CTET Full Form: What CTET Stands for? Check all details

CTET Full Form: CTET, or the Central Teacher Eligibility Test, is a national-level exam conducted twice a year by CBSE. It comprises two papers: Paper 1 for aspiring teachers of grades 1-5 and Paper 2 for grades 6-8. Candidates aiming to teach grades 6-8 must qualify for both papers. CTET certification is a key requirement for securing teaching positions in government schools across India. Read complete details on the  CBSE CTET full form, its eligibility, selection process, etc here. 

May 1, 2025, 18:55 IST
CTET Full Form: What CTET Stands for? Check All Details Here
CTET Full Form: What CTET Stands for? Check All Details Here

CTET Full Form: The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level examination conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) twice a year to assess the eligibility of candidates for teaching positions in government and recognized private schools. The exam is designed to ensure that teachers possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and aptitude to effectively educate students. It consists of two papers: Paper 1 for those aspiring to teach classes 1-5 and Paper 2 for those aiming to teach classes 6-8. Candidates who wish to teach at both primary and upper primary levels must qualify for both papers.

CTET certification is a mandatory requirement for teaching positions in central government schools such as Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs), and schools under the administration of the Union Territories. Many state government and private schools also consider CTET scores for recruitment. The certificate is valid for a lifetime, providing candidates with long-term career opportunities in the education sector. Clearing the CTET not only enhances employment prospects but also ensures that teachers meet national standards in pedagogy and subject knowledge.

CTET Full Form: Full Name & Papers Conducted

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) was introduced in 2011 to establish a uniform selection process for teaching roles across India. CBSE conducts the exam in accordance with National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) guidelines. The test ensures that only qualified individuals enter the teaching profession.

The CTET examination consists of two papers:

  • Paper 1 – For teaching grades 1 to 5
  • Paper 2 – For teaching grades 6 to 8

Each paper comprises 150 marks and evaluates candidates on various subjects and teaching aptitudes.

CTET Exam Overview

CTET is one of the top teaching eligibility tests conducted at the central level. The following table has the major highlights associated with it. 

Particulars

Details

Exam Name

CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test)

Conducting Body

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)

Exam Level

National

Exam Frequency

Twice a year

Application Mode

Online

Application Fees

General/OBC: INR 1,000SC/ST/PwD: INR 500

Exam Duration

2.5 hours (150 minutes)

Number of Papers & Marks

Paper-1: 150 marksPaper-2: 150 marks

Total Questions

150 MCQs per paper

Languages

English and Hindi

Official Website

ctet.nic.in

Why is the CTET Exam Conducted?

The CTET exam was established to enhance the quality of education and set high standards for teaching professionals. The exam ensures that candidates have the necessary skills and knowledge to teach effectively. It aligns with the National Curriculum Framework and promotes excellence in the education sector.

CTET Full Form: Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for CTET before applying. The requirements include nationality, age limit, and educational qualifications. The CTET Paper 1 is taken by the candidates who wish to teach classes 1 to 5 while paper is is for those who intend to teach classes 6 to 8. CTET exam aspirants must take a note that there is no upper age limit to apply for CTET exam. Below is a table summarizing the CTET eligibility criteria:

Criteria

Paper 1 (Grades 1-5)

Paper 2 (Grades 6-8)

Nationality

Must be Indian

Must be Indian

Age Limit

Minimum 17 years, no upper limit

Minimum 17 years, no upper limit

Educational Qualification

  • Class 12th with at least 45% marks and passed/appearing in 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education. - OR
  • Class 12th with at least 50% marks and passed/appearing in 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.). - OR
  • Graduation with at least 50% marks and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.).
  • Graduation and passed/appearing in 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education. - OR
  • Graduation with at least 45% marks and passed/appearing in 1-year B.Ed. - OR
  • Class 12th with at least 50% marks and passed/appearing in 4-year B.El.Ed. or B.A/B.Sc.Ed. - OR
  • Graduation with at least 50% marks and passed/appearing in 1-year B.Ed. (Special Education). - OR
  • Any candidate with a B.Ed. degree recognized by NCTE is eligible for CTET.

