Every year, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) for candidates who wish to become primary and secondary teachers in government schools. This year, the CTET 2026 Exam will be conducted on September 6, 2026. Candidates who have applied for the exam and are preparing for the exam must keep themselves aware of the exam pattern, syllabus and best study plans for paper 1 and paper 2. Apart from reading the syllabus, candidates should also refer to the recommended books and study materials for better preparation.
The CTET 2026 Exam Pattern for CTET Paper I is different from CTET Paper II. Both the question papers in CTET 2026 will contain 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) each. All the questions will carry 1 mark with no negative marking for any wrong or unattempted answers. CTET, this year, will be conducted in offline, pen-and-paper mode, and the questions will be conceptual in nature. CBSE has not set any limitations on choosing any papers as of yet, and candidates can appear for either one or both papers if they wish in the CTET 2026 exam.
Check CTET 2026 Syllabus: Click Here
Crack CTET In 45 Days: Know how to make a Study Plan
Depending on the paper for which one is appearing for, the CTET 2026 exam can be well strategically cleared. Since there is no negative marking, it becomes essential for candidates to ensure maximum accuracy in their answers and proper time management during the exam. Paper I is essentially for those who wish to become teachers for primary school (Classes I–V) while Paper II is for those candidates who wish to teach in secondary school classes (Classes VI–VIII).
Paper I mainly focuses on subjects such as Child Development & Pedagogy (CDP), Language I, Language II, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies (EVS). And Paper II focuses on subjects based on CDP, Language I, Language II, and either (Mathematics & Science) OR (Social Science). Three subjects, including Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I and II, are common in both papers I and II.
The 45-day plan for preparation can be divided into three phases to help candidates study better and more effectively. The First phase (1-15 days) can entirely be dedicated to concepts and subject foundations. Start from topics you need to work more on; since these are the initial days of preparation, one can dedicate time to their conceptual works and difficult theories. Prioritising psychosocial theories such as Piaget’s theory of Cognitive Development, Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory (of Cognitive Development), and Kohlberg’s theory of Moral Development, inclusive education, and assessment methods. Further, time can also be devoted to EVS (NCERT Classes 3–5) and Mathematics basics for Paper I preparation and focus on your chosen stream (Math/Science or Social Science) and use NCERT textbooks for Classes 6–8 as your primary source for Paper II.
For phase two, the 15th to 30th day of preparation, aspirants can focus on solving the previous year’s question papers. Since the language of the CTET questions is unique, reviewing papers from the last 3–5 years will help better prepare for the exam. And finally, for phase three, the 30th to 45th days of preparation, aspirants should opt for full-length mock tests and solve as many as possible. This not only makes one understand the tips for better time management but also helps in better revision.
Read More: Study Tips for Paper 1, Paper 2
CTET 2026 Exam: Recommended Books For Better Preparation
One of the primary sources for preparing for the CTET 2026 Exam is the NCERTs. NCERT books are essential and most recommended for CTET 2026 preparation. Apart from NCERTs, aspirants who are preparing for Paper I can refer to books such as “Success Master” CTET Paper I by Arihant Publication, “Mathematics Exam Goalpost” for CTET & TETs by Wiley Publication and “Child Development and Pedagogy book” by Arihant Publication. For paper II preparation, aspirants can refer to books from well-renowned authors such as Arihant, Wiley, etc. Some books from Arihant publications that can be referred to are: Child Development and Pedagogy, CTET & TETs Bhasha Hindi, CTET and TETs English Language and Pedagogy and CTET and TETs English Language and Pedagogy.
For more such effective preparation tips and study plans for the forthcoming CTET 2026 Exam, candidates are highly recommended to closely follow the online portal of IE Education – education.indianexpress.com.
