CTET Syllabus 2026 Released: Download PDF and Check Exam Pattern for Paper I & Paper II
New Delhi, 26 January 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the detailed syllabus for the upcoming Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026. This release includes the comprehensive curriculum and CTET exam pattern 2026 for both Paper I and Paper II. Aspiring teachers preparing for the CTET 2026 exam can now download the official CTET Syllabus 2026 PDF to understand the core subjects, marking scheme, and preparation strategy required for qualification.
The CTET exam is a crucial step for individuals seeking teaching positions for Classes 1 to 8 in government and private schools across India. With the exam scheduled to be held in offline mode (OMR based), candidates must familiarize themselves completely with the CTET exam pattern 2026 and content structure to optimize their preparation. The syllabus provides a detailed breakdown of topics across all subjects, helping candidates identify key areas of focus. Sarkari Result All has compiled this detailed analysis to assist candidates in navigating the newly released curriculum and preparing effectively for the highly competitive examination.
Key Highlights of the CTET Syllabus 2026
The CTET 2026 syllabus outlines the essential knowledge and pedagogical understanding required for a teacher at either the primary or upper primary level. The core objective of the CTET exam is not merely to test theoretical knowledge but to assess a candidate's ability to apply teaching principles and understand child development in real-world classroom scenarios. This emphasis on pedagogy is reflected throughout both CTET Paper I and CTET Paper II. Candidates should pay close attention to the specific sub-topics listed under Child Development and Pedagogy, as these often form the backbone of the entire examination.
The exam structure remains consistent with previous years, maintaining two separate papers:
- Paper I: Designed for candidates aspiring to teach Classes 1 to 5 (Primary Stage).
- Paper II: Designed for candidates aspiring to teach Classes 6 to 8 (Elementary Stage).
Candidates can choose to appear for either CTET Paper I or CTET Paper II based on their eligibility and career goals, or appear for both if eligible for both levels. The CTET exam pattern 2026 for both papers consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be completed within a duration of two and a half hours (150 minutes).
Detailed Exam Pattern for CTET 2026 (Paper I & Paper II)
Understanding the structure of the examination is the first step toward effective preparation. Here is a detailed breakdown of the CTET Exam Pattern 2026 for both papers, including subjects, number of questions, and distribution of marks.
CTET Paper I Exam Pattern 2026 (Primary Level: Classes I-V)
CTET Paper I focuses on a candidate's understanding of foundational subjects taught at the primary level and their ability to teach these concepts effectively. The paper consists of five compulsory subjects. The structure is designed to evaluate a candidate’s pedagogical approach and subject knowledge equally.
| Subject Name | Total Number of Questions | Total Marks | Distribution of Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy (CDP) | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | Child Development (Primary School Child): 15 Questions | Concept of Inclusive Education and Understanding Children with Special Needs: 5 Questions | Learning and Pedagogy: 10 Questions |
| Language I (Compulsory) | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | Language Comprehension (Reading Unseen Passages): 15 Questions | Pedagogy of Language Development: 15 Questions |
| Language II (Compulsory) | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | Comprehension (Reading Unseen Passages): 15 Questions | Pedagogy of Language Development: 15 Questions |
| Mathematics | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | Content (Number System, Geometry, Measurement, etc.): 15 Questions | Pedagogical Issues: 15 Questions |
| Environmental Studies (EVS) | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | Content (Family & Friends, Food, Water, Travel, etc.): 15 Questions | Pedagogical Issues: 15 Questions |
| Total | 150 Questions | 150 Marks |
Note: In Language I and Language II, candidates choose two different languages from the available options (e.g., Hindi, English, Sanskrit, etc.). Language II must be different from Language I. The language sections focus heavily on unseen passages and comprehension skills, in addition to pedagogical understanding of teaching a second language.
