CTET Syllabus 2026: The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for candidates seeking eligibility for teaching positions for Classes I to VIII. The examination is divided into Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Paper 1 is intended for candidates who want to teach Classes I to V, while Paper 2 is intended for candidates who want to teach Classes VI to VIII. Candidates who want eligibility for both levels can appear for both papers.
The official CTET website provides the CTET February 2026 Information Bulletin and syllabus-related information. Candidates should always check the latest official bulletin for any changes before applying or appearing for the examination.
CTET 2026 Exam Pattern
CTET consists of two papers:
Paper 1: For Classes I to V – Primary Stage
Paper 2: For Classes VI to VIII – Elementary Stage
Both papers are objective-type examinations consisting of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
Each question carries 1 mark and there is no negative marking.
CTET Paper 1 Exam Pattern 2026
Paper 1 is designed for candidates intending to teach Classes I to V.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Total Questions: 150
Total Marks: 150
CTET Paper 1 Syllabus 2026
1. Child Development & Pedagogy
This section focuses on educational psychology, child development and teaching-learning processes at the primary level.
Child Development
Important topics include:
Concept of Development
Principles of Development
Development and Learning
Influence of Heredity and Environment
Socialization Processes
Role of Parents and Teachers
Piaget, Kohlberg and Vygotsky
Child-Centred and Progressive Education
Intelligence
Multiple Intelligence
Language and Thought
Individual Differences
Personality
Understanding Diverse Learners
Learning Difficulties
Children with Special Needs
Gifted and Creative Learners
Learning and Pedagogy
How Children Learn
Learning and Teaching
Learning Processes
Motivation
Cognition and Emotions
Factors Affecting Learning
Child as a Problem Solver
Learning as a Social Activity
Alternative Conceptions of Learning
Errors as a Part of Learning
Assessment for Learning
Assessment of Learning
School-Based Assessment
Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation
Inclusive Education
Teaching-Learning Materials
Questioning Techniques
Important Pedagogy Concepts
Candidates should understand:
Individual differences
Inclusive classroom
Learning disabilities
Motivation
Intelligence
Classroom interaction
Child-centred education
Assessment strategies
2. Mathematics – Paper 1
The Mathematics section focuses on concepts generally taught at the primary-school level along with pedagogical understanding.
Important Topics
Number System
Numbers
Counting
Place Value
Whole Numbers
Four Fundamental Operations
Addition
Subtraction
Multiplication
Division
Number Patterns
Arithmetic
Addition and Subtraction
Multiplication and Division
Fractions
Decimals
Measurement
Money
Time
Distance
Weight
Capacity
Geometry
Basic Geometrical Shapes
2D and 3D Shapes
Lines
Angles
Shapes and Spatial Understanding
Symmetry
Patterns
Mensuration
Length
Area
Perimeter
Measurement
Data Handling
Tables
Graphs
Data Interpretation
Patterns
Mathematics Pedagogy
Nature of Mathematics
Children's Thinking and Reasoning
Language of Mathematics
Community Mathematics
Evaluation
Remedial Teaching
Diagnostic Assessment
Errors and Misconceptions
Teaching Mathematics
Problems of Teaching Mathematics
3. Environmental Studies – Paper 1
Environmental Studies covers topics related to the child's surroundings, society, environment and everyday life.
Important Topics
Family and Friends
Family
Relationships
Work and Play
Animals
Plants
Food
Food Sources
Cooking
Food Habits
Different Types of Food
Shelter
Houses
Different Types of Houses
Housing Materials
Animals and Their Shelters
Water
Sources of Water
Uses of Water
Water Conservation
Water Pollution
Travel
Different Modes of Transport
Travel Experiences
Communication
Things We Make and Do
Materials
Occupations
Tools
Everyday Activities
EVS Pedagogy
Concept and Scope of EVS
Integrated EVS
Environmental Education
Learning Through Activities
Discussion
Experiments
Field Visits
Teaching-Learning Materials
Evaluation
Classroom Problems
Critical Thinking
Child-Centred Learning
4. Language I – Paper 1
Language I focuses on proficiency in the language chosen by the candidate and understanding language-related teaching processes.
Important Topics
Reading Comprehension
Unseen Passages
Grammar
Vocabulary
Sentence Structure
Language Development
Listening Skills
Speaking Skills
Reading Skills
Writing Skills
Language Learning
Language Teaching
Language I Pedagogy
Learning and Acquisition
Principles of Language Teaching
Role of Listening and Speaking
Grammar in Language Learning
Teaching Language in a Diverse Classroom
Evaluation of Language Skills
Teaching-Learning Materials
Remedial Teaching
5. Language II – Paper 1
Language II tests comprehension and communication skills in another language selected by the candidate.
