CTET Syllabus 2025: Detailed Paper 1 & Paper 2 Topics, Marks, and PDF Download
Complete CTET Syllabus 2025 with detailed topics for Paper 1 & 2, marks distribution, official PDF download, preparation tips, and recommended books. Prepare effectively for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test and boost your chances of success.
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level exam conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in India. It is a mandatory eligibility test for candidates aspiring to become teachers in Central Government schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and other government-aided schools.
The CTET exam ensures that aspiring teachers possess the necessary aptitude, knowledge, and skills required to teach children effectively. The test assesses the candidate’s understanding of child psychology, pedagogy, and the core subjects relevant for teaching at primary and upper primary levels.
CTET Exam Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Levels | Paper 1 (Primary Stage: Classes I-V) Paper 2 (Elementary Stage: Classes VI-VIII) |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (Online) |
| Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes per paper |
| Number of Questions | 150 questions per paper |
| Total Marks | 150 marks |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Marking Scheme | 1 mark for each correct answer; No negative marking |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 60% (90 marks out of 150) |
CTET Exam Papers & Who Should Apply?
| Paper | Classes Covered | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Classes I to V (Primary Stage) | Candidates who want to teach classes 1 to 5 |
| Paper 2 | Classes VI to VIII (Elementary Stage) | Candidates who want to teach classes 6 to 8 |
Candidates who wish to teach both primary and upper primary levels must appear for both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
CTET Syllabus Detailed Subject-Wise Topics
CTET Syllabus is divided into four major sections for each paper. Below is the detailed syllabus subject-wise with topics, description, and marks distribution.
CTET Paper 1 Syllabus (For Classes I-V)
| Subject | Topics | Topic Description | Marks Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | – Child Development (Primary School Child) – Understanding Learning & Pedagogy – Learning Principles and Theories – Child Rights & Inclusion |
Focuses on understanding child psychology, inclusive education, learning styles, and teaching methodologies suitable for primary school children. | 30 marks |
| Language I (English/Hindi) | – Comprehension – Pedagogy of Language Development – Vocabulary & Grammar – Language Skills |
Tests language comprehension, teaching language skills, grammar, and vocabulary suited for primary teaching. | 30 marks |
| Language II (English/Hindi/Other) | – Comprehension – Pedagogy of Language Development – Grammar and Usage |
Tests the candidate’s understanding of language skills and pedagogy in an additional language. | 30 marks |
| Mathematics | – Number System – Arithmetic – Geometry – Data Handling – Pedagogical issues |
Tests conceptual understanding, problem-solving, and pedagogical knowledge related to teaching math at primary level. | 30 marks |
| Environmental Studies (EVS) | – Family & Friends – Food – Shelter – Water – Travel – Pedagogical Issues |
Assesses general awareness of environmental issues and the ability to teach EVS topics effectively. | 30 marks |
CTET Paper 2 Syllabus (For Classes VI-VIII)
| Subject | Topics | Topic Description | Marks Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | – Child Development (Elementary Stage Child) – Learning & Pedagogical Processes – Inclusive Education – Evaluation & Assessment |
Understanding adolescent psychology, pedagogy for upper primary students, diversity, and evaluation techniques. | 30 marks |
| Language I (English/Hindi) | – Comprehension – Pedagogy of Language Development – Language Skills & Grammar |
Tests detailed language skills and pedagogical knowledge for teaching language I at upper primary level. | 30 marks |
| Language II (English/Hindi/Other) | – Comprehension – Pedagogy of Language Development – Grammar and Usage |
Tests understanding and teaching ability of a second language at upper primary level. | 30 marks |
| Mathematics & Science OR Social Studies/Social Science | For Mathematics & Science: – Mathematics (Number system, Algebra, Geometry) – Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics)For Social Studies/Social Science: – History – Geography – Civics – Pedagogical concerns |
Candidates choose between teaching Math & Science or Social Science; this section tests subject knowledge and pedagogy. | 60 marks |
CTET Syllabus Topics Description
1. Child Development & Pedagogy
Focuses on principles of child development from 6-14 years, understanding how children learn, inclusive education for children with special needs, learning styles, motivation, and assessment techniques.
Key Concepts: Piaget’s theory, Kohlberg’s moral development, constructivism, classroom management.
2. Language I & II
Includes language comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and language acquisition theories.
Key Concepts: Phonetics, syntax, semantics, language teaching methods, bilingualism.
3. Mathematics
Basic mathematical concepts and pedagogical approaches for teaching math to children.
Key Concepts: Number system, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, geometry, data interpretation, problem-solving skills.
4. Environmental Studies / Science / Social Studies
Basic environmental science concepts or social science themes relevant to children’s everyday life and curriculum.
Key Concepts: Ecosystem, water cycle, pollution, history, political science, geography basics, civics.
Marks Distribution Table (Summary)
| Paper | Subjects | Number of Questions | Marks per Subject | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 | 150 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 | ||
| Language II | 30 | 30 | ||
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | ||
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 | ||
| Paper 2 | Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 | 150 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 | ||
| Language II | 30 | 30 | ||
| Mathematics & Science or Social Studies | 60 | 60 |
CTET Syllabus PDF Download
For a complete, official CTET syllabus PDF with detailed topics and updates, download the syllabus from the official CBSE website:
Download CTET Syllabus PDF (Official)
(Note: Link directs to the official CTET website for latest syllabus updates)
Recommended Books for CTET Preparation
| Subject | Recommended Books | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | – “CTET & TETs Child Development and Pedagogy” – “Child Development and Pedagogy” |
Arihant Experts, Dr. Pooja Agarwal |
| Language I & II | – “Objective English for CTET” – “CTET Language Paper” |
RPH Editorial Board, Arihant |
| Mathematics | – “CTET Mathematics” – “Quantitative Aptitude for CTET” |
Kiran Prakashan, R.S. Aggarwal |
| Environmental Studies / Science | – “Environmental Studies for CTET” – “Science for CTET” |
Arihant Experts, Ramesh Publishing |
| Social Studies | – “CTET Social Science” – “Social Science for TET” |
Arihant Experts, R.S. Aggarwal |
CTET Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly: Focus on every subject and topic mentioned in the syllabus.
- Refer to NCERT Books: Especially for classes 1 to 8 to build strong conceptual clarity.
- Practice Previous Year Papers: This helps in understanding exam pattern and managing time.
- Take Mock Tests: Online mock tests can improve speed and accuracy.
- Focus on Pedagogy: This section carries significant marks and requires understanding of teaching methods and child psychology.
- Time Management: Allocate time wisely to each subject and stick to a study timetable.
- Stay Updated: Follow the official CTET website for notifications and syllabus changes.
- Language Skills: Improve reading comprehension and grammar as language papers are crucial.
Specialization in CTET
CTET allows candidates to specialize in teaching either:
- Primary Stage (Classes I-V): Focus on foundational education and basic subjects.
- Elementary Stage (Classes VI-VIII): Specialized subject knowledge with pedagogy for older children.
Candidates can also specialize in Mathematics & Science or Social Studies for upper primary teaching as per their interest and educational background.
Conclusion
The CTET exam is a vital stepping stone for teaching aspirants aiming to work in central and government schools in India. A thorough understanding of the syllabus, focused preparation, and strong command over pedagogy and subject knowledge are keys to success.
This detailed syllabus guide, along with structured preparation and right resources, will help you ace the CTET exam with confidence and open doors to a rewarding teaching career.
If you want, I can also help you with a detailed CTET preparation plan or mock question papers to boost your practice. Would you like that?
