CTET Exam Pattern 2026 for Paper 1 & Paper 2, Marking Scheme, Subjects, Duration
CTET Exam Pattern 2026 outlines the structure for Paper 1 and Paper 2 conducted on 7–8 February 2026. Each paper has 150 MCQs, no negative marking, 2.5 hours duration, and covers pedagogy, languages, and subject-specific sections.
Abhishek Kumar6 Feb, 2026
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CTET Exam Pattern 2026: The CTET 2026 exam begins tomorrow, 7 February, and will also be conducted on 8 February 2026 by CBSE to assess candidates’ eligibility for teaching positions in government schools. Held twice a year, CTET consists of two papers based on the teaching level.
Paper 1 is for candidates aspiring to teach Classes 1 to 5 (Primary Stage). It includes five sections: Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies. Each section has 30 questions, making a total of 150 questions for 150 marks.
Paper 2 is for candidates aiming to teach Classes 6 to 8 (Elementary Stage). It includes Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, and a choice between Mathematics & Science or Social Studies/Social Science. This paper also consists of 150 questions for 150 marks.
CTET Exam Pattern 2026
There are two papers in the 2026 CTET exam pattern: Paper 1 for Classes 1–5 and Paper 2 for Classes 6–8. There are 150 multiple-choice questions on both exams, and there is no negative marking. Every paper is of 150 marks and is completed in a single shift. Candidates who seek to apply for teacher recruitment at central government institutions, such KVS and NVS, for Classes 1 through 8 must meet this criteria.
CTET Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) released the CTET Exam Pattern 2026 along with the CTET 2026 Notification on 27th November 2025. Here is an overview of the CTET Exam Pattern.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) on 7th and 8th February 2026. CTET is held twice a year for candidates aspiring to become teachers. The exam consists of two papers—Paper 1 for Primary Level (Classes 1–5) and Paper 2 for Elementary Level (Classes 6–8).
Candidates can download the CTET Exam Pattern 2026 PDF from the official website to understand the structure, subjects, and marking scheme. The direct link to the exam pattern PDF will be provided below once available.
CTET Exam Pattern 2026 for Paper 1
The CTET Paper 1 exam is for candidates who want to become teachers for Classes 1 to 5. It includes five sections covering child development, languages, mathematics, and environmental studies. Below is the detailed exam pattern for CTET Paper 1.
CTET Exam Pattern for Paper 1
Sections
Topics
Total Number of Questions
Total Marks
Duration
Child Development and Pedagogy
Development of a Primary School Child
Concept of Inclusive education and understanding children with special needs
Learning and Pedagogy
30
30
2.5 Hours
Language I (compulsory)
Language Comprehension
Pedagogy of Language Development
30
30
Language II (compulsory)
Language Comprehension
Pedagogy of Language Development
30
30
Mathematics
Content (numbers, solving simple equations, algebra, geometry patterns, time, measurement, data handling, solids, data handling, etc.)
The CTET Exam Pattern Paper 2 consists of four sections. Candidates must select either Mathematics and Science or Social Studies. The total number of questions and the distribution of marks for Paper II are as follows:
CTET Exam Pattern for Paper 2
Sections
Topics
Total Number of Questions
Total Marks
Duration
Child Development and Pedagogy
Child Development (Elementary School Child)
Inclusive education and understanding of children with special needs
Learning and
Pedagogy Theories
30
30
2.5 Hours
Language I (compulsory)
Language Comprehension
Pedagogy of Language Development
Poem
30
30
Language II (compulsory)
Language Comprehension
Pedagogy of Language Development
30
30
Mathematics, Science OR Social Science
Numbers system, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration Pedagogical issues Food, Material, The World of the Living, The World of the Living Moving Things People and Ideas, How things work, Natural Phenomenon, Natural Resources Science Pedagogical Issues.
History, Geography, Social and Political Life Social Studies Pedagogical Issue
Environment, food, shelter, water, family, friends, etc.
Pedagogical Issues
60
60
Total
150
150
CTET 2026 Marking Scheme
Candidates should know the marking scheme before appearing for the CTET 2026 Exam. It helps them understand how marks are given for correct and incorrect answers. The detailed marking scheme is given below.
CTET Marking Scheme
Total Marks
150 marks for each paper.
Correct Answers
Candidates will receive one mark for each correct answer.
Incorrect Answers
There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
Unattempted Questions
There is no penalty for unattempted questions.
CTET 2026 Languages
CTET 2026 will be conducted in multiple languages across India. Candidates can choose their preferred language while filling out the application form. The list of available languages with their code numbers is given below.
CTET 2026 Languages
CTET Language
Code Number
CTET Language
Code Number
English
1
Kannada
11
Hindi
2
Khasi
12
Assamese
3
Malayalam
13
Bengali
4
Manipuri
14
Garo
5
Punjabi
15
Gujarati
6
Sanskrit
16
Kannada
7
Tamil
17
Khasi
8
Telugu
18
Malayalam
9
Tibetan
19
Manipuri
10
Urdu
20
CTET Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
When will the CTET Exam Pattern 2026 be released?
CBSE released the CTET Exam Pattern 2026 on 27th November 2025 on the official website.
How many papers are there in the CTET exam?
There are two papers – Paper 1 for Classes 1-5 and Paper 2 for Classes 6-8.
What is the total number of marks for each CTET paper?
Each CTET paper carries 150 marks.
Is there negative marking in the CTET exam?
No, there is no negative marking in CTET exam.
Where can I download the CTET Exam Pattern 2026 PDF?
Students can download it from the official website,
What is the CTET 2026 exam date?
CTET 2026 will be conducted on 7 and 8 February 2026.
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