CTET Paper II Exam Pattern 2026 (Elementary Level: Classes VI-VIII)
CTET Paper II is tailored for candidates seeking to teach subjects at the elementary level. This paper also includes three compulsory sections and one optional section based on the candidate's subject background (Science/Math or Social Studies).
| Subject Name | Total Number of Questions | Total Marks | Distribution of Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy (CDP) | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | Child Development (Elementary School Child): 15 Questions | Concept of Inclusive Education: 5 Questions | Learning and Pedagogy: 10 Questions |
| Language I (Compulsory) | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | Language Comprehension (Reading Unseen Passages): 15 Questions | Pedagogy of Language Development: 15 Questions |
| Language II (Compulsory) | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | Comprehension (Reading Unseen Passages): 15 Questions | Pedagogy of Language Development: 15 Questions |
| Mathematics and Science | 60 Questions | 60 Marks | Mathematics Content: 20 Questions | Mathematics Pedagogy: 10 Questions | Science Content: 20 Questions | Science Pedagogy: 10 Questions |
| Social Studies/Social Science | 60 Questions | 60 Marks | History Content: 20 Questions | Geography Content: 20 Questions | Social and Political Life Content: 20 Questions | Pedagogy: 20 Questions |
| Total | 150 Questions | 150 Marks |
Note: Candidates must choose between Mathematics and Science OR Social Studies. Candidates with a B.Sc degree typically choose Mathematics and Science, while candidates with a B.A. or B.Com degree typically opt for Social Studies.
In-Depth Breakdown of Subject-Wise CTET Syllabus 2026 Content
The CTET Syllabus 2026 PDF download provides a detailed breakdown for each section, emphasizing specific topics within the core subjects. Here is a summary of the key areas to focus on during preparation.
Section 1: Child Development and Pedagogy (CDP)
This section is crucial as it forms the foundation of teaching methodology and carries significant weight in both papers. The focus of CDP is on understanding how children learn and develop, and how to create an inclusive and effective learning environment. Key topics include:
- Child Development (Primary School Child / Elementary School Child): Principles of development, influence of heredity and environment, social construction of gender, and understanding individual differences among learners.
- Inclusive Education and Understanding Special Needs: Addressing diverse needs of learners from varied backgrounds, including those with learning disabilities, gifted children, and marginalized groups.
- Learning and Pedagogy: Theories of learning (Piaget, Kohlberg, Vygotsky), motivation and learning, factors contributing to learning, assessment, and evaluation methods. Candidates must understand how to apply these concepts in a practical classroom setting.
Section 2: Language I and Language II
The language sections are split into two parts: comprehension passages and pedagogy of language development. The comprehension part tests reading skills through unseen passages, while the pedagogy section focuses on teaching methods for language acquisition.
- Comprehension: Reading unseen prose and poetry passages. Questions will test inferences, grammar, and literary understanding.
- Pedagogy of Language Development: Principles of language teaching, role of listening and speaking, challenges in a diverse classroom, teaching-learning materials (TLMs), and continuous and comprehensive evaluation (CCE). Candidates need to understand how to teach language effectively to children from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Section 3: Content Subjects (Paper I)
Mathematics: The content for Paper I Mathematics covers basic concepts like numbers, measurement, geometry, time, and patterns. However, equal weightage is given to pedagogical issues related to teaching mathematics, such as diagnostic testing, error analysis, and the nature of mathematics in primary school.
Environmental Studies (EVS): The EVS syllabus covers core themes of family and friends, food, water, travel, and shelter. The pedagogical component focuses on the importance of EVS in integrated learning and how to connect EVS concepts to a child's environment.
Section 4: Content Subjects (Paper II)
Mathematics and Science: For candidates choosing this combination, the CTET syllabus 2026 requires a solid understanding of concepts from Classes VI to VIII NCERT textbooks. Mathematics covers topics like algebra, geometry, number systems, and statistics. Science includes physics, chemistry (materials, substances, daily life chemistry), and biology (food, living world, natural resources). A significant portion of the questions (30 out of 60) will test pedagogical knowledge related to teaching these subjects.
Social Studies/Social Science: This section demands knowledge of history, geography, social and political life. The history portion focuses on ancient to modern history, geography covers earth structure, environment, and resources, and social and political life addresses diversity, government, and democracy. The pedagogy component emphasizes critical thinking in social science and methods for teaching social issues.
