CTET Exam Pattern 2026: Questions, Marks, Syllabus & Tips

CTET Exam Pattern 2026: Questions, Marks, Syllabus & Tips

Are you dreaming of becoming a teacher? The CTET exam pattern is your first big step. More than 12 lakh candidates took the CTET last year. This year, the exam happens on February 7-8, 2026. Over 20 lakh teachers are needed in India by 2030. So, get ready now!

The CTET exam pattern helps you plan better. It is simple. You get clear questions. No tricks. Just smart study. Today, we explain everything in easy words. We cover questions, marks, syllabus and tips. Let’s start your journey!

What is CTET? Understanding the Teacher Eligibility Test

CTET stands for Central Teacher Eligibility Test. This is the teacher eligibility test run by the Central Board of Secondary Education. It checks your skills to teach young students in classes from 1 to 8. Many people aim for this test every year. It opens doors to good teaching jobs.

You must pass the CTET to work in central government schools. Think of places like Kendriya Vidyalaya or Navodaya Vidyalaya. Even state schools often ask for this certificate. The best part is that your CTET score lasts for a lifetime now. No need to retake it after some years. This change helps teachers focus on their careers.

There are two main papers in the exam. Paper 1 suits those who want to teach primary classes. That means classes 1 through 5. Paper 2 is for upper primary levels, like classes 6 to 8. Some smart students appear for both papers. This way, they qualify for more teaching options. If you study at Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth, our B.Ed program guides you through this choice easily.

CTET Exam Pattern 2026: Paper 1 and Paper 2 Overview

The CTET exam pattern for 2026 stays consistent with past years. Each paper includes exactly 150 questions in total. You earn up to 150 marks per paper. The time limit is two hours and thirty minutes for each one.

Paper 1 focuses on five key sections. These cover child growth, languages, math, and environment topics. Paper 2 has four sections instead. It includes child development, languages, and a choice between math-science or social studies.

All questions come in multiple-choice format. You select the best answer from four given options. The CTET exam pattern uses an offline mode. That means you fill answers on an OMR sheet with a pen. No need for computers or online skills here.

This setup makes the test fair for everyone. Students from rural areas can prepare without fancy tech. At Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth, our B.Ed and M.Ed courses teach you how to handle such patterns confidently.

CTET Pattern and Marking Scheme: Questions and Total Marks

Let’s talk about the CTET pattern and marking scheme in simple terms. You get one mark for each correct answer. There are no deductions for mistakes. This encourages you to try every question.

The exam has 150 questions overall. That leads to a total of 150 possible marks. To qualify, general category students need at least 60 percent. This equals 90 marks out of 150. Reserved categories get a relaxation to 55 percent.

Many students score high because of this system. Practice helps you reach that goal. Use resources from Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth to understand the CTET exam pattern better. Our PhD in Education program dives deep into such schemes for aspiring educators.

CTET Exam Pattern with Syllabus – Paper 1 (Classes 1 to 5)

Now, explore the CTET exam pattern with syllabus for Paper 1. This paper targets teachers for classes 1 to 5. It has balanced sections to test your basics.

Here are the details:

  • Child Development and Pedagogy: This section has 30 questions worth 30 marks. It covers how children learn and grow. Focus on ages 6 to 11 years. Topics include motivation, intelligence, and inclusive education. For example, learn about handling kids with special needs.
  • Language I (your chosen language): Also 30 questions and 30 marks. It checks comprehension and grammar. You read passages and answer questions. Pedagogy parts teach how to make language fun for kids.
  • Language II (another language): Similar to Language I, with 30 questions and marks. Choose Hindi or English usually. It ensures you can teach bilingual classes effectively.
  • Mathematics: 30 questions, 30 marks. Covers numbers, geometry, and data handling. Simple problems like addition or shapes. Pedagogy explains teaching methods, like using games for math.
  • Environmental Studies: 30 questions, 30 marks. Topics include family, food, water, and plants. It promotes awareness of surroundings. Learn to teach EVS through stories and activities.

The syllabus follows NCERT books for classes 1-5. Read them carefully. At Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth, our B.Ed students practice these topics with real classroom examples.

CTET Exam Pattern and Syllabus – Paper 2 (Classes 6 to 8)

The CTET exam pattern and syllabus for Paper 2 suits classes 6 to 8. It builds on advanced concepts. This paper tests deeper knowledge.

Sections include:

  • Child Development and Pedagogy: 30 questions, 30 marks. Focus on ages 11 to 14. Covers adolescent issues, learning theories, and assessment methods. For instance, understand how teens handle peer pressure.
  • Language I: 30 questions, 30 marks. Advanced reading, writing, and pedagogy. Practice essays and comprehension for older kids.
  • Language II: Same as above, 30 questions and marks. Strengthens your ability to teach multiple languages.
  • Mathematics and Science (or Social Studies): 60 questions, 60 marks. Choose based on your strength. Math includes algebra, geometry, and numbers. Science covers physics, chemistry, biology like motion or cells. Social Studies has history, geography, civics from NCERT 6-8.

This choice lets you specialize. If you love science, pick that. Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth M.Ed program helps you master the CTET exam pattern with expert guidance.

CTET Marking Scheme and Negative Marking Rules Explained

The CTET marking scheme and negative marking rules are student-friendly. Each right answer gives you plus one mark. Wrong answers or blanks get zero marks. No negative points at all.

This rule reduces stress during the exam. You can guess tough questions without fear. Many pass because they attempt everything. Practice this in mocks to build confidence.

Best CTET Mock Test Tips to Crack the 2026 Exam

Practice is the key. Take the CTET mock test regularly. Here are some easy tips:

  • Solve one full mock test every week.
  • Time yourself for 150 minutes.
  • Check answers and note weak areas.
  • Revise child pedagogy daily.
  • Practice previous year questions.
  • Join online test series for variety.
  • Analyse mistakes and improve speed.

A good CTET mock test helps you understand the CTET exam pattern better. It builds confidence. Many students clear the exam after regular mock practice.

Why Choose Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth?

Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth in Faridabad excels in education training. We provide B.Ed, M.Ed, and PhD in Education. All approved by NCTE.

Why pick us? Here’s why:

  • Approved programs: Our courses meet national standards. You get valid degrees for teaching jobs.
  • Experienced faculty: Teachers with years in the field guide you. They explain the CTET exam pattern in detail.
  • Modern facilities: Labs, libraries, and smart classes make learning fun.
  • Mock test support: We run regular CTET mock test to prepare you.
  • Placement assistance: 100% help to find jobs. Many get placed in top schools.
  • Practical training: Real school internships build skills.

Join our B.Ed for basics, M.Ed for depth, or PhD for research. We prepare you for the CTET exam pattern and beyond.

Highest Placement and Alumni Success Story

Our placements are among the best. Many alumni earn high salaries in reputed schools.

Take the journey of Ritu Verma. She completed B.Ed from Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth in 2024 batch. During her course she took many CTET mock test sessions arranged by the university. The faculty guided her on the CTET exam pattern and syllabus. After clearing CTET in first attempt, she got selected in a Delhi government school. Today she earns 8 lakh per annum. She says, “Lingaya’s practical training and mock tests made me confident. I could answer pedagogy questions easily.”

Wrapping Up

The CTET exam pattern 2026 is clear and scoring. Understand questions, marks and syllabus. Practice hard. Use the CTET mock test.

Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth helps you succeed. Our B.Ed, M.Ed and PhD programs prepare perfect teachers. Apply now at our website. Start your teaching dream today.

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