CTET Syllabus 2026: Paper 1 and Paper 2 Subject-Wise Topics, Exam Pattern and PDF
Understand the complete CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2 syllabus, marks distribution, subject choices, pedagogy topics, qualifying marks and official PDF in one simple guide.
CTET September 2026 is scheduled for 6 September 2026. Paper 2 is scheduled in the morning shift and Paper 1 in the evening shift. The official bulletin also states that the examination may additionally be conducted on 5 September 2026 if the number of candidates increases.
CTET Paper 1 is for candidates who want to teach Classes 1 to 5. It contains Child Development and Pedagogy, Language 1, Language 2, Mathematics and Environmental Studies.
CTET Paper 2 is for candidates who want to teach Classes 6 to 8. It contains Child Development and Pedagogy, Language 1, Language 2, and either Mathematics and Science or Social Studies and Social Science.
Both papers contain 150 questions for 150 marks, the duration is two and a half hours, and there is no negative marking.
What Is the CTET Syllabus 2026?
CTET checks whether a candidate understands children, teaching methods, language learning and the school subjects required for primary or upper primary teaching.
Many students prepare only the content part of Maths, EVS, Science or Social Science. This creates a problem because CTET also gives strong importance to pedagogy, classroom learning, inclusive education, assessment and child-centred teaching.
The syllabus is divided into Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 is based on the primary stage, while Paper 2 focuses on the elementary stage. Candidates who want eligibility for both teaching levels need to appear in both papers.
Students who prefer free video preparation can first read this syllabus and then use the complete CTET YouTube channel guide to choose one main teacher for every subject.
CTET Paper 1 or Paper 2: Which Paper Should You Choose?
Choose CTET Paper 1
Paper 1 is for candidates who intend to become teachers for Classes 1 to 5. It focuses on the learning needs of children in the 6 to 11 years age group.
All five sections are compulsory: CDP, Language 1, Language 2, Mathematics and Environmental Studies.
Choose CTET Paper 2
Paper 2 is for candidates who intend to become teachers for Classes 6 to 8. Its CDP section focuses on learners in the 11 to 14 years age group.
Candidates select either Mathematics and Science or Social Studies and Social Science according to their teaching subject.
CTET Paper 1 Exam Pattern 2026
Every Paper 1 section contains 30 questions for 30 marks. All sections are compulsory, so candidates cannot leave Mathematics or EVS because of their academic background.
| Paper 1 Subject | Questions | Marks | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 | Primary child, inclusive education and learning |
| Language 1 | 30 | 30 | Medium of instruction and language pedagogy |
| Language 2 | 30 | 30 | Communication, comprehension and language learning |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | Primary Maths content and pedagogy |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 | EVS content and teaching methods |
| Total | 150 | 150 | 150 minutes |
Paper 1 questions are based on NCERT topics prescribed for Classes 1 to 5. However, the official bulletin states that their difficulty level and linkages may go up to the secondary stage.
CTET Paper 2 Exam Pattern 2026
Paper 2 has three common sections and one 60-mark subject section. Mathematics and Science candidates attempt 30 Maths and 30 Science questions. Social Studies candidates attempt the 60-question Social Studies and Social Science section.
| Paper 2 Subject | Questions | Marks | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 | Compulsory |
| Language 1 | 30 | 30 | Compulsory |
| Language 2 | 30 | 30 | Compulsory |
| Mathematics and Science | 60 | 60 | For Mathematics and Science teachers |
| Social Studies and Social Science | 60 | 60 | Alternative to Mathematics and Science |
| Total attempted by a candidate | 150 | 150 | 150 minutes |
Paper 2 subject questions are based on NCERT topics prescribed for Classes 6 to 8. Their difficulty level and linkages may go up to the senior secondary stage.
Subjects Common to CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2
Child Development and Pedagogy, Language 1 and Language 2 are present in both papers. The broad topic list is similar, but the learner age group and expected classroom level change.
Child Development and Pedagogy Syllabus
CDP is one of the most important CTET sections because it checks how children grow, learn, think, make errors and respond to different classroom situations.
