Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET): Exam Pattern, Mock Test, Preparation tips

Introduction

Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is an exam conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in India. The purpose of the CTET is to determine the eligibility of candidates for appointment as teachers for classes I to VIII in central government schools, such as Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas, as well as in schools under the administrative control of Union Territories.

The CTET exam is divided into two papers:

1. Paper I: For candidates who wish to teach classes I to V (Primary Level).
2. Paper II: For candidates who wish to teach classes VI to VIII (Upper Primary Level).

Candidates can also appear for both papers if they intend to be eligible to teach from classes I to VIII.

The exam assesses candidates on various subjects, including Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics, Environmental Studies (for Paper I), and specific subjects such as Mathematics and Science or Social Studies/Social Science (for Paper II). The CTET certification is valid for seven years from the date of declaration of results and is considered an essential qualification for teaching positions in many schools across India.

Understanding the CTET Exam

Exam Overview:

• Name: Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2024
• Conducting Body: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
• Frequency: Twice a year (January and December)
• Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree and B.Ed. or equivalent from a recognized university
• Age Limit: 18 years – 35years
• Exam Pattern: Two papers – Paper 1 for Classes 1-5 teachers, Paper 2 for Classes 6-8 teachers
• Duration: 2.5 hours for each paper
• Mode: Offline (Pen and paper)

CTET Exam Pattern

The CTET exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for both Paper I and Paper II. Each paper is divided into sections, and each section has a specific number of questions. Here’s the breakdown:

CTET Paper I (for Classes I to V – Primary Stage)

1. Child Development and Pedagogy
   • Number of Questions: 30
   • Marks: 30
2. Language I
   • Number of Questions: 30
   • Marks: 30
3. Language II
   • Number of Questions: 30
   • Marks: 30
4. Mathematics
   • Number of Questions: 30
   • Marks: 30
5. Environmental Studies
   • Number of Questions: 30
   • Marks: 30

Total Number of Questions: 150 Total Marks: 150

CTET Paper II (for Classes VI to VIII – Upper Primary Stage)

1. Child Development and Pedagogy
   • Number of Questions: 30
   • Marks: 30
2. Language I
   • Number of Questions: 30
   • Marks: 30
3. Language II
   • Number of Questions: 30
   • Marks: 30
4. Mathematics and Science (for Mathematics and Science teachers)
   • Number of Questions: 60
   • Marks: 60
   OR
5. Social Studies/Social Science (for Social Studies/Social Science teachers)
   • Number of Questions: 60
   • Marks: 60

Total Number of Questions: 150 Total Marks: 150

Each question carries 1 mark, and there is no negative marking for incorrect answers. The duration for each paper is 2 hours and 30 minutes.

CTET Detailed Syllabus

Child Development & Pedagogy (Paper 1 & 2)

1. Child Development Concepts

• Principles of child development and its relationship with learning
• Stages of child development: infancy to adolescence
• Influences of heredity and environment

2. Concept of Inclusive Education

• Meaning and need for inclusive education
• Addressing diversity in the classroom
• Strategies for inclusive teaching

3. Learning & Pedagogy

• How children learn and think
• The role of motivation in learning
• Basic processes of teaching and learning

4. Understanding Children with Special Needs

• Characteristics and needs of children with learning disabilities
• Approaches to teaching children with special needs
• Inclusive strategies and classroom management

Environmental Studies (Paper 1)

1. Family and Friends

• Relationships and social interactions
• Types of families and their roles in society

2. Food & Shelter

• Different types of food and their sources
• Importance of nutrition
• Types of shelters and their significance

3. Water & Travel

• Sources and conservation of water
• Modes of transport and their importance

4. Things We Make and Do

• Basic concepts of work and play
• Craft and technological tools in everyday life

5. EVS Pedagogy

• Teaching methods for environmental studies
• Strategies for engaging students in EVS topics

6. UP Related Questions

• Environmental issues and topics specific to Uttar Pradesh

Mathematics (Paper 1 & 2)

