The exam pattern for CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) is structured to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of various aspects of teaching, including child development, language proficiency, and subject-specific knowledge. The exam consists of two papers: Paper I for primary level teaching (Classes I-V) and Paper II for upper primary level teaching (Classes VI-VIII). Candidates can appear for either one or both papers, depending on the level they wish to teach.
Here is a comprehensive and updated explanation of the CTET exam pattern for 2025:
1. Number of Papers in CTET
- Paper I: For candidates who want to teach Classes I to V (Primary Level).
- Paper II: For candidates who want to teach Classes VI to VIII (Upper Primary Level).
- Both Papers: Candidates who wish to teach at both levels (Primary and Upper Primary) must appear for both Paper I and Paper II.
2. Exam Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): The CTET exam consists entirely of MCQs, with four options for each question. Candidates must choose the correct answer.
- No Negative Marking: There is no negative marking for incorrect answers, meaning candidates are not penalized for wrong responses.
3. Duration of the Exam
- Paper I: 2.5 hours.
- Paper II: 2.5 hours.
- If a candidate appears for both Paper I and Paper II, they will have to attend two separate sessions, each lasting 2.5 hours.
4. Structure of Paper I (Primary Level - Classes I to V)
5. Structure of Paper II (Upper Primary Level - Classes VI to VIII)
6. Key Features of the CTET Exam Pattern
- MCQ Format: All questions in both Paper I and Paper II are multiple-choice questions.
- No Negative Marking: Incorrect answers do not result in a penalty, so candidates are encouraged to attempt all questions.
- Equal Weightage: Each correct answer carries 1 mark.
- Language Choices: Candidates can choose Language I and Language II as per their preference (typically one language will be the candidate’s mother tongue or a regional language, and the second will often be English).
- Pedagogy Focus: Both papers include a significant focus on Child Development and Pedagogy, which assesses candidates’ understanding of teaching and learning processes, how to cater to diverse student needs, and how to create a supportive learning environment.
7. Subject-wise Distribution for Paper I (Primary Level):
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---------------------------------------|-------------------------|-----------|
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Language II (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
8. Subject-wise Distribution for Paper II (Upper Primary Level):
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---------------------------------------|-------------------------|-----------|
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Language II (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics and Science | 60 (30 for Mathematics, 30 for Science) | 60 |
| Social Studies/Social Science | 60 (30 for Social Studies, 30 for Social Science) | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
9. Eligibility for Both Papers (Primary and Upper Primary):
Candidates wishing to teach at both levels (Primary and Upper Primary) will need to appear for both Paper I and Paper II:
- This requires completing two separate sessions of the exam.
- The duration for each paper remains 2.5 hours, and candidates are expected to appear for both on the same day, though they will be evaluated separately.
Conclusion:
The CTET exam pattern is designed to assess the suitability of candidates to teach in central government schools across India. The exam is divided into two papers: Paper I for primary school teaching (Classes I-V) and Paper II for upper primary school teaching (Classes VI-VIII). Both papers consist of 150 MCQs and last for 2.5 hours. The questions cover various domains such as child development, language proficiency, subject knowledge, and pedagogy. With no negative marking, the CTET exam allows candidates to attempt all questions, ensuring a fair evaluation of their potential as future educators.