Official Exam Guide

CTET (Paper 1 - Primary Class 1 to 5) Paper 1 Exam Pattern

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CTET (Paper 1 - Primary Class 1 to 5) Paper 1 Exam Pattern

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The CTET Paper 1 is conducted to certify the eligibility of candidates for teaching classes I-V in Government Schools across India.  Candidates preparing for Paper 1 of the CTET exam must be aware of its exam pattern to understand the marking scheme, type of questions, exam duration, etc. Therefore, check all details of the latest CTET Exam Pattern for Paper 1 in this article.

  • In Paper I, candidates are given the choice of selecting two languages from a list of 20 languages to attempt as their Language I and Language II papers.
  • The paper consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, each worth one mark.
  • There is no penalty for incorrect answers in the CTET Exam, making it a risk-free examination for candidates.
  • The CTET Exam Pattern Paper 1 is designed to test the competency of primary school teacher candidates in various subjects, including languages and pedagogy. The examination is of moderate difficulty and is aimed at assessing the candidate's ability to teach primary school students.

Get the List of CTET Paper 1 Books Here! 

CTET Exam Pattern Paper 1: Highlights

The CTET Exam Pattern Paper 1 is a crucial examination for individuals looking to establish a career as a primary school teacher in government schools. Conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the exam is designed to assess the competency of teacher candidates at the primary level. The Paper I of the CTET Exam Pattern comprises a choice of two languages from a list of 20 options and 150 multiple-choice questions, each worth one mark, for a total of 150 marks. With no negative marking, the CTET Exam Pattern Paper 1 provides a fair and equitable evaluation of the candidate's knowledge and abilities. The exam serves as a benchmark for the standard of primary school teachers in India and is a mandatory requirement for those seeking teaching jobs in government schools.

Feature

CTET Paper-I

Exam mode

Online

Subjects

Child Development and Pedagogy

Language-I

Language-II

Mathematics

Environmental Studies

Exam duration

2.5 hours (150 minutes)

Total Questions

150

Type of questions

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

Total marks

150

Marking scheme

No negative marking

Medium of Instruction

English and Hindi 

Candidate can do Exam analysis here:  CTET exam analysis

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CTET Exam Pattern Paper 1

The CTET Exam Pattern for Paper 1 is a comprehensive evaluation system designed to assess the suitability of individuals aspiring to become primary school teachers in government schools across India. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts this mandatory exam, which tests the candidate's competency in various subjects, including languages and pedagogy. The examination is designed to measure the candidate's ability to teach primary school students and to serve as a benchmark for the standard of primary school teachers in the country.

The CTET Exam Pattern for Paper 1 consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, each worth one mark, for a total of 150 marks. The questions cover various subjects related to primary school teaching, including languages, pedagogy, social studies, mathematics, environmental studies, and child development and pedagogy. Candidates are given the option to choose two languages from a list of 20 options to attempt as their Language I and Language II papers.

One of the key highlights of the CTET Exam Pattern for Paper 1 is that there is no negative marking for incorrect answers, making it a risk-free evaluation of the candidate's abilities. This eliminates the fear of losing marks for incorrect answers and allows the candidate to answer all questions to the best of their ability. In conclusion, the CTET Exam Pattern for Paper 1 serves as a comprehensive evaluation system for primary school teacher candidates and is a mandatory requirement for those seeking teaching jobs in government schools.

Section

No. of Questions

Max Marks

Child Development & Pedagogy (compulsory)

30 MCQs

30 Marks

Language I (compulsory)

30 MCQs

30 Marks

Language II (compulsory)

30 MCQs

30 Marks

Mathematics

30 MCQs

30 Marks

Environmental Studies

30 MCQs

30 Marks

Total

150 MCQs

150 Marks

Also Read: CTET Selection Process

CTET Exam Pattern Paper 1: Marking Scheme

The CTET Exam Pattern Paper 1 follows a clear marking scheme to evaluate the competency of primary school teacher candidates. As per the CTET Exam Pattern, each paper consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, each worth one mark. This means that the maximum marks a candidate can score in Paper 1 are 150. The questions cover various subjects related to primary school teaching, including languages, pedagogy, social studies, mathematics, environmental studies, and child development and pedagogy.

It's important to note that the CTET Exam Pattern Paper 1 does not have any negative marking. This means that there is no penalty for incorrect answers, making the examination a fair and risk-free evaluation of the candidate's abilities. The absence of negative marking also allows the candidate to answer all questions to the best of their ability, without fear of losing marks for incorrect answers.

The CTET Exam Pattern Paper 1 follows a straightforward marking scheme, with each correct answer being awarded one mark. The absence of negative marking makes the examination a fair evaluation of the candidate's competency and is a crucial factor in determining their eligibility for primary school teaching positions in government schools across India.

