CTET Syllabus 2026: Complete Detailed Guide for Paper 1 & Paper 2 (February Exam) – Exam Pattern,Important Topics, Books & Preparation Strategy

CTET Syllabus 2026: The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) February 2026 is scheduled for February 8, 2026, as announced by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). This national-level exam qualifies aspiring teachers for Classes 1-8 in central government schools (KVS, NVS, etc.), private schools, and schools under Union Territories.

With the official notification released on November 27, 2025, and applications open until December 18, 2025, now is the perfect time to dive into preparation. The CTET syllabus 2026 remains consistent with previous years, aligned with NCERT curriculum and NCTE guidelines. No major changes have been reported in CTET Syllabus 2026.

This extended guide for CTET Syllabus 2026 provides:

  • In-depth CTET syllabus 2026 breakdown
  • Exam pattern and marking scheme
  • Subject-wise important topics
  • Recommended books
  • Proven preparation tips
  • Common FAQs

Whether you’re targeting Paper 1 (Classes 1-5), Paper 2 (Classes 6-8), or both, this resource will help you build a strong foundation.

CTET Syllabus 2026 Overview

  • Exam Date: February 8, 2026 (Sunday)
  • Mode: Offline (Pen-and-Paper) or Computer-Based Test (CBT) in some centers
  • Duration: 2.5 hours per paper
  • Languages: 20 languages (including English & Hindi)
  • Total Marks: 150 per paper
  • Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  • Negative Marking: None
  • Qualifying Marks: 60% (90/150) for General; 55% (82/150) for OBC/SC/ST/PwD

Candidates can appear for both papers if aiming to teach Classes 1-8.

CTET Paper 1 Exam Pattern 2026 (Primary Stage: Classes 1-5)

SectionQuestionsMarksFocus Areas
Child Development & Pedagogy3030Child psychology, learning theories
Language I (Compulsory)3030Comprehension, pedagogy
Language II (Compulsory)3030Comprehension, pedagogy
Mathematics3030Basic concepts, pedagogical issues
Environmental Studies3030EVS concepts, teaching methods
Total150150

CTET Paper 2 Exam Pattern 2026 (Elementary Stage: Classes 6-8)

SectionQuestionsMarksFocus Areas
Child Development & Pedagogy (Compulsory)3030Advanced child development
Language I (Compulsory)3030Comprehension, pedagogy
Language II (Compulsory)3030Comprehension, pedagogy
Mathematics & Science OR Social Studies/Social Science6060Subject-specific content & pedagogy
Total150150

Note: Choose Maths & Science if you have a background in those subjects; otherwise, opt for Social Studies.

Also Check: CTET February 2026 Apply Online – Notification, Eligibility, Exam Date, Syllabus & Application Process, important dates
 CTET February 2026 Apply Online  Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
CTET Syllabus 2026
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Important DatesApplication Fees
Application Start Date:  27 November 2025
Last Date to Apply Online: 18 December 2025 (before 11:59 PM)
Exam Date : 08 February 2026
Category Single Paper Both Papers General / OBC / EWS ₹1,000 /₹1,200
SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen ₹500/ ₹600

Detailed CTET Syllabus 2026: Paper 1 (Classes 1-5)

1. Child Development and Pedagogy (30 Marks)

This section tests understanding of how children learn and develop.

  • Child Development (15 Questions):
    • Development and growth principles
    • Heredity & environment influence
    • Socialization processes (family, peers, school)
    • Theories: Piaget (cognitive), Kohlberg (moral), Vygotsky (social constructivism)
    • Intelligence: Multi-dimensional, emotional intelligence
    • Individual differences
  • Learning and Pedagogy (10 Questions):
    • How children think, learn, and solve problems
    • Factors influencing learning (motivation, attention)
    • Teaching-learning processes
    • Inclusive education and addressing diverse needs
  • Children with Special Needs (5 Questions):
    • Identifying gifted, creative, and differently-abled learners
    • Addressing learners from disadvantaged backgrounds

2. Language I & Language II (30 Marks Each)

Focus on proficiency and pedagogical knowledge. Language I is the medium of instruction; Language II is another language.

  • Comprehension (15 Questions): Two unseen passages (prose/poem) with questions on inference, grammar, verbal ability.
  • Pedagogy of Language Development (15 Questions):
    • Principles of language acquisition
    • Role of listening, speaking, reading, writing
    • Challenges in multilingual classrooms
    • Remedial teaching and evaluation

Common choices: Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Urdu, etc.

3. Mathematics (30 Marks)

Aligned with NCERT Classes 1-5.

  • Content (15 Questions):
    • Numbers, addition/subtraction, multiplication/division
    • Geometry, shapes, spatial understanding
    • Measurement (length, weight, time, money)
    • Data handling, patterns
  • Pedagogical Issues (15 Questions):
    • Nature of mathematics (logical thinking)
    • Language of mathematics
    • Error analysis and diagnostic teaching
    • Community mathematics

4. Environmental Studies (EVS) (30 Marks)

Integrated approach to family, environment, and society.

