CTET Full Syllabus 2026: Complete Paper 1 & Paper 2 Breakdown

CTET Full Syllabus 2026: What's Actually in the Exam

Before you open a single book, you need a map of the territory. This guide breaks down the complete CTET 2026 syllabus - every section, every subject - for both Paper 1 and Paper 2, based on the latest CBSE notification.

Syllabus Basics

• Both papers are built primarily around the NCERT curriculum (Classes 1-8), so your NCERT textbooks double as core study material.
• The syllabus hasn't changed structurally in recent years - the section list and weightage have stayed consistent.
• Every section is worth 30 questions / 30 marks, except the subject-specific section in Paper 2, which is worth 60.

Paper 1 Syllabus (Classes 1-5)

1. Child Development and Pedagogy - 30 marks

• Concept of development and its relationship with learning
• Principles of child development
• Influence of heredity and environment
• Socialisation processes
• Piaget, Kohlberg, and Vygotsky: theories of learning and their relevance
• Concepts of child-centred and progressive education
• Multi-dimensional intelligence and language, thought
• Individual differences based on diversity of language, caste, gender, community, religion
• Inclusive education and children with special needs
• Assessment for learning vs. assessment of learning; CCE (Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation)

2. Language I - 30 marks

• Reading comprehension (prose/drama and poetry passages)
• Grammar and verbal ability
• Pedagogy of language development
• Learning and acquisition of language
• Role of listening, speaking, reading, writing (LSRW skills)
• Language teaching materials and multilingual classrooms

3. Language II - 30 marks

• Similar structure to Language I, but must be a different language
• Comprehension, grammar, and pedagogy of language teaching
• Challenges in teaching a second language

4. Mathematics - 30 marks

• Content: geometry, shapes, numbers, addition/subtraction, measurement, data handling, patterns
• Pedagogy: nature of mathematics, logical thinking, problem-solving strategies, error analysis, remedial teaching

5. Environmental Studies (EVS) - 30 marks

• Content: Family and Friends, Food, Shelter, Water, Travel, Things We Make and Do
• Integrates basic science and social science concepts
• Pedagogy: activity-based and inquiry-based learning approaches

Paper 2 Syllabus (Classes 6-8)

1. Child Development and Pedagogy - 30 marks

Same core framework as Paper 1, but focused on the 11-14 age group, with slightly deeper conceptual application expected.

2. Language I - 30 marks

Comprehension, grammar, and language pedagogy relevant to Classes 6-8.

3. Language II - 30 marks

Must differ from Language I; tests communication ability and second-language pedagogy.

4. Choose ONE: Mathematics & Science OR Social Studies/Social Science - 60 marks

Mathematics & Science (30 + 30 marks):

• Maths: number system, fractions, integers, algebra, ratio and proportion, geometry, mensuration, data handling
• Science: food, materials, the living world, electric circuits, magnets, natural phenomena, natural resources
• Pedagogy woven into both subjects - teaching approaches, common misconceptions, activity design

Social Studies/Social Science (60 marks):

• History: ancient India, medieval India, colonial period, post-independence India
• Geography: earth, globe, environment, water, air, agriculture, resources
• Social and Political Life: democracy, government, media, gender, judiciary, the Constitution
• Pedagogy: critical thinking, use of primary sources, inquiry-based classroom discussion

Note: Your choice of Mathematics & Science vs. Social Studies is made when you apply for the exam — you can't switch after submitting your application. Decide early, since it shapes your entire Paper 2 study plan.

How to Use This Syllabus

1. Print or bookmark this breakdown and check off topics as you cover them.
2. CDP is common ground - the same core theory (Piaget, Vygotsky, Kohlberg, inclusive education) shows up in both papers, so mastering it once pays off twice.
3. NCERT first, guidebooks second - for Maths, EVS, Science, and Social Studies, read the relevant NCERT chapters before jumping into CTET-specific guides.
4. Don't neglect pedagogy - a large share of marks in every subject section come from teaching-method questions, not just content recall.

We'll be posting subject-wise deep dives on CDP, Maths pedagogy, and EVS next - check back soon.