CTET 2024
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a pivotal examination for individuals aspiring to become teachers in Indian schools. Managed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), this exam is essential for candidates seeking to teach at the primary (Class I-V) and upper primary (Class VI-VIII) levels. This article provides a detailed overview of the CTET, including information on the question paper, recommended books, timetable, subject weightage, marking system, exam phases, qualification criteria, age limits, and final merit determination.
CTET Question Paper Structure
The CTET question paper is divided into two papers:
- Paper I: For candidates aspiring to teach Classes I to V.
- Paper II: For candidates aiming to teach Classes VI to VIII.
Paper I consists of five sections:
- Child Development and Pedagogy
- Language I (usually the regional language)
- Language II (English or Hindi)
- Mathematics
- Environmental Studies
Paper II includes four sections:
- Child Development and Pedagogy
- Language I
- Language II
- Mathematics and Science (for Mathematics and Science teachers) or Social Studies/Social Science (for Social Studies teachers)
Recommended Books for CTET Preparation
- “CTET and TETs: Child Development and Pedagogy” by Disha Experts
- “CTET & TETs: Teaching Methodology” by Arihant Experts
- “CTET Paper 1 & 2: General Studies & Current Affairs” by GKP
- “CTET Paper 2: Science and Mathematics” by Pearson
- “CTET Paper 2: Social Science” by Kiran Prakashan
Timetable and Exam Phases
The CTET is conducted twice a year, typically in July and December. The exam is usually held on a single day for both Paper I and Paper II, and the schedule is published by CBSE a few months in advance.
Subject Weightage
The weightage of subjects can vary slightly from year to year, but generally:
- Child Development and Pedagogy: 30%
- Language I: 20%
- Language II: 20%
- Mathematics/Science/Social Studies: 30%
Marking System
The CTET is a multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam. Each question carries one mark, and there is no negative marking. Both Paper I and Paper II consist of 150 questions, with each paper being of 150 marks.
Qualification Criteria
- Educational Qualification: For Paper I, candidates should have completed their Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education, or a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed). For Paper II, a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks and a 1-year Bachelor in Education (B.Ed) is required. Specific qualifications can vary based on state regulations.
- Age Limit: There is no upper age limit to appear for the CTET exam, but candidates should be aware of the age requirements set by individual state governments for teacher recruitment.
Final Merit Determination
Candidates are awarded a CTET certificate based on their performance. The result is generally available a few weeks after the exam. The merit is determined by the total score achieved, and a minimum qualifying score is required to pass, which is typically 60% for general category candidates and 55% for reserved categories.
In summary, the CTET is a crucial step for anyone seeking a teaching career in India. Understanding the exam pattern, preparing with the right materials, and being aware of the eligibility criteria are key to succeeding in this examination.