Primary School Child
Questions focus on educational psychology and learning needs connected with the 6 to 11 years age group.
Elementary School Child
Questions focus on educational psychology and learning needs connected with the 11 to 14 years age group.
Child Development
Inclusive Education and Special Needs
Learning and Pedagogy
Language 1 Syllabus
Language 1 mainly checks proficiency connected with the medium of instruction. It contains comprehension and language pedagogy.
Language Comprehension
Pedagogy of Language Development
Language 2 Syllabus
Language 2 must be different from Language 1. This section checks comprehension, communication ability and understanding of how a second language is learned and taught.
Comprehension
Pedagogy of Language Development
CTET Language Options
Candidates select two different languages from the official options. The application form asks candidates to specify Language 1 and Language 2 separately.
CTET Paper 1 Subject-Wise Syllabus 2026
Paper 1 Maths and EVS divide questions equally between subject content and pedagogy. Students should therefore prepare classroom application along with school-level concepts.
CTET Paper 1 Mathematics Syllabus
Primary Mathematics may look basic, but the questions also check children’s reasoning, common mistakes, teaching methods and the correct way to build mathematical understanding.
Mathematics Content
Mathematics Pedagogy
CTET Paper 1 Environmental Studies Syllabus
EVS connects the child with family, food, water, plants, animals, travel and daily life. Questions often test whether a teacher can explain these topics through observation, activity and discussion.
EVS Content
EVS Pedagogical Issues
Paper 1 students who need free subject-wise classes, CDP guidance and pedagogy revision can use the CTET Paper 1 YouTube preparation guide after making a chapter checklist from the syllabus above.
CTET Paper 2 Subject-Wise Syllabus 2026
Paper 2 candidates attempt one 60-mark subject combination. Select the option according to the teaching subject and eligibility rules applicable to the recruitment for which you plan to apply.
CTET Paper 2 Mathematics and Science Syllabus
This option carries 60 marks. Mathematics and Science contribute 30 questions each. In both subjects, content knowledge is combined with pedagogy and classroom application.
Mathematics Content
Number System
- Knowing our numbers
- Playing with numbers
- Whole numbers
- Negative numbers and integers
- Fractions
Algebra
- Introduction to Algebra
- Ratio and proportion
Geometry and Data
- Basic geometrical ideas in two dimensions
- Elementary two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes
- Symmetry and reflection
- Construction using scale, protractor and compass
- Mensuration
- Data handling
Mathematics Pedagogy
Science Content
Science Pedagogy
CTET Paper 2 Social Studies and Social Science Syllabus
Social Studies carries 60 marks. The section contains 40 content questions from History, Geography and Social and Political Life, followed by 20 pedagogy questions.
History Topics
Geography Topics
Social and Political Life
Social Studies Pedagogy
Paper 2 students can use the CTET Paper 2 YouTube preparation guide for separate Maths, Science, Social Science, language and CDP resources.
CTET Qualifying Marks and Certificate Validity
How Many Marks Are Needed to Pass CTET?
The official bulletin states that a person scoring 60 percent or more in the TET examination will be considered TET pass. This is equal to 90 marks out of 150.
School managements may consider concessions for SC, ST, OBC, differently abled and other candidates according to their applicable reservation policy. Candidates should not treat an unofficial fixed category score as a universal CTET rule.
The CTET qualifying certificate is valid for a lifetime for all categories. There is also no restriction on the number of attempts for obtaining a CTET certificate or improving the score.
Download CTET Syllabus 2026 PDF
Use the official CTET September 2026 Information Bulletin for the final syllabus, exam instructions, language codes, eligibility and current examination schedule.
Official Accuracy Note
The exam pattern, marks distribution, no-negative-marking rule, qualifying standard, certificate validity and subject-wise topics on this page are based on the official CTET September 2026 Information Bulletin published by CBSE.
Candidates should check the official CTET website for admit cards, examination notices, corrections, answer keys and any later changes.
