Official Exam Guide

CTET (Paper 2 - Upper Primary Class 6 to 8) Exam Pattern

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CTET (Paper 2 - Upper Primary Class 6 to 8) 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.

Know how to download CTET Result

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!

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 exam pattern for Teachers of Primary Stage?

The CTET exam is divided into two papers mainly Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 has five subjects which consists of 150 questions for 150 marks. For more detailed information, visit the article above.

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 Paper 1?

In total, there are 5 Sections in the primary stage which includes 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 duration for both Paper I and paper II of CTET examination?

Both the exams have been allotted 2.5 hrs each with a break in between according to the rules prescribed by the CBSE.

Does CTET 2026 have negative marking?

No, there is no negative marking for unanswered questions.

Can I choose the same as language-I and language-II?

No. According to the CTET exam rules, Language-I and Language-II have to be different from each other.

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 much is the weightage for the CTET exam?

A total of 150 marks is allotted to each paper in the CTET Exam.

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.

How many questions will be asked in the CTET exam?

According to the CTET test pattern, there are two papers for the CTET exam for the primary and elementary levels. Paper 1 has five sections, while Paper 2 has four. Each exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions worth 150 points.

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.

Is the CTET exam pattern for paper 1 & paper 2 different?

There are 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in each of CTET Paper I and Paper II. Correct responses receive 1 mark, and erroneous responses receive no deduction in points. The test is administered offline using pen and paper.

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.

What is the CTET exam pattern 2026?

Paper 1 of the CTET test pattern consists of five subjects and 150 questions worth one mark each. Paper 2 has five subjects total and offers the options of social science and science and math. There will be 150 questions, and each right response will receive one mark.

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.

As per the CTET paper pattern, how many sections are there in CTET 2026?

The exam consists of 2 sections, one for class 1-5 and the other one is for class 6-8. Each section includes 5 subjects.

What is the CTET exam pattern for Paper 1?

​​According to the CTET exam pattern, paper 1 includes 5 subjects with 150 questions of one mark each.

What is the CTET exam pattern for Paper 2?

Paper 2 has five subjects total and offers the options of social science and science & math. There will be 150 questions, and each right response will receive one mark.

Is the CTET exam pattern for paper 1 & paper 2 different?

No, the pattern for both the exams is same but the subjects and level of exam are different.

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