Important Topics
Unseen Passages
Reading Comprehension
Grammar
Vocabulary
Sentence Structure
Language Functions
Communication
Language Development
Language II Pedagogy
Language Acquisition
Learning Processes
Teaching Methods
Listening and Speaking
Reading and Writing
Grammar
Language Difficulties
Evaluation
Remedial Teaching
Teaching-Learning Materials
CTET Paper 2 Exam Pattern 2026
Paper 2 is intended for candidates who want to teach Classes VI to VIII.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science OR Social Studies/Social Science | 60 | 60 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Candidates choose either:
Mathematics & Science, or
Social Studies/Social Science
depending on the teaching subject they intend to pursue.
CTET Paper 2 Syllabus 2026
1. Child Development & Pedagogy – Paper 2
The Child Development & Pedagogy section focuses on the educational psychology of children in the elementary-school age group.
Child Development
Concept of Development
Principles of Development
Development and Learning
Heredity and Environment
Socialization
Role of Family and School
Piaget
Kohlberg
Vygotsky
Child-Centred Education
Progressive Education
Intelligence
Multiple Intelligence
Individual Differences
Personality
Language and Thought
Diverse Learners
Learning Difficulties
Special Needs
Gifted and Creative Learners
Learning and Pedagogy
Learning Processes
Motivation
Cognition
Emotions
Learning Difficulties
Classroom Learning
Child as a Problem Solver
Learning as a Social Activity
Assessment for Learning
Assessment of Learning
School-Based Assessment
Inclusive Education
Remedial Teaching
Teaching Strategies
Questioning
Diagnostic Assessment
2. Mathematics – Paper 2
Mathematics questions are based broadly on concepts from the elementary/secondary school curriculum, with emphasis on understanding and pedagogy.
Important Topics
Number System
Knowing Our Numbers
Playing with Numbers
Whole Numbers
Integers
Fractions
Decimals
Number System
Algebra
Introduction to Algebra
Variables
Algebraic Expressions
Simple Equations
Linear Equations
Ratio and Proportion
Geometry
Basic Geometrical Ideas
Lines and Angles
Triangles
Quadrilaterals
Circles
Symmetry
Construction
Visualisation of Solid Shapes
Mensuration
Perimeter
Area
Volume
Surface Area
Data Handling
Data Collection
Tables
Graphs
Bar Graphs
Pie Charts
Probability
Mathematics Pedagogy
Nature of Mathematics
Logical Thinking
Children's Reasoning
Mathematics Language
Evaluation
Diagnostic Assessment
Remedial Teaching
Community Mathematics
Problems of Teaching Mathematics
Error Analysis
Teaching-Learning Resources
3. Science – Paper 2
Science covers concepts related to everyday science, living organisms, materials, natural phenomena and scientific understanding.
Important Topics
Food
Sources of Food
Components of Food
Food Production
Materials
Materials and Their Properties
Classification of Materials
Changes Around Us
Living World
Plants
Animals
Human Body
Microorganisms
Reproduction
Health and Diseases
Moving Things and People
Motion
Measurement
Force
Energy
Natural Phenomena
Light
Sound
Electricity
Magnetism
Natural Resources
Air
Water
Soil
Environment
Pollution
Conservation
Science & Technology
Everyday Science
Scientific Developments
Technology in Daily Life
Science Pedagogy
Nature of Science
Understanding Science
Observation
Experimentation
Discovery
Scientific Method
Teaching Science
Evaluation
Teaching-Learning Materials
Remedial Teaching
Classroom Activities
4. Social Studies/Social Science – Paper 2
Candidates choosing Social Studies/Social Science will face questions from History, Geography, Social and Political Life, along with pedagogical concepts.
History
Important topics include:
Early Societies
First Farmers and Herders
Early States
New Ideas
First Empire
Delhi Sultanate
Mughal Empire
Regional Cultures
Colonialism
Revolt of 1857
Indian National Movement
India After Independence
Geography
Earth
Globe
Environment
Air
Water
Natural Resources
Agriculture
Human Environment
Transport
Communication
Settlement
Resources
Manufacturing
Life in Different Regions
Social and Political Life
Diversity
Government
Democracy
Local Government
Making a Living
Understanding Media
Gender
Constitution
Parliamentary Government
Judiciary
Social Justice
Marginalised Groups
Social Science Pedagogy
Nature of Social Science
Classroom Processes
Critical Thinking
Inquiry-Based Learning
Sources of Social Science
Project Work
Discussion
Evaluation
Teaching-Learning Materials
Problems of Teaching Social Science
Remedial Teaching
CTET Language I & Language II – Paper 2
The language sections assess comprehension, communication and pedagogy.
