CTET EXAM SYLLABUS 2026 

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 syllabus is designed to evaluate the teaching aptitude, subject knowledge, and pedagogical understanding of candidates aspiring to teach Classes I to VIII in schools across India. Conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), CTET ensures that aspiring teachers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver quality education in line with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).

CTET 2026 is divided into two papers: Paper I for primary teachers (Classes I–V) and Paper II for upper primary teachers (Classes VI–VIII). Each paper focuses on both child development & pedagogy and subject-specific knowledge. The syllabus emphasizes not only conceptual understanding of subjects like Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Languages, but also teaching methodologies, classroom management, and learner psychology.

A clear understanding of the syllabus is crucial for effective preparation. It helps candidates prioritize topics, allocate study time efficiently, and focus on areas with higher weightage. By adhering to the official CTET 2026 syllabus, aspirants can systematically cover all required concepts and increase their chances of qualifying for teaching positions in government and private schools.

CTET 2026 SYLLABUS OVERVIEW

The CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) evaluates the teaching aptitude, conceptual clarity, and pedagogical understanding of candidates aspiring to teach from Classes I to VIII in schools under the Central Government, State Governments, and other recognized institutions.

CTET 2026 will be conducted in two papers

• Paper I: For teachers of Classes I–V (Primary Stage)
• Paper II: For teachers of Classes VI–VIII (Upper Primary Stage

CTET 2026 PAPER I Syllabus (For Classes I–V)

1. Child Development and Pedagogy (30 Marks)

Focus: Educational psychology of teaching and learning processes for children aged 6–11 years.

Detailed Topics

• Child Development (Primary School Child)
• Concept, principles, and stages of child development.
• Role of heredity and environment in growth and learning.
• Socialization processes: family, school, peers.
• Theories of child development (Piaget, Kohlberg, Vygotsky).
• Concepts of intelligence and its measurement.
• Concept of Inclusive Education & Understanding Children with Special Needs
• Addressing learners from diverse backgrounds.
• Identification and support for children with learning disabilities.
• Inclusive teaching strategies.
• Learning and Pedagogy
• How children learn and think.
• Motivation and learning.
• Factors affecting learning and teaching.
• Classroom management and evaluation.

Language I (30 Marks)

Focus: Proficiency in the medium of instruction chosen by the candidate.

Detailed Topics

• Reading unseen passages (prose and poem).
• Language comprehension and vocabulary.
• Pedagogy of Language Development:
• Principles of language teaching.
• Role of listening and speaking in language learning.
• Language skills and errors.
• Remedial teaching techniques.

Language II (30 Marks)

Focus: Language comprehension and communication in the second language.

Detailed Topics

• Reading comprehension (unseen prose or drama passage).
• Grammar, sentence structure, and communication skills.
• Pedagogy of Language Development:
• Role of grammar in communication.
• Teaching-learning materials (TLMs).
• Challenges in teaching second languages.

Mathematics (30 Marks)

Focus: Understanding mathematical concepts and pedagogy.

Content

• Geometry
• Numbers
• Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division
• Fractions and Decimals
• Measurement (Length, Weight, Capacity, Time, Money)
• Data Handling and Patterns

Pedagogical Issues

• Nature of mathematics and logic.
• Problem-solving methods.
• Diagnostic and remedial teaching.
• Error analysis in mathematics learning.

Environmental Studies (30 Marks)

Focus: Conceptual understanding and teaching of environmental issues.

Content

• Family and Friends
• Food and Shelter
• Water and Travel
• Things We Make and Do

Pedagogical Issues

• Scope and significance of EVS.
• Teaching methods: activity-based learning, projects, field trips.
• Environmental awareness and conservation.
• Evaluation and assessment in EVS.

CTET 2026 PAPER II SYLLABUS (For Classes VI–VIII)

• Child Development and Pedagogy (30 Marks)
• Focus: Psychology of learners aged 11–14 years.
• Detailed Topics:
• Concept, principles, and dimensions of development.
• Social and emotional development of adolescents.
• Theories of learning and intelligence.
• Motivation and classroom behavior.
• Inclusive education and addressing individual differences.
• Language I (30 Marks)
• Focus: Medium of instruction and its pedagogical principles.
• Detailed Topics:
• Comprehension (prose and poetry).
• Language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening).
• Pedagogy of Language Development:
• Language learning vs acquisition.
• Remedial teaching and error correction.
• Communicative approach to language teaching.
• Language I (30 Marks)
• Focus: Medium of instruction and its pedagogical principles.
• Detailed Topics:
• Comprehension (prose and poetry).
• Language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening).
• Pedagogy of Language Development:
• Language learning vs acquisition.
• Remedial teaching and error correction.
• Communicative approach to language teaching.
• Mathematics and Science (60 Marks)

(For Mathematics and Science teachers)

Mathematics (30 Marks)

• Number System
• Algebra
• Geometry and Mensuration
• Data Handling
• Ratio, Proportion, Percentage, Profit and Loss

Pedagogical Issues

• Nature of mathematics and reasoning.
• Problem-solving approaches.
• Evaluation in mathematics.
• Diagnostic and remedial teaching.

Science (30 Marks)

• Food
• Materials
• The World of the Living
• Natural Phenomena and Resources
• Motion, Force, Work, and Energy

Pedagogical Issues

• Nature of science and experimentation.
• Observation and inquiry-based learning.
• Use of laboratories and teaching aids.
• Evaluation and assessment in science learning.

5. Social Studies / Social Science (60 Marks)

(For Social Science teachers)

Content (40 Marks)

• History:
• Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India.
• Indian National Movement.
• World History (basic awareness).
• Geography:
• Earth, Environment, and Resources.
• Natural and Human Geography.
• Map reading and interpretation.
• Political Science:
• Constitution, Democracy, and Governance.
• Social Justice and Citizenship.
• Role of government and institutions.

Pedagogical Issues (20 Marks)

• Nature and scope of social studies.
• Interdisciplinary approach.
• Developing critical thinking and inquiry.
• Project-based and experiential learning.
• Assessment and evaluation techniques.

Click Here For CTET 2026 Preparation Tips

CTET Exam Syllabus FAQs

Q1.What is the syllabus of CTET 2026?

Ans. The CTET 2026 syllabus includes two papers:

• Paper I (Classes I–V): Child Development & Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies.
• Paper II (Classes VI–VIII): Child Development & Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, and either Mathematics & Science or Social Studies/Social Science.

Q2. Who prescribes the CTET syllabus?

Ans. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) prescribes the CTET syllabus based on the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and NCERT syllabus for Classes I–VIII.

Q3. What is the focus of the CTET syllabus?

Ans. The syllabus focuses on evaluating a candidate’s teaching aptitude, child psychology, subject knowledge, and pedagogical understanding rather than just factual knowledge.

Q4. Is the CTET syllabus the same for Paper I and Paper II?

Ans. No.

• Paper I is for primary teachers (Classes I–V).
• Paper II is for upper primary teachers (Classes VI–VIII).
  Both have different content and subject weightage.

Q5. Which subjects are common in both CTET papers?

Ans. The following subjects are common in both papers:

• Child Development & Pedagogy
• Language I
• Language II