CTET (Paper 1 - Primary Class 1 to 5) Exam Pattern
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Candidates appearing for the upcoming CTET Exam 2026 must have a clear idea of the CTET Exam Pattern. The exam pattern plays an important role in the preparation. With the help of it, candidates will come to know the questions format, total marks and marking scheme. The CTET exam has two papers i.e. Paper 1 (Primary Teachers) and Paper 2 (Elementary Teachers). Paper 1 comprises 5 sections whereas Paper 2 consists of 4 sections. Students can check the complete exam pattern of Paper 1 & 2 both below in this article.
CTET Exam Pattern 2026
The CTET Exam consists of two papers conducted for candidates who wish to become teachers at different school levels. Paper I is for candidates aspiring to teach Classes I to V (Primary Level), while Paper II is for those who wish to teach Classes VI to VIII (Elementary Level). Candidates who want to teach Classes I to VIII can appear for both papers. Candidates can appear for either one or both of these papers. Understanding the CTET exam pattern is crucial for candidates to prepare effectively for the exam. Check the table below.
| Particulars | CTET Paper I | CTET Paper II |
| Teaching Level | Classes I to V | Classes VI to VIII |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper) | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | 150 | 150 |
| Total Marks | 150 Marks | 150 Marks |
| Marking Scheme | 1 mark for each correct answer | 1 mark for each correct answer |
| Negative Marking | No Negative Marking | No Negative Marking |
| Number of Sections | 5 Sections | 4 Sections |
CTET Paper 1 Exam Pattern
CTET Paper 1 is conducted for the teachers applying for Classes 1 to 5 i.e Primary Stage. It is divided into 5 sections, namely Child Development & Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics & Environmental Studies. There are a total of 150 questions in this paper carrying one mark each. Check the detailed CTET Paper 1 exam pattern below.
| Section | Total No. of Questions | Total No. of Marks | Duration |
| Child Development & Pedagogy (compulsory) | 30 | 30 | 2.5 hours |
| Language I (compulsory) | 30 | 30 | |
| Language II (compulsory) | 30 | 30 | |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Also, check the CTET Selection Process here!
CTET Paper 1 Marking Scheme
As per the CTET official syllabus and exam pattern, the candidates will be given 1 mark for every correct answer. Moreover there is no negative marking in the examination. Candidates must try to attempt every question as there is no negative marking.
| Types of Answer | Marks Allotted |
| Correct Answer | 1 |
| Incorrect Answer | 0 (No negative marking) |
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CTET Paper 2 Exam Pattern
CTET Paper 2 or Elementary Stage is conducted for the teachers applying for Classes 6 to 8. This paper also consists of 5 sections namely, Child Development & Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics and Science (for Mathematics and Science teachers) or Social Studies/Social Science (for Social Studies/ Social Science teacher). CTET paper 2 is subject specific and candidates have to attempt only one of the selected subjects along with other sections. Check the detailed CTET exam pattern for Paper 2 below:
| Section | Total No. of Questions | Total No. of Marks | Duration |
| Child Development & Pedagogy (compulsory) | 30 | 30 | 2.5 hours |
| Language I (compulsory) | 30 | 30 | |
| Language II (compulsory) | 30 | 30 | |
| Mathematics and Science (for Mathematics and Science teacher) OR Social Studies/Social Science (for Social Studies/Social Science teacher) |
60 | 60 | |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Marking Scheme of CTET Paper 2 Examination
The marking scheme is one of the most important things that is supposed to be remembered by the candidate while appearing for the CTET examination.
| Types of Answer | Marks Allotted |
| Correct Answer | 1 |
| Incorrect Answer | 0 (No negative marking) |
CTET Exam Pattern - Nature & Standard of Questions of CTET Paper 2 Examination
The candidates must know the nature and standard of questions that will come in the CTET exam. So, here we have provided it in a point-wise manner. Go through it carefully.
- The test items on Child Development and Pedagogy will focus on the educational psychology of teaching and learning, relevant to the age group of 11-14 years. They will focus on understanding the characteristics, needs, and psychology of diverse learners, interaction with learners, and the attributes and qualities of a good facilitator of learning.
- The test items in Mathematics and Science and Social Studies/Social Science will focus on the concepts, problem-solving abilities, and pedagogical understanding and applications of the subjects. The test items of Mathematics and Science will be of 30 marks each. The test items will be evenly distributed over different divisions of the syllabus of that subject as prescribed for classes 6 to 8 by the NCERT.
- The questions in the test for Paper 2 will be based on the topics prescribed in the CTET exam pattern and syllabus of the NCERT for classes 6 to 8 but their difficulty standard, as well as linkages, could be up to the Senior Secondary stage.
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What is CTET Language Code?
Out of 20 languages candidates are allowed to choose an option of any two languages as per their preference to attempt Language I and Language II papers. Candidates can check the code corresponding to each language as follows. Proper care must be taken while choosing and filling in the language code. The code for different languages is as follows
| Language | Code No. |
| English | 01 |
| Hindi | 02 |
| Assamese | 03 |
| Bengali | 04 |
| Garo | 05 |
| Gujarati | 06 |
| Kannada | 07 |
| Khasi | 08 |
| Malayalam | 09 |
| Manipuri | 10 |
| Marathi | 11 |
| Mizo | 12 |
| Nepali | 13 |
| Oriya | 14 |
| Punjabi | 15 |
| Sanskrit | 16 |
| Tamil | 17 |
| Telugu | 18 |
| Tibetan | 19 |
| Urdu | 20 |
Attempt CTET Paper I Free Mock Test here!
CTET Exam Mode 2026
CTET exam 2025-26 will be conducted by the central board of education [CBSE] in OMR mode. Candidates appearing for the CTET February 2026 Exam can know all the exam guidelines here. The CTET exam will test eligible candidates for the post of primary and upper primary level teachers. Candidates can read the instructions below to avoid any hassles on exam day.
| CTET Papers | Exam mode | Type of questions | Medium of Instruction |
| Paper-1 | Offline | MCQs | English & Hindi |
| Paper-2 | Offline | MCQs | English & Hindi |
Check out CTET Paper 1 Syllabus here!
Instructions for CTET Offline Mode 2026
- The exam halls will be open for entry for candidates appearing in shift-1 at 7:30 am and 12:30 PM. Candidates can enter the exam hall 120 minutes before the commencement of the examination. Candidates will be given instructions before the commencement of the exam, which must be followed for a hassle-free exam.
- Candidates must carry a hard copy of the admit card which is officially downloaded from the official website of the CTET exam. Candidates without valid ID proof and admit cards will be asked to leave the premises immediately.
- Candidates will be allotted roll numbers and their seats accordingly. Any applicant found in a changed seat or setting will have their exam canceled.
- Candidates will not be allowed in the examination hall after the commencement of the exam. Therefore candidates must abide by the schedule.
- Candidates are not allowed to carry these items:
- Any stationery like textual material [printed or written], bits of paper, Geometry/Pencil Box, Plastic Pouch, Calculator, Scale, Writing Pad, Pen drives, Eraser, Calculator, Log Table, Electronic Pen/scanner, Cardboard, etc.
- Any device like Mobile phones, Bluetooth, Earphones, microphones, Pager, Health band, etc.
- Any Watch/Wrist watch, wallet, handbag, goggles, Gold/artificial ornaments, etc.
- Any item which might be used for unfair means and for hiding communication devices/gadgets like cameras, Bluetooth devices, etc.
- No candidate is allowed to leave their allotted seat without the permission or intervention of the invigilator.
- Consumption of Tobacco, smoking, and spitting in the examination hall and exam premises is strictly prohibited.
- No eatables or drinks are allowed in the examination hall.
- The test will begin exactly at the time mentioned in the official notice or admit card along with an announcement by the invigilator
- Invigilator will check the admit card to secure the identity of the candidate
- The candidate must ensure that the question paper is available on the computer as per their opted language as mentioned in the admit card. Candidates must ensure the subjects before beginning the exam.
- Candidates can approach the center invigilator or superintendent for any technical assistance, first aid, or emergency.
- In case, a candidate enters the examination hall by furnishing false information, his/her examination will be cancelled or his/her result will not be declared.
- In case, a candidate fails to appear on the date of examination. his/her retest will not be conducted under any circumstances.
Check out CTET Paper 2 Syllabus Here!
Now that you have gone through CTET Exam Pattern. You need to plan out your exam preparation, before planning your exam preparation you need to be aware of the syllabus. Going through the syllabus is a must as you tend to study those materials which are not even there in the exam of CTET 2026. Go through the CTET exam pattern and syllabus so that you have better clarity about the topics to which you need to give more time. If you want to clear CTET Exam this year then join our CTET Online Lectures by Super Teachers and subject experts. Here you can clear your doubts to get notes and more.
Hope it was informative to our readers. If you have any questions on the CTET Exam Pattern 2026, please let us know. You should start your exam preparations today by installing our PrepMe247 App for free!
| You can also read CTET-related articles on the below link: | |
| CTET Answer Key | CTET Eligibility Criteria |
| CTET Application Form | CTET Cut Off |
| CTET Previous Year Papers | CTET Result |