Important Areas
Reading Comprehension
Unseen Passages
Grammar
Vocabulary
Language Development
Listening
Speaking
Reading
Writing
Language Acquisition
Language Teaching
Teaching-Learning Materials
Evaluation
Remedial Teaching
Candidates should select languages carefully according to the languages available in the CTET examination and their intended teaching requirements.
CTET Paper 1 vs Paper 2
| Feature | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Level | Classes I–V | Classes VI–VIII |
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 Questions | 30 Questions |
| Language I | 30 Questions | 30 Questions |
| Language II | 30 Questions | 30 Questions |
| Mathematics | 30 Questions | Included in Math & Science option |
| EVS | 30 Questions | Not included |
| Mathematics & Science | No | 60 Questions |
| Social Science | No | 60 Questions |
| Total | 150 Questions | 150 Questions |
| Total Marks | 150 | 150 |
CTET 2026 Preparation Strategy
1. Understand the Syllabus
Start your preparation by dividing the syllabus into:
Child Development & Pedagogy
Language I
Language II
Mathematics
EVS
Science
Social Science
2. Focus on NCERT Books
NCERT textbooks are particularly important for understanding the subject concepts and curriculum-oriented questions.
Candidates should thoroughly revise the relevant NCERT classes according to the paper they are preparing for.
3. Give Special Attention to Pedagogy
Pedagogy is an important part of both CTET papers.
Focus on:
Child Development
Learning Theories
Inclusive Education
Assessment
Learning Difficulties
Teaching Methods
Classroom Management
4. Solve Previous Year Papers
Previous-year CTET question papers are useful for understanding:
Question pattern
Difficulty level
Important topics
Pedagogy questions
Time management
The official CTET website also provides previous question papers, including February 2026 Paper 1 and Paper 2 question papers.
5. Attempt Mock Tests
Regular mock tests help improve:
Speed
Accuracy
Time Management
Question Selection
Confidence
6. Revise Regularly
Make short notes for:
Educational thinkers
Learning theories
Important definitions
Pedagogy concepts
Mathematics formulas
Science concepts
Social Science facts
Grammar rules
CTET Preparation on Quizer.in
Candidates preparing for CTET can use Quizer.in for regular practice and revision.
Useful resources include:
CTET Mock Tests
CTET Previous Year Questions
Child Development & Pedagogy Quizzes
Mathematics Practice
EVS Practice
Science Questions
Social Science Questions
English Practice
Hindi Practice
Daily Quizzes
Practice Tests
Current Affairs
Regular practice can help candidates improve their accuracy and understand the examination pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions – CTET Syllabus 2026
What is CTET Paper 1?
CTET Paper 1 is designed for candidates who want to teach Classes I to V.
What is CTET Paper 2?
CTET Paper 2 is designed for candidates who want to teach Classes VI to VIII.
Can I appear for both CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2?
Yes. Candidates seeking eligibility for both teaching levels can appear for both papers, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.
How many questions are there in CTET?
Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 contain 150 questions carrying 150 marks.
Is there negative marking in CTET?
No. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
What are the subjects in CTET Paper 1?
Paper 1 consists of:
Child Development & Pedagogy
Mathematics
Environmental Studies
Language I
Language II
What are the subjects in CTET Paper 2?
Paper 2 consists of:
Child Development & Pedagogy
Language I
Language II
Mathematics & Science or
Social Studies/Social Science
Which books should I study for CTET?
Candidates should primarily focus on relevant NCERT textbooks, along with CTET previous-year papers, practice questions and pedagogy resources. The official CTET website advises candidates to refer to authentic textbooks and the syllabus suggested by NCTE.
Where can I check the official CTET syllabus?
Candidates can check the latest CTET Information Bulletin on the official CTET website. The official site currently lists the CTET February 2026 Information Bulletin and other previous bulletins.
Final Words
CTET is an important eligibility examination for candidates aspiring to become teachers at the primary and elementary levels.
A successful preparation strategy should combine NCERT study, pedagogy preparation, previous-year questions, regular revision and mock-test practice.
Candidates preparing for Paper 1 should give special attention to Child Development & Pedagogy, Mathematics and EVS, while Paper 2 candidates should focus on Child Development & Pedagogy and their selected subject area.
Start your preparation early, practice questions regularly and revise important concepts multiple times.
Prepare Smart. Practice Daily. Become a Better Teacher with Quizer.in!
Keep this page bookmarked for future updates related to CTET Syllabus 2026, Exam Pattern, Notification, Admit Card, Answer Key, Result, Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests.