CTET Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Question: What is CTET?
Answer: CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) is a national-level qualifying examination that assesses minimum teacher competence for teaching Classes I–VIII in schools that recognize CTET.

Question: Who conducts CTET?
Answer: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts CTET on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Question: Why is CTET important?
Answer: A valid CTET qualification is commonly required or preferred for teaching posts in central government schools (such as KVS and NVS) and is also considered by many other schools as a benchmark for teacher eligibility.

Question: How many papers are there in CTET?
Answer: There are two papers: Paper I for primary level (Classes I–V) and Paper II for elementary level (Classes VI–VIII).

Eligibility

Question: What are the basic eligibility requirements for Paper I?
Answer: Typically, Senior Secondary (10+2) with prescribed minimum marks plus a recognized teacher education program (such as D.El.Ed or B.El.Ed), as specified in the current session’s official information.

Question: What are the basic eligibility requirements for Paper II?
Answer: Typically, Graduation with a recognized teacher education qualification (such as B.Ed or equivalent), or an integrated program like B.A./B.Sc.Ed, as specified in the current session’s official information.

Question: Is there an age limit for appearing in CTET?
Answer: A minimum age of 18 years is generally expected; upper age limits, if any, are governed by recruitment rules of the hiring organizations rather than by CTET itself.

Question: How many attempts are permitted?
Answer: There is no limit on the number of attempts; candidates may reappear to improve their score.

Application

Question: How does the application process work?
Answer: The process is online and usually includes registration, form filling, document uploads, and fee payment during dates announced for the session.

Question: Will there be a correction window?
Answer: Yes, a correction/edit window is typically provided within specified dates to rectify limited fields as per session guidelines.

Question: What documents are commonly required during application?
Answer: Standard requirements include identity details, photographs, signatures, and proof of eligibility; exact specifications and sizes are provided in the session instructions.

Question: Can a candidate apply for both Paper I and Paper II together?
Answer: Yes, provided the candidate meets the eligibility for both levels; a combined fee is payable as per the session notice.

Exam pattern and syllabus

Question: What is the duration and format of each paper?
Answer: Each paper generally comprises 150 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 2 hours 30 minutes.

Question: Is there negative marking in CTET?
Answer: No, CTET does not include negative marking; unattempted or incorrect answers do not deduct marks.

Question: What subjects are in Paper I?
Answer: Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies (30 questions each).

Question: What subjects are in Paper II?
Answer: Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, and either Mathematics & Science or Social Studies/Social Science (subject choice depends on intended teaching specialization).

Question: What is the level of difficulty?
Answer: Paper I aligns with the primary stage syllabus with linkages up to the next stage; Paper II aligns with the upper primary stage with linkages up to secondary/senior secondary, focusing on concepts and pedagogy.

Admit card and exam day

Question: How is the admit card released?
Answer: The admit card is released online for download within the announced window; it contains exam date, shift, and test city/center details.

Question: What items are typically permitted at the test center?
Answer: Usually an admit card printout, a valid photo ID, and basic stationery as instructed; prohibited items include electronic devices and study materials.

Question: What if there is an error on the admit card?
Answer: Candidates should follow the session’s instructions to report discrepancies promptly within the specified timeline.

Qualifying marks, result, certificate

Question: What are the qualifying marks for CTET?
Answer: The qualifying benchmark is typically 60% (90 out of 150); applicable relaxations may be provided as per prevailing government norms.

Question: How is the result announced?
Answer: Results are declared online, showing paper-wise performance; digital documents are made available as per session procedures.

Question: What is the validity of the CTET certificate?
Answer: The CTET qualifying certificate has lifetime validity, subject to government policy and any future updates.

Question: How can the marksheet/certificate be accessed?
Answer: Recent sessions provide digital marksheets and certificates via designated government digital platforms; instructions are issued with the result.

Scope and use

Question: Where is CTET accepted?
Answer: CTET is recognized for central government schools (including KVS and NVS) and is considered by many other schools; state schools generally use their State TET, though acceptance policies may vary.

Question: Does qualifying CTET guarantee a job?
Answer: No. CTET is a qualifying exam, not a recruitment test; hiring depends on separate recruitment notifications and selection processes.

Question: Can CTET be used for private schools?
Answer: Many unaided private schools consider CTET qualification as part of their eligibility criteria, though policies are set by each institution.

Preparation and attempts

Question: How should candidates prepare for pedagogy sections?
Answer: Focus on child development theories, inclusive education, assessment for learning, and classroom strategies, emphasizing practical application and reasoning.

Question: Are previous year question papers useful?
Answer: Yes, they help understand pattern, difficulty, and time management; however, preparation should align with the current session’s syllabus and instructions.

Question: Is coaching mandatory to clear CTET?
Answer: No. A structured self-study plan aligned to the syllabus, regular practice, and concept clarity are sufficient for many candidates.

Administrative and policy notes

Question: Are exam dates and cities fixed at the time of application?
Answer: Preferences are collected during application, but final allotment and schedule are confirmed in admit cards and official notices.

Question: Can details be changed after submission?
Answer: Only specific fields can be edited within the correction window; beyond that, changes are generally not permitted.

Question: What if a candidate loses the certificate later?
Answer: Duplicate or digital access procedures are provided in official instructions; candidates should follow the prescribed steps for reissue or retrieval.