Tips for Effective Preparation Based on the CTET Syllabus 2026
Given the release of the official CTET Syllabus 2026 and the upcoming CTET exam, candidates should adopt a structured approach to preparation. Here are some key strategies to follow:
1. Analyze the Official Syllabus Thoroughly: Do not just glance at the subjects. Download the CTET Syllabus 2026 PDF and create a detailed study plan, allocating specific time to each sub-topic mentioned. The syllabus often highlights key concepts (e.g., specific learning theories) that are almost certain to appear in the exam.
2. Focus on Pedagogy: A common mistake candidates make is focusing too much on content knowledge while ignoring pedagogy. The syllabus shows that pedagogy accounts for at least 50% of the questions in Paper I and a significant portion in Paper II. Understanding teaching methodology, inclusive education, and child development principles is critical for success in the CTET exam 2026.
3. Use NCERT Textbooks: For content subjects in both Paper I (EVS, Math) and Paper II (Math, Science, Social Studies), the CTET syllabus 2026 aligns very closely with NCERT textbooks from Classes I to VIII. Reading these textbooks is the most reliable source for content preparation.
4. Practice with Previous Year Papers: Once you understand the CTET exam pattern 2026 and complete a portion of the syllabus, immediately start solving previous year question papers. This helps in understanding the question format, managing time, and identifying areas of weakness before the actual examination.
5. Understand the Offline (OMR) Mode: Since the CTET exam will be conducted in offline mode using OMR sheets, practicing marking responses on sample OMR sheets is important. This helps prevent errors during the actual examination.
For more updates on the upcoming CTET 2026 exam, including application forms and admit card releases, keep checking the official CBSE website and trusted educational platforms like Sarkari Result All.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about CTET Syllabus 2026
Question: How can I download the CTET Syllabus 2026 PDF?
Answer: Candidates can download the official CTET Syllabus 2026 PDF from the official website of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or from reliable educational portals. Sarkari Result All provides direct links to access and download the comprehensive CTET syllabus 2026 for both Paper I and Paper II in PDF format.
Question: What are the main subjects in the CTET Exam Pattern 2026 for Paper I?
Answer: The five subjects included in the CTET Paper I exam pattern 2026 are: Child Development and Pedagogy (CDP), Language I, Language II, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies (EVS). Each subject consists of 30 multiple-choice questions, totaling 150 questions for the paper.
Question: Is there negative marking in the CTET 2026 exam?
Answer: No, there is no negative marking in the CTET 2026 exam. Candidates are encouraged to attempt all 150 questions as there are no penalties for incorrect answers. This allows candidates to guess answers if unsure without fearing loss of marks.
Question: What is the primary focus of the CTET Paper II syllabus?
Answer: The CTET Paper II syllabus focuses on assessing a candidate's teaching aptitude for the elementary level (Classes VI-VIII). The exam evaluates a candidate's knowledge of core subjects (Mathematics/Science or Social Studies) at the upper primary level, along with a significant focus on Child Development and Pedagogy applicable to elementary school children.
Question: What is the validity period of the CTET certificate?
Answer: The validity period of the CTET certificate has been extended to lifetime by the government. Once a candidate qualifies the CTET exam, their certificate remains valid indefinitely, allowing them to apply for teaching positions in eligible schools at any time in the future.
Question: What is the difference between Paper I and Paper II eligibility criteria?
Answer: CTET Paper I is for aspiring primary school teachers (Classes 1-5). Eligibility generally requires a 12th pass certificate along with a two-year diploma in elementary education (D.El.Ed). CTET Paper II is for aspiring elementary school teachers (Classes 6-8). Eligibility requires a bachelor's degree along with a two-year diploma in elementary education or a one-year B.Ed. degree. Candidates must verify their specific eligibility based on official guidelines before applying for either paper.
Question: How much time is allotted for the CTET 2026 exam?
Answer: The total duration for completing either CTET Paper I or CTET Paper II is 150 minutes, which corresponds to two and a half hours. This allows candidates exactly one minute per question (150 questions in 150 minutes).