
CTET Maths Syllabus 2026: With the CTET 2026 examination scheduled on 7th and 8th February 2026, candidates aspiring to teach at the primary and elementary levels must revise the CTET Maths Syllabus 2026 without delay. Conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), CTET tests both subject knowledge and pedagogical understanding.
The Mathematics section includes content-based topics and teaching methodology, assessing conceptual clarity and classroom application. Candidates are strongly advised to download the official CTET Maths Syllabus PDF for Paper I and Paper II to ensure complete and accurate coverage of all exam-relevant topics.
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. The CTET 2026 examination is being conducted on 7th and 8th February 2026 across various exam centres as per the schedule released by CBSE. 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.