1. Number System

• Basic concepts of numbers and their operations
• Place value, whole numbers, fractions, and decimals

2. Simplification

• Techniques for simplifying mathematical expressions

3. Percentage

• Calculating percentages and their applications

4. Ratio

• Understanding and solving ratio and proportion problems

5. Time & Work

• Problems related to time, work, and their relationships

6. Speed & Distance

• Concepts of speed, distance, and time and their interrelation

7. Algebra

• Basic algebraic expressions and equations

8. Mensuration

• Measurement of geometric shapes and figures

9. Geometry

• Basic geometric concepts, shapes, and properties

10. Average

• Calculating and understanding averages

11. Profit & Loss

• Basic principles of profit, loss, and their calculations

12. Pedagogy of Mathematics

• Teaching strategies for mathematics
• Approaches to problem-solving and reasoning

Social Studies (Paper 2)

1. History

• Major historical events and their significance
• Important dynasties and their contributions

2. Geography

• Physical and political geography
• Environmental issues and sustainable development

3. Social and Political Life

• Basic concepts of democracy, government, and political systems
• Rights and duties of citizens

4. Economics and Static GK

• Basic economic principles and terminologies
• Important general knowledge facts

5. UP Related Questions

• Specific historical, geographical, and cultural aspects of Uttar Pradesh

6. Social Studies Pedagogy

• Effective teaching methods for social studies
• Strategies for developing critical thinking and analytical skills

Science (Paper 2)

1. Food & Materials

• Sources and types of food
• Properties and uses of different materials

2. How Things Work

• Basic principles of physics and their applications in daily life

3. Moving Things

• Concepts of motion and force

4. People and Ideas

• Important scientists and their contributions
• Impact of scientific ideas on society

5. Natural Resources

• Types and conservation of natural resources

6. World of the Living

• Basic concepts of biology and life processes

7. Pedagogy of Science

• Teaching methods for science
• Approaches to scientific inquiry and experimentation

Language (Paper 1 & 2)

1. Unseen Passage

• Reading comprehension skills
• Techniques for understanding and interpreting passages

2. Grammar

• Fundamental grammar rules and their applications

3. Language Pedagogy

• Teaching strategies for language development

Why Take Mock test

• Familiarize Yourself with the Exam Pattern: Understand the structure of the exam, types of questions asked, and the marking scheme.
• Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Highlight areas where you excel and topics that require more attention.
• Improve Time Management: Practice managing your time effectively during the exam.
• Boost Confidence: Gain confidence by practicing with real exam-like questions.

Effective Preparation Strategies

1. Understand the Exam Structure:
   • Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, marking scheme, and time allocation for each section.
2. Study the Syllabus Thoroughly:
   • Focus on key areas such as Child Development and Pedagogy, Languages, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies.
   • Prioritize topics based on their weightage in the exam.
3. Create a Study Plan:
   • Develop a structured study plan with dedicated time slots for each subject.
   • Include regular breaks to avoid burnout and ensure consistent progress.
4. Regular Practice with Mock Tests:
   • Incorporate daily practice of mock tests to build familiarity with the exam format.
   • Analyze performance after each test to identify and work on weak areas.
5. Review Previous Year Papers:
   • Solve previous year CTET papers to understand question trends and improve time management skills.
6. Focus on Time Management:
   • Practice completing mock tests within the stipulated time frame to enhance speed and accuracy.
7. Consistent Revision:
   • Schedule regular revision sessions to reinforce learning and retain important concepts.

Conclusion

The CTET Paper 1 & Paper 2 Mock Test 2024 by Testbook is an essential tool for aspiring teachers aiming to excel in the CTET exam. By offering comprehensive coverage, bilingual support, realistic exam simulation, and detailed performance tracking, it equips candidates with the necessary skills and confidence to succeed. Start your preparation today and take a step closer to achieving your dream of becoming a certified teacher.