No CTET for Classes 9 to 12 before 2027 has been confirmed by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). This clarification followed media reports suggesting that the CTET would be conducted at four levels. NCTE Chairperson Pankaj Arora stated that no such proposal has been issued to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
The Council will only consider introducing CTET for four levels after 2027, when the first batch of the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) graduates. Until then, CTET will continue to assess teaching eligibility for Classes 1 to 8 only.
NCTE’s Statement on CTET Levels
The NCTE has clarified its stance through an official communication and a post on X (formerly Twitter). Currently, the CTET is a two-paper exam designed to certify teachers for the primary and upper primary levels. The decision to expand CTET to secondary school levels will depend on the outcomes of the ITEP programme.
CTET 2025 Exam for Classes 1 to 8
While CTET for Classes 9 to 12 is not implemented out until 2027, the CBSE will soon conduct the CTET 2025 for Classes 1 to 8. The official notification is expected to be released in August 2025, with the 12th edition of the exam likely to be scheduled for December 2025. The CTET consists of two papers:
- Paper 1: For candidates aiming to teach Classes 1 to 5
- Paper 2: For candidates aiming to teach Classes 6 to 8
Understanding the ITEP Programme
Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP), launched in 2023, combines teacher education with the chosen subject specialisation. The program duration is four years, preparing graduates to teach across all stages of schooling as defined by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
NEPs 5+3+3+4 School Structure
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 established a 5+3+3+4 school structure to replace the traditional 10+2 system. It aligns with the different stages of a child’s development, spanning ages 3 to 18. This model emphasises flexibility, skill-based learning, and holistic education, spanning from foundational to secondary levels.
- 5: Foundational Stage — 3 years of pre-school + Classes 1 and 2
- 3: Preparatory Stage — Classes 3 to 5
- 3: Middle Stage — Classes 6 to 8
- 4: Secondary Stage — Classes 9 to 12
The first ITEP batch will graduate in 2027, after which CTET may be expanded to cover teachers for all four school levels.
