CTET Exam Pattern 2026 for Paper 1 & Paper 2, Marking Scheme, Exam Structure
CBSE has released the CTET Exam Pattern 2026 along with the CTET September 2026 notification. The CTET exam will be conducted in offline OMR-based mode on 6 September 2026. Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 will contain 150 MCQs carrying 150 marks with no negative marking. Candidates should carefully check the latest subject-wise marking scheme, exam duration, and paper structure before preparation.
Abhishek Kumar11 May, 2026
CTET Exam Pattern 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the CTET September 2026 notification along with the latest CTET Exam Pattern 2026 for Paper 1 and Paper 2 examinations. Candidates preparing for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) should carefully understand the updated exam structure, marking scheme, question pattern, and subject-wise distribution before starting their preparation.
The CTET examination is conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for teaching Classes 1 to 8 in central government schools such as Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), and other schools accepting CTET scores across India.
As per the latest official notice, the CTET September 2026 Exam will be conducted on 6 September 2026 in offline OMR-based mode. In case of a higher number of applications, the examination may also be conducted on 5 September 2026. The CTET online application process started on 11 May 2026 and will continue till 10 June 2026.
CTET Exam Pattern 2026
The CTET Exam Pattern 2026 includes two papers:
-
Paper 1 for candidates aspiring to teach Classes 1 to 5
-
Paper 2 for candidates aspiring to teach Classes 6 to 8
Candidates who wish to become eligible for teaching Classes 1 to 8 are required to appear for both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
The CTET examination will be conducted in offline mode using OMR sheets. Both papers will consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), and there will be no negative marking for incorrect answers.
Each question carries one mark, and candidates are required to select the correct answer from the given options.
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 11th May 2026. Here is an overview of the CTET Exam Pattern.
| CTET Exam Pattern 2026 Overview | |
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) |
| Conducting Body | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Session | CTET September 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR Based) |
| Total Questions | 150 Questions |
| Total Marks | 150 Marks |
| Duration | 2.5 hours (for each paper) |
| Negative Marking | There is no negative marking. |
| Papers | Paper 1 and Paper 2 |
| CTET Exam Date | 6 September 2026 |
| Official Website | ctet.nic.in |
CTET Exam Pattern 2026 PDF
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) on 6th September 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 |
|
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 | ||
CTET Exam Pattern 2026 for Paper 2
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 |
|
30 | 30 | 2.5 Hours |
| Language I (compulsory) |
|
30 | 30 | |
| Language II (compulsory) |
|
30 | 30 | |
| Mathematics, Science OR Social Science |
|
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
The CTET examination will be conducted in 27 languages across India. Candidates are required to select Language I and Language II while filling out the application form. Language I generally focuses on proficiency related to the medium of instruction chosen by the candidate, while Language II evaluates communication and comprehension abilities in another language. Candidates should carefully choose language options according to their comfort and teaching preferences.
| 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 Duration 2026
The duration of both CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2 is 2 Hours 30 Minutes. Candidates must complete all 150 questions within the prescribed examination duration.
Proper time management is extremely important for maximizing scores in the CTET examination.
CTET Qualifying Marks 2026
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
| General Category | 60% |
| Reserved Categories | Relaxation as per Government norms |
Candidates qualifying the CTET examination receive an eligibility certificate with lifetime validity as per current CBSE guidelines
CTET Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
What is the mode of CTET 2026 examination?
How many questions are asked in CTET 2026?
Is there negative marking in CTET 2026?
What is the duration of CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2?
What is the CTET September 2026 Exam Date?
Get Free Counselling Today
and Clear up all your Doubts
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingLakhs of practice questions