  • Content (15 Questions):
    • Family and friends (relationships, work)
    • Food, shelter, water
    • Travel and things we make/do
    • Environmental issues (pollution, conservation)
  • Pedagogical Issues (15 Questions):
    • Scope and significance of EVS
    • Integrated teaching
    • Activities, experimentation, and discussion-based learning
    • Teaching aids and CCE

Detailed CTET Syllabus 2026: Paper 2 (Classes 6-8)

1. Child Development and Pedagogy (30 Marks)

More advanced than Paper 1.

  • Child Development (15 Questions): Adolescent psychology, principles, theories (Piaget, Kohlberg, Vygotsky), influence of heredity/environment.
  • Learning and Pedagogy (10 Questions): Critical thinking, motivation theories, inclusive education.
  • Special Needs (5 Questions): Addressing talented and disadvantaged learners.

2. Language I & II (30 Marks Each)

Similar to Paper 1 but at a higher level.

  • Comprehension: Unseen passages with advanced inference.
  • Pedagogy: Language skills, evaluation, teaching strategies in diverse classrooms.

3. Mathematics (For Maths Teachers – 60 Marks Total with Science)

  • Content (20 Questions):
    • Number system, algebra, geometry
    • Mensuration, data handling
    • Arithmetic (profit/loss, ratio)
  • Pedagogical Issues (10 Questions): Logical reasoning, curriculum planning, remedial measures.

4. Science (For Science Teachers – Combined 60 Marks)

  • Content (20 Questions):
    • Food sources, materials
    • Natural phenomena (light, sound)
    • Moving things, people, ideas
    • Natural resources, electric current
  • Pedagogical Issues (10 Questions): Observation/experimentation, innovation, scope of science.

5. Social Studies/Social Science (For Social Teachers – 60 Marks)

  • History (20 Questions): Ancient civilizations, Mughal/ British era, freedom struggle.
  • Geography (15 Questions): Earth, resources, agriculture, human-environment.
  • Social & Political Life (15 Questions): Diversity, democracy, government, media.
  • Pedagogical Issues (10 Questions): Inquiry-based learning, project work, critical thinking.
Also Check: CTET Syllabus 2026 PDF
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Recommended Books for CTET 2026 Preparation

  • Child Development & Pedagogy: “Child Development & Pedagogy” by Arihant or Disha Publications
  • Languages: NCERT textbooks + “English Pedagogy” by Geeta Sahni
  • Mathematics: “Mathematics for CTET” by Pearson or R.S. Aggarwal (basic concepts)
  • EVS/Science: NCERT Books (Classes 1-8) + Lucent’s General Science
  • Social Studies: NCERT History/Geography/Civics (Classes 6-8) + “Social Studies for CTET” by Wiley

Prioritize NCERT books for content and pedagogy-focused books for exam-specific practice.

Expert Preparation Tips for CTET 2026 Success

  1. Build Strong Foundations: Read NCERT textbooks thoroughly from Classes 1-8.
  2. Master Pedagogy: This section is high-scoring. Focus on theories and application-based questions.
  3. Practice Extensively: Solve at least 10 previous year papers (available on ctet.nic.in).
  4. Take Mock Tests: Attempt full-length mocks weekly to build speed and accuracy.
  5. Time Management: Practice allocating time – e.g., 30 minutes per section.
  6. Revise Regularly: Make short notes for theories, formulas, and key facts.
  7. Focus on Weak Areas: Analyze mocks to identify and improve low-scoring sections.
  8. Stay Updated: Regularly check ctet.nic.in for notifications.
  9. Health & Mindset: Maintain a balanced routine with breaks to avoid burnout.

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🎯 Expert Tips to Crack CTET 2026

Acting as your preparation partner, here is a 4-step strategy to clear the exam:

  1. Master the “Pedagogy” Sections: Pedagogy constitutes roughly 50% of the total marks across all subjects. Mastering child psychology is the cheat code to passing CTET.
  2. NCERT is Your Bible: For EVS (Class 3-5) and Paper 2 subjects (Class 6-8), stick strictly to NCERT textbooks. 90% of content questions come directly from these books.
  3. Solve Previous Year Papers (PYQs): CBSE repeats question patterns. Solving the last 5 years’ papers will help you understand the “language” of the questions.
  4. Time Management: You have 1 minute per question. Do not get stuck on calculation-heavy Math problems; mark them and move on.

With dedicated preparation (4-6 months), clearing CTET is achievable. The certificate is valid for lifetime!

SOME USEFUL IMPORTANT LINKS CTET syllabus 2026
CTET Syllabus 2026 PDF DownloadCTET 2026 Syllabus PDF
Apply Online Apply Online
Official WebsiteWebsite Link
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CTET syllabus 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Has the CTET 2026 syllabus changed?

A: No significant changes; it’s the same as previous cycles.

Q: Can I appear for both papers?

A: Yes, on the same day in different shifts.

Q: How to download official CTET syllabus 2026?

A: Visit ctet.nic.in > Information Bulletin.

Q: Is there negative marking in CTET 2026?

A: No, there is no negative marking. You should attempt all 150 questions.

Q: What is the validity of the CTET Certificate?

A: The CTET qualifying certificate is now valid for a lifetime.

Q: Can I appear for both Paper 1 and Paper 2?

A: Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria for both, you can (and should) appear for both papers to widen your teaching

opportunities.

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