The CTET Syllabus 2026 is essential for candidates preparing for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Candidates can download the official CTET syllabus PDF for Paper 1 and Paper 2 and check the subject-wise topics, examination pattern, marks distribution and preparation strategy.
CTET Paper 1 is intended for candidates seeking teaching eligibility for Classes I to V, while CTET Paper 2 is intended for Classes VI to VIII.
CTET Syllabus 2026 PDF Download
CBSE provides the official syllabus in its CTET Information Bulletin. Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 syllabuses are included in Appendix I.
Download CTET Syllabus 2026 Official PDF
Visit the official CTET website
CTET Syllabus 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination | Central Teacher Eligibility Test |
| Conducting authority | CBSE |
| Paper 1 | Classes I–V |
| Paper 2 | Classes VI–VIII |
| Total questions | 150 per paper |
| Maximum marks | 150 per paper |
| Examination duration | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Negative marking | No |
| Exam dates | 12–13 December 2026 |
| Official website | ctet.nic.in |
The December 2026 examination dates were announced in CBSE’s revised public notice dated 14 September 2026.
CTET Paper 1 Syllabus 2026
CTET Paper 1 is designed for candidates who want to become primary teachers for Classes I to V.
CTET Paper 1 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
1. Child Development and Pedagogy – 30 Marks
Child Development – 15 Questions
Concept of development and its relationship with learning
Principles of child development
Influence of heredity and environment
Socialisation processes
Piaget, Kohlberg and Vygotsky
Child-centred and progressive education
Critical perspectives on intelligence
Multi-dimensional intelligence
Language and thought
Gender roles and gender bias
Individual differences among learners
Assessment for learning and assessment of learning
Continuous and comprehensive evaluation
Formulating questions for assessing learning
Inclusive Education – 5 Questions
Addressing learners from diverse backgrounds
Supporting disadvantaged and deprived learners
Children with learning difficulties and impairments
Talented, creative and specially abled learners
Learning and Pedagogy – 10 Questions
How children think and learn
Children’s strategies of learning
Learning as a social activity
Child as a problem solver
Alternative conceptions of learning
Cognition and emotions
Motivation and learning
Personal and environmental factors contributing to learning
2. Mathematics Syllabus – 30 Marks
Content – 15 Questions
Geometry
Shapes and spatial understanding
Solids around us
Numbers
Addition and subtraction
Multiplication and division
Measurement
Weight
Time
Volume
Data handling
Patterns
Money
Mathematics Pedagogy – 15 Questions
Nature of mathematics and logical thinking
Place of mathematics in curriculum
Language of mathematics
Community mathematics
Evaluation through formal and informal methods
Problems of teaching mathematics
Error analysis
Diagnostic and remedial teaching
3. Environmental Studies – 30 Marks
Content – 15 Questions
Family and Friends
Relationships
Work and play
Animals
Plants
Other Topics
Food
Shelter
Water
Travel
Things we make and do
Environmental Studies Pedagogy – 15 Questions
Concept and scope of EVS
Significance and integrated EVS
Environmental studies and environmental education
Learning principles
Scope and relationship with science and social science
Approaches to presenting concepts
Activities
Experimentation and practical work
Discussion
Teaching aids
Problems in teaching EVS
4. Language I – 30 Marks
Language Comprehension – 15 Questions
Reading unseen passages
Prose and poetry comprehension
Grammar
Verbal ability
Inference and interpretation
Pedagogy of Language Development – 15 Questions
Learning and acquisition
Principles of language teaching
Listening and speaking
Role of grammar in communication
Challenges in a diverse classroom
Language difficulties, errors and disorders
Language skills
Evaluation of language comprehension and proficiency
Teaching-learning materials
Remedial teaching
5. Language II – 30 Marks
Language II evaluates comprehension, communication and language-teaching principles.
The syllabus includes unseen prose passages, comprehension, grammar, verbal ability, language acquisition, teaching principles, learning resources, assessment and remedial teaching.
Language II must be different from Language I.
CTET Paper 2 Syllabus 2026
CTET Paper 2 is intended for candidates seeking teaching eligibility for Classes VI to VIII.
CTET Paper 2 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics and Science OR Social Science | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
1. Child Development and Pedagogy – 30 Marks
Paper 2 includes child development for the elementary school stage, inclusive education, learning theories, socialisation, intelligence, individual differences, assessment and classroom learning.
The section covers:
Child Development – 15 Questions
Inclusive Education – 5 Questions
Learning and Pedagogy – 10 Questions
2. Mathematics – 30 Marks
Content – 20 Questions
Number System
Knowing our numbers
Playing with numbers
Whole numbers
Negative numbers and integers
Fractions
Algebra
Introduction to algebra
Ratio and proportion
Geometry
Basic geometrical ideas
Elementary shapes
Symmetry
Construction
Mensuration
Data Handling
Collection and presentation of data
Interpretation of data
Mathematics Pedagogy – 10 Questions
Nature of mathematics
Logical thinking
Language of mathematics
Community mathematics
Evaluation
Remedial teaching
Problems of teaching
3. Science – 30 Marks
Content – 20 Questions
Food
Sources of food
Components of food
Cleaning food
Materials
Materials of daily use
The World of Living
Living organisms and their surroundings
Characteristics of living organisms
Moving Things, People and Ideas
Motion and movement
How Things Work
Electric current and circuits
Magnets
Natural Phenomena and Resources
Natural phenomena
Natural resources
Science Pedagogy – 10 Questions
Nature and structure of science
Aims and objectives of natural science
Understanding and appreciating science
Approaches to integrated science
Observation and experimentation
Innovation
Teaching-learning materials
Evaluation
Remedial teaching
4. Social Studies / Social Science – 60 Marks
Candidates selecting Social Studies or Social Science must prepare the following topics.