How to Complete the CTET Syllabus in 45 Days
The best approach is to study content and pedagogy together. Do not wait until the final week to begin CDP, language pedagogy or previous-year questions.
Mark Your Paper
Decide Paper 1, Paper 2 or both before collecting study resources.
Start With CDP
Build a base in development, learning, inclusion and assessment.
Mix Content and Pedagogy
Study the concept and its classroom teaching approach together.
Practise Full Papers
Use previous papers and mock tests to control time and mistakes.
Build CDP and Language Basics
Complete child development, major educational thinkers, inclusive education, learning and acquisition, comprehension and basic language pedagogy.
Complete Your Main Subject Content
Paper 1 students should cover Maths and EVS. Paper 2 students should complete Mathematics and Science or Social Studies according to their selected subject.
Focus on Subject Pedagogy
Revise teaching methods, learner errors, assessment, remedial teaching, classroom activities and subject-specific pedagogy.
Solve Previous-Year Questions
Attempt questions topic by topic. Record the teaching principles, language rules and classroom situations that cause repeated errors.
Attempt Full Mock Tests and Revise
Solve complete 150-question papers in 150 minutes, analyse every mistake and revise only short notes during the final days.
Simple Daily CTET Study Routine
| Study Block | Recommended Time | Work to Complete |
|---|---|---|
| CDP | 45 minutes | Concept, classroom example and previous questions |
| Language | 40 minutes | Comprehension and language pedagogy |
| Main Subject | 75 minutes | Maths, EVS, Science or Social Science |
| Practice | 30 to 45 minutes | Timed MCQs and mistake analysis |
You can also use the Government Exam Syllabus Finder when comparing CTET with other teaching and government examinations.
Common CTET Preparation Mistakes
- Preparing only subject content and ignoring pedagogy.
- Memorising Piaget, Vygotsky and Kohlberg without classroom application.
- Treating Language 1 and Language 2 as grammar-only sections.
- Studying Paper 2 subjects at the same level as Paper 1.
- Ignoring NCERT books while depending only on short notes.
- Watching many teachers for the same topic and creating confusion.
- Solving questions without checking why the other options are incorrect.
- Not attempting complete 150-question papers before the examination.
- Believing that passing CTET automatically provides a teaching job.
CTET Syllabus 2026 FAQs
CTET Paper 1 contains Child Development and Pedagogy, Language 1, Language 2, Mathematics and Environmental Studies. Paper 2 contains CDP, Language 1, Language 2 and either Mathematics and Science or Social Studies and Social Science.
CTET Paper 1 contains 150 multiple-choice questions for 150 marks. The five sections contain 30 questions each.
CTET Paper 2 contains 150 questions for 150 marks. CDP, Language 1 and Language 2 carry 30 questions each, while the selected subject section carries 60 questions.
No. The official CTET pattern does not deduct marks for an incorrect answer. Every correct answer carries one mark.
The duration of both CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2 is two and a half hours, which is equal to 150 minutes.
The official passing standard is 60 percent, equal to 90 marks out of 150. School managements may consider concessions under their applicable reservation policies.
Yes. The CTET qualifying certificate is valid for a lifetime for all categories according to the official bulletin.
Yes. There is no restriction on the number of CTET attempts. A qualified candidate may also appear again to improve the score.
Candidates who intend to become eligible for teaching both Classes 1 to 5 and Classes 6 to 8 need to appear in Paper 1 and Paper 2.
NCERT textbooks provide an important base for subject content, but candidates also need CDP, subject pedagogy, language pedagogy, previous-year questions and timed mock-test practice.
The official syllabus is provided inside the CTET Information Bulletin available on the official CTET website. An official PDF button has also been provided in this guide.
Conclusion
The CTET syllabus becomes easier when students prepare it as a combination of child psychology, subject knowledge and classroom teaching. Start with CDP, keep both languages active and study pedagogy with every subject instead of leaving it for the end.
Paper 1 students should balance Maths and EVS, while Paper 2 students should give enough time to their selected 60-mark subject. Regular previous-year question practice and full mock tests will help you apply the syllabus more effectively.
