If you’re preparing for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2025, having a complete understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern is your first step toward success. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the detailed CTET syllabus for Paper 1 and Paper 2, along with key preparation strategies to help you achieve top scores.
📘 What is CTET?
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level exam conducted to certify candidates’ eligibility to teach classes from I to VIII. CTET is divided into two papers:
- Paper 1: For candidates aspiring to teach classes I to V (Primary Stage)
- Paper 2: For candidates intending to teach classes VI to VIII (Elementary Stage)
Each paper is conducted separately and contains 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Every question carries 1 mark, and there is no negative marking.
✨ CTET 2025 Paper 1 Syllabus – Classes I to V
✅ 1. Child Development and Pedagogy (30 Marks)
This section evaluates a candidate’s understanding of the educational psychology of teaching and learning for children aged 6–11.
Key Topics:
- Concept of development and learning
- Principles of child development
- Influence of environment and heredity
- Socialization processes (family, school, peers)
- Cognitive and emotional development
- Inclusive education
- Understanding learner needs and classroom management
✅ 2. Language I (30 Marks)
This section assesses proficiency in the medium of instruction.
Key Topics:
- Language comprehension through unseen passages
- Grammar and vocabulary usage
- Teaching learning materials and remedial teaching
- Principles of language teaching
- Four language skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing)
- Challenges in language acquisition
✅ 3. Language II (30 Marks)
The second language (different from Language I) tests communication and comprehension skills.
Key Topics:
- Reading comprehension (prose/poetry)
- Language development pedagogy
- Language acquisition principles
- Role of grammar in communication
- Evaluation of language skills
- Multilingual resource use
✅ 4. Mathematics (30 Marks)
This section evaluates basic concepts and problem-solving abilities relevant to primary classes.
Key Topics:
- Numbers and operations
- Geometry and spatial understanding
- Measurement and weight
- Patterns and data handling
- Shapes and their classification
- Pedagogical issues in math teaching
- Use of concrete materials and real-life situations
✅ 5. Environmental Studies (30 Marks)
This section checks awareness about natural and social surroundings.
Key Topics:
- Family and relationships
- Food, shelter, water
- Travel and transport
- Things we make and do
- Concept of EVS and integrated teaching
- Scope and significance of EVS
- Teaching aids and classroom activities
- Environmental education and sustainability
📗 CTET 2025 Paper 2 Syllabus – Classes VI to VIII
✅ 1. Child Development and Pedagogy (30 Marks)
This section focuses on the psychological development of children aged 11–14 and their learning processes.
Key Topics:
- Developmental stages of adolescence
- Individual differences and diverse learning needs
- Learning theories and principles
- Inclusive education strategies
- Role of motivation and emotions in learning
- Classroom management and discipline
- Constructivist teaching approaches
✅ 2. Language I (30 Marks)
Assesses proficiency in the medium of instruction, as well as teaching methodology.
Key Topics:
- Comprehension of unseen texts
- Grammar, syntax, and vocabulary
- Techniques of language teaching
- Teaching aids and learner-centered approaches
- Challenges in language learning
- Assessment of language competencies
✅ 3. Language II (30 Marks)
Tests communication skills and pedagogical understanding of the second language.
Key Topics:
- Prose and poem comprehension
- Language pedagogy and acquisition strategies
- Role of environment in language learning
- Grammar usage and evaluation methods
- Error correction and remediation
- Supporting multilingualism in classrooms
✅ 4. Mathematics and Science (60 Marks) (For Maths and Science teachers)
Mathematics Content:
- Number systems, fractions, decimals
- Algebraic expressions and equations
- Geometry and Mensuration
- Statistics and data interpretation
- Practical problem-solving
Mathematics Pedagogy:
- Developing math concepts using models
- Understanding learners’ errors
- Remedial teaching methods
- Real-life applications in math teaching
Science Content:
- Food and nutrition
- Materials and their properties
- The living world: Plants and animals
- Motion, force, and energy
- Natural resources and phenomena
Science Pedagogy:
- Nature and process of science
- Observation, experimentation, and innovation
- Integration of science with environment
- Use of labs, experiments, and technology
✅ 4. Social Studies/Social Science (60 Marks) (For Social Studies teachers)
Social Studies Content:
- History: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India
- Geography: Physical, social, and economic geography
- Civics: Democratic polity, governance, and constitution
Social Studies Pedagogy:
- Classroom interaction techniques
- Storytelling and timeline use
- Developing critical thinking through debates and discussions
- Integrated approach in teaching social science
- Use of projects and role play
🧮 CTET Exam Pattern 2025
Understanding the CTET exam pattern is essential to your preparation strategy.
📄 Paper 1 Structure:
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Type: Objective (MCQ)
- No negative marking
📄 Paper 2 Structure:
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science or Social Studies | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Objective-type questions
- No negative marking
🧠 CTET 2025 Preparation Strategy
Success in CTET comes from smart and consistent preparation. Here are some effective tips:
1. Know the Syllabus Inside Out
Start by understanding every section and sub-topic thoroughly. Categorize topics into easy, moderate, and difficult to prioritize better.
2. Create a Timetable
Plan a weekly or monthly schedule that covers the entire syllabus and allows time for revisions and mock tests.
3. Refer to NCERT Books
CTET heavily relies on NCERT textbooks for both content and pedagogy. Start from Class I to VIII for the subject you’re targeting.
4. Use CTET Preparation Books
Choose the right guides and previous year question papers. Books by Arihant, Disha, and Pearson are popular among aspirants.
5. Solve Practice Papers
Practice regularly to improve speed, accuracy, and confidence. Analyze your performance and revise accordingly.
6. Take Mock Tests
Simulate the real exam environment with full-length mock tests. This helps manage time better and improves exam temperament.
7. Focus on Pedagogy
At least 30% of the paper is pedagogy-based. Understand child psychology and teaching methodologies for higher scores.
8. Revise Regularly
Keep a revision schedule every week. Short notes and mind maps help in last-minute preparation.
🎯 Final Thoughts on Cracking CTET 2025
Cracking CTET 2025 requires a well-structured approach, conceptual clarity, and consistent practice. By following this detailed syllabus guide and aligning your preparation with the CTET exam pattern, you can boost your confidence and increase your chances of qualifying with top marks.