History
When, Where and How
The Earliest Societies
The First Farmers and Herders
The First Cities
Early States
New Ideas
The First Empire
Contacts with Distant Lands
Political Developments
Culture and Science
New Kings and Kingdoms
Sultans of Delhi
Architecture
Creation of an Empire
Social Change
Regional Cultures
Establishment of Company Power
Rural Life and Society
Colonialism and Tribal Societies
Revolt of 1857–58
Women and Reform
Challenging the Caste System
Nationalist Movement
India After Independence
Geography
Geography as a social study and as a science
Planet Earth in the Solar System
Globe
Environment
Air
Water
Human Environment
Resources
Agriculture
Social and Political Life
Diversity
Government
Local Government
Making a Living
Democracy
State Government
Understanding Media
Gender
Constitution
Parliamentary Government
Judiciary
Social Justice and the Marginalised
Social Science Pedagogy
Concept and nature of social science
Classroom processes and activities
Critical thinking
Developing enquiry and evidence
Problems of teaching social science
Sources: primary and secondary
Project work
Evaluation
5. Language I and Language II – 30 Marks Each
Paper 2 language sections cover:
Reading comprehension
Grammar in context
Language acquisition
Principles of language teaching
Listening and speaking
Language skills
Teaching-learning materials
Evaluation and remedial teaching
CTET Paper 1 vs Paper 2 Syllabus
| Feature | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching classes | I–V | VI–VIII |
| Questions | 150 | 150 |
| Marks | 150 | 150 |
| Child Development | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Other subjects | Maths 30 + EVS 30 | Maths & Science 60 or Social Science 60 |
| Duration | 150 minutes | 150 minutes |
CTET Syllabus 2026: Important Preparation Topics
Candidates should pay particular attention to pedagogy because it forms a significant part of both papers.
Child Development: Piaget, Vygotsky, Kohlberg, inclusive education, constructivism, motivation and assessment.
Mathematics: Number system, geometry, data handling, mathematics pedagogy and error analysis.
Environmental Studies: Family, plants, animals, food, water, transport and activity-based teaching.
Science: Food, materials, living organisms, electricity, magnets, natural phenomena and science teaching methods.
Social Science: Indian history, geography, democracy, government, constitution and social science pedagogy.
Languages: Reading comprehension, language acquisition, multilingual classrooms and remedial teaching.
These are recommended revision areas. Candidates should prepare the complete official syllabus rather than relying exclusively on selected important topics.
CTET Syllabus 2026: Study Plan
| Days | Preparation focus |
|---|---|
| Day 1–2 | Child Development and Pedagogy |
| Day 3–4 | Language I and Language II |
| Day 5–6 | Mathematics |
| Day 7–8 | Environmental Studies or Science |
| Day 9–10 | Social Science or weaker subject areas |
| Day 11–12 | Previous-year question papers |
| Day 13–14 | Mock tests and final revision |
The 14-day schedule is intended for revision. Candidates starting from the basics should allocate more time to cover the syllabus thoroughly.
CTET Previous Year Question Papers
After reviewing the CTET syllabus 2026, candidates should practise previous-year question papers.
Solving question papers helps identify important topics, understand question types, improve time management and assess preparation.
Download CTET Previous Year Question Papers – Official Archive
Candidates can also study NCERT textbooks for the relevant classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I download the CTET syllabus 2026 PDF?
Candidates can download the CTET 2026 Information Bulletin, including the complete syllabus for both papers, from the official CBSE CTET website.
2. Is the CTET syllabus for Paper 1 and Paper 2 the same?
No. Paper 1 covers the primary teaching stage, while Paper 2 covers the elementary teaching stage. Both have common broad areas such as Child Development and Languages, but their school-level subjects differ.
3. How many questions are there in CTET Paper 1?
CTET Paper 1 contains 150 multiple-choice questions worth 150 marks.
4. How many questions are there in CTET Paper 2?
CTET Paper 2 contains 150 multiple-choice questions worth 150 marks.
5. Is there negative marking in CTET 2026?
No. The official information bulletin states that there is no negative marking.
6. What is the CTET 2026 examination date?
CBSE’s revised notice dated 14 September 2026 schedules the examination for 12 and 13 December 2026.
7. Can I write CTET in Malayalam?
Malayalam is available as a language option with code 09. However, the main non-language question paper is bilingual in Hindi and English.
8. What is the CTET passing mark?
The general CTET qualifying benchmark is 60%, equal to 90 marks out of 150. Any applicable concessions depend on official rules and relevant recruitment policies.
9. Can I appear for both CTET papers?
Yes. Candidates seeking eligibility for teaching at both primary and elementary levels must appear for both papers, subject to the prescribed eligibility requirements.
10. Is CTET qualification valid for a lifetime?
Yes. The validity of the CTET qualifying certificate has been extended to a lifetime under the applicable rules. CTET qualification does not automatically guarantee employment.
Conclusion
The CTET Syllabus 2026 provides a clear structure for preparing for both Paper 1 and Paper 2. Candidates should download the official syllabus PDF, understand the subject-wise examination pattern and prepare all content and pedagogy topics.
Regular revision, previous-year question-paper practice and concept-based learning can improve examination readiness.
For more competitive examination resources, syllabus updates and study materials, visit MOQ Exams.
Disclaimer: This article is an independent educational guide. CBSE and the official CTET website are the authoritative sources for examination instructions, syllabus and notifications.