CTET Syllabus: Subjects for Paper 1 and Paper 2

The CTET syllabus covers essential subjects to assess a candidate’s teaching aptitude and subject knowledge. Below is a detailed breakdown of important topics for Paper 1 (Grades 1-5) and Paper 2 (Grades 6-8) to help aspirants prepare effectively.

Subject

Important Topics

Paper 1 (Grades 1-5)

 

Child Development and Pedagogy

Principles of Child Development, Learning Theories (Piaget, Vygotsky, Kohlberg), Inclusive Education, Teaching Methods, Assessment Techniques

Language I

Language Comprehension, Grammar, Teaching-Learning Materials, Pedagogy of Language Development

Language II

Comprehension Skills, Grammar, Language Teaching Approaches, Challenges in Language Learning

Mathematics

Number System, Arithmetic, Geometry, Measurement, Data Handling, Pedagogical Issues in Math

Environmental Studies (EVS)

Family & Friends, Food, Shelter, Water, Travel, Things We Make and Do, Environmental Protection & Conservation

Paper 2 (Grades 6-8)

 

Child Development and Pedagogy

Cognitive & Moral Development, Learning and Motivation, Individual Differences, Inclusive Education, Pedagogical Approaches

Language I

Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Language Teaching Methods, Error Analysis, Language Pedagogy

Language II

Language Comprehension, Teaching-Learning Strategies, Role of Grammar, Communication Skills

Mathematics & Science (For Mathematics and Science Teachers)

Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Data Handling, Ratio & Proportion, Trigonometry

Science: Food & Nutrition, Human Body & Health, Natural Phenomena, Motion & Force, Heat, Light, Electricity, Environment

Social Studies/Social Sciences (For Social Studies Teachers)

History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern India), Geography (Physical & Human Geography), Civics (Indian Constitution, Governance, Rights & Duties), Economic & Social Development

What's Next After Qualifying CTET Exam?

After qualifying for the CTET exam, candidates become eligible for teaching positions in central government schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs), Army Public Schools, and schools under Union Territories. Many state government and private schools also consider CTET certification for recruitment. Candidates can apply for Primary (Grades 1-5) or Upper Primary (Grades 6-8) teacher positions based on their qualified paper. They can also appear for teacher recruitment exams conducted by state education boards or central institutions like DSSSB, NVS, and KVS. Additionally, CTET-qualified candidates can explore opportunities in ed-tech companies, coaching institutes, and private tutoring.

Check Opportunities after qualifying the CTET Exam

CTET Full Name: Check CTET Cut Off Marks

To qualify, candidates must meet the minimum cut-off marks set by CBSE. The general category requires 60% (90 out of 150 marks), while OBC, SC, and ST candidates need 55% (82 out of 150 marks). The cut-off may vary based on recruitment trends and the number of applicants. Candidates who meet the cut-off receive a CTET certificate, which is valid for a lifetime and is essential for securing teaching positions.

Check CTET Cut Off marks here

Difference Between CTET and TET

Many candidates ask about the difference between CTET and TET. Both are teacher eligibility tests, but CTET is conducted at the national level by the central government, while TET is conducted at the state level by respective state governments.

Particulars

CTET

TET

Conducting Body

CBSE

State Government Educational Bodies

Examination Frequency

Twice a year

As per state guidelines

Age Limit

No upper age limit

As per state rules

Languages

English & Hindi

English & State Language

CTET is a crucial exam for aspiring teachers in India, ensuring a high standard of education. Candidates who clear Paper 1 can teach grades 1-5, while those passing Paper 2 can teach grades 6-8. Qualifying for CTET opens doors to government teaching jobs, making it an essential certification for educators. For more details and the latest updates, visit the official website: ctet.nic.in.



Upasna Choudhary
Upasna Choudhary

Content Writer

Upasna Choudhry holds a Master’s degree in Forensic Chemical Sciences and has an extensive background in preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. She currently contributes to the Exam Prep Section of Jagran Josh, where her passion for reading and writing shines through her work. Upasna specializes in creating well-researched and aspirant-centric content, simplifying complex topics, and providing strategic preparation insights. Her academic expertise and firsthand experience with competitive exams enable her to deliver valuable resources tailored to the needs of exam aspirants.

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