CTET Syllabus 2026: Check Paper 1 and Paper 2 Topics, Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme Here

The CTET Syllabus 2026 is an important part of preparation for candidates appearing in the Central Teacher Eligibility Test. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the information bulletin covering the CTET Paper 1 Syllabus 2026, CTET Paper 2 Syllabus 2026, exam pattern, marking scheme and subject-wise structure.

The CTET September 2026 examination, which was originally scheduled for September, has now been rescheduled. According to the latest CBSE notice, the 22nd edition of CTET will be conducted on December 12 and 13, 2026. The examination city information will be made available 15 days before the exam, while the admit card will be released two days before the respective examination date.

CTET Syllabus 2026: Paper 1 vs Paper 2

The CTET 2026 syllabus is divided into two papers according to the teaching level a candidate intends to qualify for. Paper 1 is meant for candidates who want to teach Classes 1 to 5, while Paper 2 is for teaching Classes 6 to 8.

Candidates intending to teach at both levels have to appear for both CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2. Both papers contain 150 multiple-choice questions carrying 150 marks, and there is no negative marking.

The two papers therefore have the same total marks and duration, but their subject composition and syllabus differ according to the teaching level.

CTET Paper 1 Syllabus 2026: Subjects and Topics

The CTET Paper 1 Syllabus 2026 focuses on the primary-stage teaching level. All five sections are compulsory, with 30 questions from each section.

The Child Development and Pedagogy section focuses on educational psychology, learning and teaching approaches relevant to children aged 6 to 11 years. Mathematics and Environmental Studies assess concepts, problem-solving ability and pedagogical understanding based primarily on the NCERT Classes 1 to 5 syllabus.

For CTET Paper 1 preparation 2026, candidates should therefore combine subject knowledge with pedagogy rather than preparing only factual content.

CTET Paper 2 Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Structure

The CTET Paper 2 Syllabus 2026 is designed for candidates seeking eligibility to teach Classes 6 to 8. Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I and Language II are compulsory.

Candidates then have to select either Mathematics and Science or Social Studies/Social Science, depending on their intended teaching subject.

For the Mathematics and Science option, the 60 questions are divided between the two subjects. Candidates opting for Social Studies/Social Science answer 60 questions from that section. The syllabus is based on NCERT topics for Classes 6 to 8, although the difficulty level and linkages may extend up to the senior secondary stage.

CTET Exam Pattern 2026: How the Question Paper Is Structured

The CTET Exam Pattern 2026 consists entirely of multiple-choice questions. Each question has four alternatives, with one most appropriate answer. Every correct response carries one mark. Importantly, CTET has no negative marking, meaning marks are not deducted for incorrect answers.

The main question paper is bilingual in Hindi and English. Candidates also have to select two languages for Language I and Language II, with Language II required to be different from Language I.

CTET Marking Scheme 2026: No Negative Marking

Under the CTET Marking Scheme 2026, candidates receive one mark for every correct answer. There is no penalty for an incorrect response. This makes question selection and time management particularly important during preparation. Candidates should practise completing 150 questions within the prescribed two-and-a-half-hour duration while maintaining accuracy.

The absence of negative marking also means candidates should not leave questions unanswered without first considering the available options.

CTET Syllabus 2026 PDF: What Candidates Should Download

Candidates preparing for the CTET 2026 exam should keep the official information bulletin available while creating their study plan. The bulletin contains the paper structure, subject distribution, question format, language details and syllabus-related information.

The official CTET website currently lists the CTET September 2026 Information Bulletin, along with the latest public notice announcing the revised December examination dates. The detailed subject-wise syllabus should be matched with the relevant NCERT curriculum, particularly for Mathematics, Environmental Studies, Mathematics and Science, and Social Studies/Social Science.

CTET Syllabus 2026 FAQs