of learning; School-Based Assessment, Continuous & Comprehensive Evaluation: perspective and practice • Formulating appropriate questions for assessing readiness levels of learners; for enhancing learning and critical thinking in the classroom and for assessing learner achievement. |
| b) Concept of Inclusive Education and Understanding Children with Special Needs | 5 | • Addressing learners from diverse backgrounds including disadvantaged and deprived
• Addressing the needs of children with learning difficulties, “impairment,” etc. • Addressing the Talented, Creative, Specially abled Learners. |
|
| c) Learning and Pedagogy | 10 | • How children think and learn; how and why children “fail” to achieve success in school performance
• Basic processes of teaching and learning; children’s strategies of learning; learning as a social activity; social context of learning • Child as a problem solver and a “scientific investigator” • Alternative conceptions of learning in children, understanding children’s “errors” as significant steps in the learning process • Cognition & Emotions • Motivation and learning • Factors contributing to learning—personal & environmental. |
|
| II. Mathematics and Science | (i) Mathematics | 30 | a) Content (20 Questions):
• Number System: Knowing our Numbers, Playing with Numbers, Whole Numbers, Negative Numbers and Integers, Fractions • Algebra: Introduction to Algebra, Ratio and Proportion • Geometry: Basic geometrical ideas (2-D), Understanding Elementary Shapes (2-D and 3-D), Symmetry (reflection), Construction (using Straight edge Scale, protractor, compasses), Mensuration • Data Handling |
| b) Pedagogical Issues (10 Questions):
• Nature of Mathematics/Logical thinking • Place of Mathematics in Curriculum • Language of Mathematics • Community Mathematics • Evaluation • Remedial Teaching • Problem of Teaching. |
|||
| (ii) Science | 30 | a) Content (20 Questions):
• Food: Sources of food, Components of food, Cleaning food • Materials: Materials of daily use • The World of the Living • Moving Things People and Ideas • How things work: Electric current and circuits, Magnets • Natural Phenomena • Natural Resources |
|
| b) Pedagogical Issues (10 Questions):
• Nature & Structure of Sciences • Natural Science/Aims & objectives • Understanding & Appreciating Science • Approaches/Integrated Approach • Observation/Experiment/Discovery (Method of Science) • Innovation • Text Material/Aids •Evaluation-cognitive/psycho-motor/affective • Problems • Remedial Teaching. |
|||
| III. Social Studies/Social Sciences | a) Content | 40 | History:
• When, Where and How • The Earliest Societies • The First Farmers and Herders • The First Cities • Early States • New Ideas • The First Empire • Contacts with Distant Lands • Political Developments • Culture and Science • New Kings and Kingdoms • Sultans of Delhi • Architecture • Creation of an Empire • Social Change • Regional Cultures • The Establishment of Company Power • Rural Life and Society • Colonialism and Tribal Societies • The Revolt of 1857-58 • Women and Reform • Challenging the Caste System • The Nationalist Movement • India After Independence |
| Geography:
• Geography as a social study and as a science • Planet: Earth in the solar system • Globe • Environment in its totality: natural and human environment • Air • Water • Human Environment: settlement, transport, and communication • Resources: Types-Natural and Human • Agriculture |
|||
| Social and Political Life:
• Diversity • Government • Local Government • Making a Living • Democracy • State Government • Understanding Media • Unpacking Gender • The Constitution • Parliamentary Government • The Judiciary • Social Justice and the Marginalised. |
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| b) Pedagogical Issues | 20 | • Concept & Nature of Social Science/Social Studies
• Classroom Processes, activities, and discourse • Developing Critical thinking • Enquiry/Empirical Evidence • Problems of teaching Social Science/Social Studies • Sources- Primary & Secondary • Projects Work • Evaluation. |
|
| IV. Language I | a) Language Comprehension | 15 | • Reading unseen passages—two passages: one prose or drama and one poem with questions on comprehension, inference, grammar, and verbal ability (Prose passage may be literary, scientific, narrative, or discursive). |
| b) Pedagogy of Language Development | 15 | • Learning and acquisition
• Principles of language Teaching • Role of listening and speaking; function of language and how children use it as a tool • Critical perspective on the role of grammar in learning a language for communicating ideas verbally and in written form • Challenges of teaching language in a diverse classroom; language difficulties, errors, and disorders • Language Skills • Evaluating language comprehension and proficiency: speaking, listening, reading, and writing • Teaching-learning materials: Textbook, multi-media materials, multilingual resource of the classroom • Remedial Teaching. |
|
| V. Language II | a) Comprehension | 15 | • Two unseen prose passages (discursive or literary or narrative or scientific) with questions on comprehension, grammar, and verbal ability. |
| b) Pedagogy of Language Development | 15 | • Learning and acquisition
• Principles of language Teaching • Role of listening and speaking; function of language and how children use it as a tool • Critical perspective on the role of grammar in learning a language for communicating ideas verbally and in written form
• Challenges of teaching language in a diverse classroom; language difficulties, errors, and disorders • Language Skills • Evaluating language comprehension and proficiency: speaking, listening, reading, and writing • Teaching-learning materials: Textbook, multi-media materials, multilingual resource of the classroom • Remedial Teaching. |
STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF SYLLABUS (Paper I and Paper II)
Note: For Detailed syllabus of classes l-VIII, please refer to NCERT syllabus and text books
CTET Syllabus 2026 Download
To get the CTET Syllabus 2026, visit the official CTET website ctet.nic.in and check the Information Bulletin. It contains the detailed syllabus for Paper 1 (Classes 1-5) and Paper 2 (Classes 6-8). The syllabus covers Child Development, Languages, Mathematics, Environmental Studies (Paper 1), and Science/Social Studies (Paper 2). According to sources like Jagran Josh and Shiksha, the PDFs will be available from late November 2025.
Where to Download
- Official Website: ctet.nic.in – look for the Information Bulletin.
- Educational Portals: Sites like Testbook, Career Power, Prepp, Jagran Josh, and Physics Wallah also provide direct PDF links for easy access.
Syllabus Overview
- Paper 1 (Primary Stage – Classes 1-5): Child Development & Pedagogy, Language I & II, Mathematics, Environmental Studies (EVS).
- Paper 2 (Elementary Stage – Classes 6-8): Child Development & Pedagogy, Language I & II, Mathematics & Science, or Social Studies/Social Science.
Key Points to Remember
- Both papers consist of 150 multiple-choice questions, each carrying 1 mark, with no negative marking.
- The syllabus is primarily based on the NCERT curriculum for the respective classes, so focusing on NCERT books is highly recommended.
CTET Syllabus 2026 Exam Pattern
The exam pattern for CTET 2026 is as follows, giving candidates a clear idea of what to expect for Paper 1 and Paper 2.
| Paper | Sections | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 | 2.5 hours |
| Language I | 30 | 30 | ||
| Language II | 30 | 30 | ||
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | ||
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 | ||
| Paper 2 | Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 | 2.5 hours |
| Language I | 30 | 30 | ||
| Language II | 30 | 30 | ||
| Mathematics/Science or Social Studies | 60 | 60 |
Preparation Tips for CTET 2026
To prepare effectively, it is important to follow the CTET Syllabus 2026 closely and focus on all the subjects mentioned for Paper 1 and Paper 2. Here are some useful tips:
- Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly: Start by going through the complete syllabus for both papers to know which topics are important.
- Focus on NCERT Books: Most questions are based on NCERT textbooks, so reading them carefully for the relevant classes is key.
- Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve past years’ CTET papers to get familiar with question patterns and difficulty level.
- Time Management: Allocate study time to each subject according to your strengths and weaknesses.
- Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests to improve speed, accuracy, and exam confidence.
- Revision: Keep enough time for revision before the exam, focusing on tricky topics and important concepts.
- By following these tips while keeping the CTET Syllabus 2026 in mind, candidates can maximize their chances of qualifying the exam.
CTET Syllabus Understand the Exam Pattern
Before practicing, make sure you know CTET Syllabus 2026 and the exam pattern:
- Paper 1: Classes 1–5 (Child Development & Pedagogy, Language I & II, Mathematics, EVS)
- Paper 2: Classes 6–8 (Child Development & Pedagogy, Language I & II, Mathematics & Science OR Social Studies)
- MCQs: 150 questions, 1 mark each, no negative marking
Knowing the syllabus helps you practice the right topics.
Solve Previous Year Question Papers
- Download past CTET papers from ctet.nic.in, Jagran Josh, or other portals.
- Practice at least 5–10 previous papers for each paper to understand question patterns.
- Analyze your mistakes after each paper and revise weak areas.
Take Online Mock Tests
- Many platforms offer free and paid mock tests
- Simulate exam conditions: 2 hours 30 minutes, no interruptions.
- Mock tests help improve speed, accuracy, and time management.
Focus on NCERT Books
- Most CTET questions come from NCERT textbooks (Classes 1–8).
- For Paper 1: Focus on Maths, EVS, Language, and Pedagogy topics.
- For Paper 2: Focus on Maths, Science, Social Studies, Languages, and Pedagogy.
Practice Topic-Wise
- Break the syllabus into smaller topics.
- Practice MCQs from one topic at a time before attempting full-length tests.
- Example: Solve 20–30 questions on Pedagogy of Mathematics or Environmental Studies before moving to the next topic.
Analyze and Revise
- Keep a notebook to note mistakes, tricky questions, and formulas.
- Revise regularly, especially topics you find difficult.
Tip: Treat your practice like the real exam. Time yourself, avoid distractions, and try to complete 150 questions in 2 hours 30 minutes.
CTET 2026 Practice Strategy Weekly Schedule
To crack CTET 2026 efficiently, following a structured weekly practice schedule helps candidates balance all subjects, revise concepts, and improve speed and accuracy.
Week 1–2 Understand Syllabus & NCERT Basics
-
- Goal: Build a strong foundation.
- Daily Plan (2–3 hours):
- Child Development & Pedagogy (30 min) – Focus on theories of learning, child psychology, teaching methods.
- Language I & II (30 min) – Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary.
- Mathematics (45 min) – NCERT concepts, number system, arithmetic, geometry basics.
- EVS / Science / Social Studies (45 min) – NCERT chapters for relevant classes.
Practice: Solve 10–15 topic-wise MCQs daily.
Week 3–4Topic-Wise Practice & Short Tests
-
- Goal: Start practicing questions and identifying weak areas.
- Daily Plan (3–4 hours):
- Pick 1 subject/topic and solve 20–30 MCQs.
- Revise the related theory from NCERT.
- Note common mistakes and tricky questions.
- Practice 1 short test (50–60 questions) every 2–3 days.
Week 5–6 Full-Length Practice Papers
-
- Goal: Simulate real exam conditions.
- Daily Plan (3–4 hours):
- Solve 1 full-length Paper 1 or Paper 2 (150 questions) in 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Analyze mistakes thoroughly.
- Revise weak topics based on errors.
- Tip: Alternate between Paper 1 and Paper 2 if preparing for both.
Week 7 Mock Tests & Time Management
- Goal: Build exam speed and accuracy.
- Daily Plan (2–3 hours):
- Attempt 1–2 mock tests online.
- Focus on time allocation per section.
- Keep revising formulas, important facts, and pedagogy points.
- Pro Tip: Simulate exam environment—no phone, no breaks.
Week 8 Final Revision & Quick Notes
- Goal: Strengthen memory & confidence.
- Daily Plan (2–3 hours):
- Go through short notes, formulas, and tricky MCQs.
- Revise all NCERT key points.
- Solve 1 last full-length mock test every other day.
Daily MCQ Target
- Week 1–2: 10–15 MCQs per topic
- Week 3–4: 20–30 MCQs per topic
- Week 5–6: 1 full-length test (150 MCQs) every 2–3 days
- Week 7–8: 1–2 mock tests daily, plus 20–30 topic-wise MCQs
Extra Tips
- Keep notes of mistakes to revise quickly before the exam.
- Focus on NCERT-based questions—they are the most repeated in CTET.
- Prioritize Child Development & Pedagogy and Language sections, as they are scoring if practiced well.
- Don’t ignore EVS, Science, and Social Studies practice MCQs regularly.
Best CTET Books for 2026 Preparation
CTET Paper 1 is for candidates aspiring to become teachers for grades 1 to 5. Choosing the right books is essential to cover all topics in the CTET Syllabus 2026. Below is a list of recommended books for each subject:
CTET Books for Paper 1 (Classes 1–5)
| Subjects | Recommended Books |
| Child Development & Pedagogy | Success Master CTET Paper I |
| Language – Hindi (Bhasha) | CTET & TETS Bhasha Hindi |
| Language – English | CTET and TETs English Language and Pedagogy |
| Mathematics / Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations, Edition 7 |
| Environmental Studies (EVS) | EVS Exam Goalpost for CTET & TETS |
These books cover theory, practice questions, and previous year papers, which help in building a strong foundation for Paper 1.
CTET Books for Paper 2 (Classes 6–8 Elementary Stage)
Paper 2 is meant for candidates who wish to teach classes 6 to 8. The books for Paper 2 should cover the complete syllabus, including pedagogy and subject-specific knowledge.
| Subjects | Recommended Books |
| Child Development & Pedagogy | CTET & TETs Child Development and Pedagogy |
| Language – Hindi (Bhasha) | CTET & TETS Bhasha Hindi |
| Language – English | CTET and TETs English Language and Pedagogy |
| Social Science / Social Studies | Success Master CTET (Social Science/Studies) |
These books are designed to help candidates understand concepts clearly, practice questions, and prepare for both theoretical and practical aspects of the exam.
CTET Syllabus 2026 Conclusion
The CTET Syllabus 2026 is comprehensive and aims to test the teaching aptitude and subject matter of the candidates. Irrespective of whether you are preparing for Paper 1 or Paper 2, knowledge of the syllabus and pattern of the exam is the key to success. Download the syllabus, plan your study, and begin your preparation well in advance to crack the CTET 2026 exam.
CTET Syllabus 2026 FAQs
Where can I download the official CTET Syllabus 2026 PDF?
Candidates can download CTET Syllabus 2026 PDF from the official website ctet.nic.in under the Information Bulletin section.
Which subjects are included in CTET Paper 1 Syllabus 2026?
Paper 1 subjects include Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies for Classes 1–5.
Which subjects are included in CTET Paper 2 Syllabus 2026?
Paper 2 covers Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics and Science, or Social Studies for Classes 6–8.
How many questions are in CTET 2026 exam and what is the marking scheme?
CTET 2026 has 150 multiple-choice questions per paper. Each correct answer carries one mark with no negative marking.
What are the best books for CTET Syllabus 2026 preparation?
Recommended books include NCERT textbooks for Classes 1–8, Success Master CTET, CTET Language and Pedagogy books, and Quantitative Aptitude guides.
