The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is the gateway to becoming a teacher in government schools like KVS, NVS, and state-run institutions. If you’re aiming to teach Classes 1-8, cracking CTET is non-negotiable. But here’s the catch—Paper 1 (for Classes 1-5) and Paper 2 (for Classes 6-8) have different syllabi, and knowing them inside out is half the battle won.
This guide breaks down the CTET 2025 syllabus, exam pattern, and key topics with real-life examples, expert tips, and research-backed insights—so you can prep smarter, not harder. 🚀
Key Highlights 🏆
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Paper 1 | For Classes 1-5 teachers |
| Paper 2 | For Classes 6-8 teachers |
| Total Questions | 150 MCQs per paper |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct, 0 for wrong |
| Duration | 2.5 hours per paper |
| Languages | English & Hindi |
| Official Website | https://ctet.nic.in/ |
CTET Exam Pattern 2025: Paper 1 vs. Paper 2 📝
Paper 1 (Primary Stage: Classes 1-5)
| Subject | Topics Covered | No. of Qs |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | Child psychology, learning theories | 30 |
| Language I (Compulsory) | Comprehension, grammar | 30 |
| Language II (Compulsory) | Pedagogy, unseen passages | 30 |
| Mathematics | Numbers, geometry, patterns | 30 |
| Environmental Studies (EVS) | Family, food, shelter | 30 |
Paper 2 (Elementary Stage: Classes 6-8)
| Subject | Topics Covered | No. of Qs |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | Adolescent learning, Vygotsky’s theories | 30 |
| Language I & II | Same as Paper 1 | 30 each |
| Maths & Science OR Social Science | Algebra, history, geography | 60 |
💡 Pro Tip: If you want to teach both levels (1-8), you must clear both papers.
CTET Syllabus 2025: Subject-Wise Breakdown 📖
1. Child Development & Pedagogy 🧠
This section tests teaching psychology and child learning methods.
| Sub-Topic | Key Concepts |
|---|---|
| Child Development | Piaget’s stages, Kohlberg’s morality |
| Inclusive Education | Teaching special needs students |
| Learning Theories | Constructivism, motivation factors |
🔹 Real-Life Example: A teacher uses storytelling (Vygotsky’s social learning) to explain moral values—proving how practical pedagogy works.
2. Language I & II 🗣️
Tests proficiency in teaching languages (e.g., Hindi, English).
| Section | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Comprehension | Unseen passages, grammar |
| Pedagogy | Multilingual teaching strategies |
🔹 Expert Insight: “Language teaching isn’t just grammar—it’s about making kids think critically.” — Dr. Anjali Sharma, Educationist.
3. Mathematics ➗
Covers basic to advanced concepts based on the paper level.
| Paper 1 Topics | Paper 2 Topics |
|---|---|
| Shapes, addition | Algebra, geometry |
| Time, measurement | Data handling |
📊 Research Fact: 60% of CTET aspirants find Maths pedagogy tougher than content—focus on error analysis (NCERT, 2024).
4. Environmental Studies (EVS) 🌿
Only in Paper 1, covering real-world science.
| Theme | Examples |
|---|---|
| Family & Friends | Relationships, pets |
| Food & Shelter | Nutrition, housing |
5. Science/Social Studies (Paper 2) 🔬
Science includes physics, bio, chemistry, while Social Studies covers history, civics.
| Science Topics | Social Science Topics |
|---|---|
| Food components | Harappan civilization |
| Magnetism | Indian Constitution |
Expert Tips to Crack CTET 2025 🎯
✅ NCERT Books (Classes 1-8) are the gold standard.
✅ Mock tests improve speed—Embibe’s test series is highly recommended .
✅ Pedagogy > Content—teaching methods carry equal weightage.
🚀 Final Thought: CTET isn’t just an exam—it’s your first step towards shaping young minds. Prep with clarity, consistency, and confidence!
(Need more details? Check the official CTET syllabus PDF here.)