Know the eligibility criteria here: CTET eligibility criteria 

Nature and Standard of CTET Paper 1 Questions

The CTET Exam Pattern Paper 1 is an important aspect that candidates must understand before appearing for the exam. The CTET 2023 exam will include questions designed to test the candidate's knowledge and competency in various subjects relevant to primary school teaching.

  • The Child Development and Pedagogy section will focus on educational psychology and the teaching and learning process. This section will test the candidate's understanding of the characteristics and needs of diverse learners, the role of the teacher in the learning process, and the qualities of a good facilitator.
  • In Mathematics and Environmental Studies, the questions will focus on the candidate's understanding of the concepts, problem-solving abilities, and pedagogical knowledge of these subjects. These questions will be evenly distributed across the different divisions of the CTET NCERT syllabus for classes 1 to 5.
  • The questions for Paper I will be based on the CTET syllabus for classes I-V, with a difficulty level and linkages to the second stage that is mostly at a higher level. In conclusion, it is crucial for candidates to thoroughly understand the CTET Exam Pattern Paper 1 to ensure they are well-prepared for the exam.

Learn how to download the CTET Admit Card.

We believe this article provided you with valuable insights and will aid in your preparation for the CTET exam. Additionally, enrolling in CTET Coaching can significantly increase your chances of passing the test. To further enhance your preparation, consider downloading the PrepMe247 App which offers a wealth of information on various competitive exams, including CTET. The app also provides live quizzes, test series, and mock tests to help you gauge your level of readiness. With the help of our resources and guidance, you can be well on your way to achieving success in the CTET exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has CTET Notification 2026 been released?

Yes. CTET Notification 2026 has been released on ctet.nic.in official website and it is out since 11th May 2026.

What is the CTET exam pattern paper 1 for primary school teachers?

The CTET exam consists of two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 contains five subjects and has a total of 150 questions for 150 marks.

Where can we check CTET notification?

Candidates can visit CTET official website ctet.nic.in to check updated CTET notifications.

How many sections are there in CTET Exam Paper 1?

The CTET Exam Paper 1 has 5 sections, including Child Development and Pedagogy, Language-I, Language-II, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies.

Why is CTET 2026 conducted?

CTET conducted by CBSE is held to check the eligibility of candidates to apply for recruitment of teachers for Classes 1 to 8.

What is the time limit for both Paper I and Paper II in the CTET exam 2023?

Both exams are given a 2.5-hour time frame each, with a break in between as specified by the CBSE.

Does CTET 2026 have negative marking?

No, there is no negative marking for unanswered questions.

Can I choose the same language for Language-I and Language-II?

No, according to the CTET exam pattern paper 1, Language-I and Language-II must be different.

When is CTET Exam 2026?

CTET 2026 notification was released on ctet.nic.in on 11th May 2026. The exam was conducted in September 2026. Visit ctet.nic.in for official result updates and the next recruitment cycle notification.

How many marks are assigned to the CTET exam?

Each paper in the CTET Exam is assigned a total of 150 marks as per the CTET Exam Pattern.

What is included in CTET Syllabus 2026 for Paper I and Paper II?

CTET syllabus consists of Child Development & Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, Science and Social Studies. All the subjects are based on NCERT Books.

What distinguishes Paper 1 and Paper 2 in the CTET Exam?

The Central Teaching Eligibility Test (CTET) has two levels or papers. Paper 1 is for candidates who wish to teach grades 1 to 5, while Paper 2 is for those who want to teach grades 6 to 8. Candidates who want to be eligible to teach grades 1 to 8 can take both papers of the CTET Exam.

Is CTET application process reopened?

Yes. CBSE has once again opened the application process for CTET exam. Those candidates who couldn’t fill the CTET form previously can now do so from 25th August to 1st September 2026.

Can I get a job after passing Paper 1 of the CTET exam?

Having a CTET certificate allows candidates to apply for various central government teaching positions such as KVS, NVS, Army Teacher, ERDO, etc. A CTET certificate is necessary to apply for central government teaching positions. Candidates with a CTET certificate may also be eligible for some state government teaching positions.

How much is the CTET application form 2026 fee?

CTET application fees for 2026 is Rs. 1000 for General/Obc candidates if they are applying for one paper and Rs. 1200 if applying for both the papers. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/differently abled pays Rs. 500 for one paper and Rs. 600 if applying for both paper.

How can candidates check CTET updates at ctet.nic.in 2026?

Candidates can go to ctet.nic.in 2026 and look for the notification tab on the homepage to know about CTET exam date, admit card, answer key and result related updates as and when CBSE releases them.

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