To clear the CTET exam, it is very important to understand the CTET Exam pattern first. When you know the question format, total marks, sections, and marking scheme, it becomes easier to plan your preparation in smart way.
The CTET exam is conducted in a multiple-choice question ( MCQ ) format. Every question carries 1 mark, and there are no negative marks. The exam is held in offline mode ( pen and paper based test ).
CTET Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
The CTET exam has two papers:
- Paper I for candidates who want to teach in Classes I to V.
- Paper II for candidates who want to teach in Classes VI to VIII.
Both Paper I and Paper II include:
- 150 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- 150 Marks in total
- 2.5 hours duration
- No negative marking
Paper I contains 5 sections, while Paper II contains 4 sections.
Important Clarification
- Paper I is conducted for candidates who want to become teachers for Classes I to V.
- Paper II is conducted for candidates who want to become teachers for Classes VI to VIII.
- Candidates who wish to teach Classes 1 to 8 must appear for both papers.
CTET Syllabus PDF 2026 ( Updated ): Click Here
CTET Exam Pattern 2026 – Paper I
CTET Paper I is divided into five sections. Each section carries equal weightage.
The total number of questions and the marks distribution for Paper I are provided below:
| CTET Exam Pattern for Paper I | |||
| Subjects | Total Number of Questions | Total Number of Marks | Duration |
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 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 | |
Understanding this exam pattern will help you focus on each subject properly and improve your chances of qualifying for the CTET exam.
CTET Syllabus 2026 (Updated): Click Here
CTET Exam Pattern 2026- Paper II
CTET Paper II is designed for candidates aspiring to teach Upper Primary Stage (Classes 6 to 8).
| CTET Exam Pattern for Paper II | |||
| Subjects | Total Number of Questions | Total Number of Marks | Duration |
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 | 2.5 hours |
| Language I (compulsory) | 30 | 30 | |
| Language II (compulsory) | 30 | 30 | |
| A. Mathematics & Science | 30 + 30 | 60 | |
| B. Social Studies & Social Science | 60 | 60 | |
| Total | 150 | 150 | |
Key Points
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Candidates must choose between:
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Mathematics & Science
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Social Studies/Social Science
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The difficulty level aligns with NCERT Classes VI–VIII syllabus.
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Strong emphasis on pedagogical understanding and conceptual clarity.
FAQ’s – CTET Exam Pattern 2026
Q. How many questions are there in CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2?
Ans. Both CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2 consist of 150 multiple-choice questions carrying a total of 150 marks.
Q. Is there negative marking in CTET Exam 2026?
Ans. No, there is no negative marking in the CTET exam. One mark is awarded for each correct answer.
Q. What is the duration of CTET exam?
Ans. The duration of each CTET paper is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Q. What are the minimum qualifying marks for CTET?
Ans. General category candidates must score 60% (90 marks), while reserved category candidates must score 55% (82 marks) to qualify.