The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a competitive examination in India conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). CTET is a qualifying test for individuals who aspire to become teachers in government schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas (KV) and Navodaya Vidyalayas, as well as schools under the administrative control of Union Territories. It is a mandatory requirement for those who want to teach classes I to VIII in these schools.
Here are some key points about the CTET exam:
- Eligibility: The minimum educational qualification required to appear for CTET is a Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education. Alternatively, candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree and have completed or be in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education.
- Structure: The CTET exam consists of two papers:
- Paper-I: For candidates who intend to teach classes I to V.
- Paper-II: For candidates who intend to teach classes VI to VIII.
- Exam Pattern: Each paper consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and is conducted in offline (pen and paper) mode. There are 150 questions in each paper, and candidates need to answer all of them. The exam assesses the candidate’s knowledge of subjects like Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I and II, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, Science, Social Studies, etc., depending on the paper they are appearing for.
- Qualifying Marks: To qualify for CTET, candidates need to score a minimum of 60% in the exam. This means they need to score 90 out of 150 marks to pass. However, there are provisions for relaxation in qualifying marks for candidates from reserved categories.
- Validity: The CTET certificate is valid for seven years from the date of declaration of the result. Candidates who qualify can apply for teacher recruitment in various central and state government schools during this period.
- Application Process: Candidates interested in appearing for CTET need to fill out an online application form on the official CTET website. The exam is typically conducted twice a year, usually in July and December.
CTET is an essential certification for those who want to pursue a career in teaching in government schools in India. It is crucial to check the official CTET website or notification for the most up-to-date information on eligibility criteria, exam dates, and other details as they may change over time.
