• Updated on 12 May, 2026 by Gazal Arora
What's new?
CTET Latest news and articles
CTET Exam Pattern 2026 is prescribed by the Central Board of Secondary Education and helps candidates understand the structure of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test. The exam is conducted in two papers – Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 is for candidates aspiring to teach Classes 1 to 5, while Paper 2 is for those aiming to teach Classes 6 to 8.
CTET Exam Pattern 2026 involves an offline conduct mode for both papers and consists of Multiple Choice Questions. Paper 1 includes Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies, whereas Paper 2 includes Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, and either Mathematics & Science or Social Science. Understanding the CTET exam structure 2026 is essential for effective preparation and scoring well in the exam.
CTET Exam Pattern 2026: Highlights
CTET Exam Pattern 2026 involves division across two papers. Paper I is meant for candidates aiming to teach Classes I to V, while Paper II is designed for those wishing to teach Classes VI to VIII. Each paper includes 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with every correct response carrying 1 mark. There is no negative marking for wrong answers. The CTET 2026 is held in an offline, pen-and-paper format. Paper I is structured into five sections, whereas Paper II comprises four sections.
CTET Exam Pattern 2026: Paper 1
CTET Paper 1 exam pattern 2026 is designed for primary stage teachers (Classes 1 to 5). It includes 150 MCQs from five sections. Below is the detailed CTET Paper 1 exam pattern 2026:
Check: CTET Notification 2026
CTET Exam Pattern 2026: Paper 2
CTET Paper 2 exam pattern 2026 is for upper primary teachers (Classes 6 to 8). It also contains 150 MCQs. Below is the detailed CTET Paper 2 exam pattern 2026:
Read: CTET Admit Card 2026
CTET Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme
CTET Exam 2026 Marking scheme is important for candidates appearing in Paper 1 and Paper 2, as it helps in understanding the scoring pattern and exam strategy. Each paper carries equal marks, and there is no negative marking in the exam.
- The exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 (for Classes 1 to 5 teachers) and Paper 2 (for Classes 6 to 8 teachers).
- Each paper contains 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
- Each correct answer is awarded 1 mark.
- There is no negative marking for incorrect or unanswered questions.
- The total marks for each paper are 150.
- The duration of each paper is 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes).
- The papers are conducted offline in a pen-and-paper mode.
CTET Exam Pattern 2026: Syllabus
Candidates who are preparing for the CTET 2026 exam must go through the CTET Syllabus 2026 and the topics included in the syllabus. The topic-wise sections are given in the table below.
CTET Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
What is the CTET Exam Pattern 2026?
The CTET exam pattern 2026 has two papers: Paper 1 for Classes 1-5 teachers and Paper 2 for Classes 6-8 teachers. Each paper has 150 multiple-choice questions with a total of 150 marks. The exam is offline and lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes. There is no negative marking, and each correct answer carries 1 mark.
How many papers are there in CTET 2026?
CTET 2026 has two papers. Paper 1 is for candidates who want to teach classes 1 to 5. Paper 2 is for candidates aiming to teach classes 6 to 8. Candidates can choose to appear in either one or both papers as per their teaching preference.
What subjects are in CTET Paper 1?
Paper 1 consists of five subjects: Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies. Each subject has 30 questions, totaling 150 questions. Candidates need to prepare all these sections carefully to qualify.
What subjects are in CTET Paper 2?
Paper 2 has four sections: Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, and a choice between Mathematics and Science or Social Studies/Social Science. The last section contains 60 questions, while the others have 30 questions each.
How many questions are there in each CTET paper?
Each CTET paper has 150 multiple-choice questions. These questions cover various subjects depending on the paper. All questions carry 1 mark each, so the total marks are 150 per paper.
Is there any negative marking in CTET 2026?
No, CTET 2026 does not have any negative marking. Candidates will not lose marks for wrong answers or unanswered questions. It is recommended to attempt all questions.
How much time is given to solve the CTET exam?
Candidates are given 2 hours and 30 minutes, or 150 minutes, to complete the CTET exam for each paper. This duration is sufficient to carefully answer all questions.
In which mode is CTET 2026 conducted?
CTET 2026 is conducted in offline mode. It is a pen-and-paper-based exam where candidates use a sheet to mark their answers.
What type of questions are asked in CTET 2026?
All questions in CTET 2026 are multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with four options. Only one option is correct, and candidates must select the right answer.
Are both papers held on the same day?
No, Paper 1 and Paper 2 are usually conducted on different days. Candidates appearing for both will need to check the official schedule for exam dates.
Can candidates choose the language of the paper?
Yes, candidates can choose to write the CTET exam paper in either English or Hindi, depending on their comfort.
What is the marking scheme for correct answers?
Each correct answer in CTET is awarded 1 mark. There are no extra marks, and no marks are deducted for wrong answers.
How can a candidate prepare as per the CTET exam pattern?
Candidates should focus on understanding all five subjects for Paper 1 and four sections for Paper 2. Practicing multiple-choice questions and managing time as per the 2.5-hour limit is essential.
Is qualifying for one paper enough for all teaching jobs?
Qualifying for one paper allows teaching at the level covered by that paper. For teaching classes 1-5, Paper 1 is needed, and for classes 6-8, Paper 2. Some jobs may require qualifying for both papers.
Where can candidates find the CTET exam pattern and syllabus?
Candidates can find the official CTET exam pattern and syllabus on the official CTET website and various educational portals. It is important to follow the latest notification for accurate details.