CTET
CTET Exam Pattern 2026: Paper 1 & Paper 2 Marking Scheme Explained
A complete breakdown of the CTET 2026 exam pattern for Paper 1 and Paper 2 - sections, marks, duration, and marking scheme - so you know exactly what to expect on exam day.
CTET Exam Pattern 2026: What You Need to Know
The CBSE has released the CTET exam pattern for the September 2026 session, with the exam scheduled for September 6, 2026. Whether you're appearing for Paper 1, Paper 2, or both, understanding the exact structure and marking scheme is the first step to building an effective study plan.
Here's everything you need to know before you start preparing.
Quick Overview
- Exam mode: Offline (pen-and-paper, OMR-based)
- Question type: Multiple choice questions (MCQs), 4 options each
- Marking: +1 for every correct answer
- Negative marking: None - attempt every question
- Duration: 2.5 hours (150 minutes) per paper
- Total questions: 150 per paper, worth 150 marks
Who Should Take Which Paper?
- Paper 1 - for candidates who want to teach Classes 1 to 5 (primary level)
- Paper 2 - for candidates who want to teach Classes 6 to 8 (upper primary level)
- Want to teach both levels? You'll need to appear for both papers.
Paper 1 Structure (Classes 1–5)
Paper 1 has 5 sections, each with 30 questions worth 30 marks:
- Child Development and Pedagogy - 30 marks
- Language I - 30 marks
- Language II - 30 marks
- Mathematics - 30 marks
- Environmental Studies - 30 marks
Total: 150 questions, 150 marks, 2.5 hours
Child Development and Pedagogy questions focus on the psychology of teaching and learning for the 6-11 age group. Language sections test proficiency related to the medium of instruction and comprehension - note that Language I and Language II must be different languages.
Paper 2 Structure (Classes 6–8)
Paper 2 has 4 sections:
- Child Development and Pedagogy - 30 marks
- Language I - 30 marks
- Language II - 30 marks
- Mathematics & Science or Social Studies/Social Science - 60 marks
Total: 150 questions, 150 marks, 2.5 hours
You'll need to choose between the Mathematics & Science section or the Social Studies/Social Science section, depending on which subject you want to teach. This section carries the highest weightage (60 marks), so it deserves extra focus in your prep. Child Development and Pedagogy content here targets the 11–14 age group.
Key Things to Remember
- No negative marking - always attempt all 150 questions, even the ones you're unsure about.
- Bilingual paper - questions are printed in both Hindi and English (except in the language sections).
- Language rule - Language I and Language II cannot be the same language.
- Equal weightage - every question is worth exactly 1 mark, regardless of section or difficulty.
How to Use This While Preparing
- Map out your strong and weak sections based on this structure.
- Since there's no negative marking, prioritize attempting every question over skipping ones you're unsure of.
- For Paper 2, decide early whether you're going with Maths & Science or Social Studies - this affects your entire study plan.
- Practice with full-length mock tests under the 2.5-hour time limit to build accuracy and speed.
This post will be updated if CBSE releases any changes to the exam pattern closer to the September 2026 exam date.