

CTET Maths Syllabus 2026 is an important component for candidates who are aiming to qualify as teachers for the primary and elementary levels. The Central Teacher Eligibility Test is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). A complete understanding of the syllabus is the first step towards a successful CTET 2026 preparation. The Mathematics section comprises both content and pedagogical issues. It tests the conceptual clarity and their ability of candidates to effectively teach the subject. Candidates should download the official CTET Maths Syllabus PDF for Paper 1 and Paper 2 to ensure they cover all topics accurately.
The CTET 2026 Notification has been released on 27 November 2025 for the February session, along with the complete information bulletin. Candidates can now check all details such as eligibility, exam pattern, and important dates. The online application process is open from 27 November to 18 December 2025.
The Mathematics section is mandatory for all candidates who are appearing in CTET Paper 1. It is a combined section with Science for those who choose Mathematics or Science in Paper 2. The table below describes the important details of the Maths section for the CTET Syllabus:
| CTET Maths Syllabus 2026 Overview | ||
| Details | CTET Paper 1, Classes 1 to 5 | CTET Paper 2, Classes 6 to 8 |
| Target Classes | Primary Stage, Classes 1 to 5 | Elementary Stage, Classes 6 to 8 |
| Section Name | Mathematics | Mathematics and Science , Combined |
| Total Marks (Maths) | 30 Marks | 30 Marks Out of 60 for Maths & Science |
| Question Distribution | Content: 15 Questions Pedagogy: 15 Questions | Content: 20 Questions Pedagogy, 10 Questions |
| Total Questions | 30 multiple-choice questions | 30 multiple choice questions from Maths |
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) provides the official syllabus for the CTET exam within its official Information Bulletin. This document is important to understand the topics, including both Content and Pedagogical Issues for Paper 1 and Paper 2 Mathematics. It ensures your preparation is aligned with the latest examination structure. You can download the PDF containing the complete official syllabus from here:
The CTET Maths Syllabus for both papers is divided into two parts with Content and Pedagogical Issues. The Content section tests mathematical knowledge. The Pedagogical Issues section focuses on teaching methodology and skills to solve problems necessary for a teacher.
Paper 1 tests concepts which are covered up to the 5th standard. The questions are set to assess an understanding of the concepts at an upper level of primary.
| CTET Mathematics Syllabus for Paper 1 | |
| Section | Topics |
| Content, 15 Questions | Geometry: Shapes and Spatial Understanding, Solids around Us. Numbers: Numbers, Addition and Subtraction, Multiplication, Division. Other Topics: Measurement, Weight, Time, Volume, Data Handling, Patterns, Money. |
| Pedagogical Issues, 15 Questions | Nature of Mathematics /Logical thinking, understanding thinking and reasoning patterns and strategies of making meaning and learning. Place of Mathematics in Curriculum. Language of Mathematics. Community Mathematics. Evaluation through formal and informal methods. Problems of Teaching. Error Analysis and related aspects of learning and teaching. Diagnostic and Remedial Teaching. |
Paper 2 covers a more advanced and detailed curriculum. It is generally based on Class VI to VIII NCERT books. Here is the introduction of CTET mathematics syllabus for paper 2:
| CTET Mathematics Syllabus for Paper 2 | |
| Section | Topics |
| Content (20 Questions) | Number System: Knowing our Numbers, Playing with Numbers, Whole Numbers, Negative Numbers and Integers, Fractions. Algebra: Introduction to Algebra, Ratio and Proportion. Geometry: Basic Geometrical Ideas (2-D), Understanding Elementary Shapes (2-D and 3-D), Symmetry (Reflection), Construction (using Straight edge, Scale, protractor, compasses). Mensuration (Perimeter, Area, Volume). Data Handling. |
| Pedagogical Issues (10 Questions) | Nature of Mathematics /Logical Thinking. Place of Mathematics in Curriculum. Language of Mathematics. Community Mathematics. Evaluation (Formal and Informal methods). Remedial Teaching. Problem of Teaching. |
Having an understanding of the complete CTET Exam Pattern is important for efficient time management during the test. The CTET is conducted in an objective, multiple-choice (MCQ) format. Here is the CTET 2026 exam pattern:
| CTET 2026 Exam Pattern | ||
| Details | Information Paper 1 | Information Paper 2 |
| Exam Mode | Offline (OMR-Based) | Offline (OMR-Based) |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes) | 2 hours 30 minutes (150 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 150 Questions | 150 Questions |
| Total Marks | 150 Marks | 150 Marks |
| Marking Scheme | +1 Mark for every correct answer | +1 Mark for every correct answer |
| Negative Marking | No Negative Marking | No Negative Marking |
| Sections | Child Development & Pedagogy, Language-I, Language-II, Mathematics, Environmental Studies | Child Development & Pedagogy, Language-I, Language-II, Mathematics & Science OR Social Studies/Social Science |
The marking distribution highlights the equal weightage given to both the content and pedagogical aspects in Paper 1, and the slightly higher focus on content knowledge in Paper 2. Here is the marking distribution for CTET Maths syllabus 2026:
| CTET Maths Syllabus 2026 and Subject-Wise Marking Distribution | ||
| Details | Paper 1 Total 30 Marks | Paper 2 Total 30 Marks |
| Mathematics Content | 15 Questions, 15 Marks | 20 Questions, 20 Marks |
| Pedagogical Issues | 15 Questions, 15 Marks | 10 Questions, 10 Marks |
| Total Marks | 30 Marks | 30 Marks |
Candidates need to follow a smart and strategic CTET Maths Exam Preparation plan to score well in the Mathematics section. The section is often a deciding factor, making targeted practice essential.
Master the Basics: For Paper 1, ensure concepts up to Class V are crystal clear. For Paper 2, focus on the NCERT textbooks from Class VI to VIII for the content part.
Focus on Pedagogical Issues: Since Pedagogy holds significant weight (15 marks in Paper 1 and 10 marks in Paper 2), spend dedicated time understanding the Nature of Mathematics, NCF 2005 guidelines, and common teaching Error Analysis in a classroom. This includes revising all the topics under the CTET Maths Important Topics list in the Pedagogy section.
Time Management with Mock Tests: Mathematics problems are time-consuming. Regularly attempt full-length mock tests and previous years' question papers to improve speed and accuracy.
Separate Content and Pedagogy: Study the content-based topics (like Geometry, Algebra, Number System) and the pedagogical topics separately to ensure a comprehensive grasp of both streams of the syllabus.
Revision and Practice: Consistently practice formula-based questions and revise concepts of Ratio and Proportion, Mensuration, and Number System as they form the core of the Paper 2 content.