CTET Exam Pattern 2025 – Complete Paper I & II Marking Scheme
The CTET Exam Pattern 2025 provides the complete structure of the examination including marking scheme, duration, question distribution, and negative marking. Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective time management and strategic preparation. This guide covers all aspects of CTET Paper I and Paper II exam pattern.
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CTET Exam Pattern 2025: Key Highlights
CTET Exam Pattern: Essential Features
- Mode of Examination: Computer Based Test (CBT) - Online
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Number of Papers: Two (Paper I & Paper II)
- Medium of Exam: English and Hindi
- Question Language: Available in 20 languages including English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, etc.
- Passing Criteria: 60% marks (90 out of 150)
- Validity of Certificate: Lifetime (for candidates who qualify)
CTET Paper I Exam Pattern (Primary Stage: Classes I-V)
Paper I: For Classes I to V Teachers
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 | 2.5 Hours (150 Minutes) | 20% |
| Language I (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 | 20% | |
| Language II (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 | 20% | |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | 20% | |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 | 20% | |
| Total | 150 | 150 | 150 Minutes | 100% |
Important Notes for Paper I
- All questions are compulsory
- Each question carries 1 mark
- No negative marking for wrong answers
- Questions are based on the syllabus prescribed for classes I-V
- Pedagogical focus is on teaching methods for primary classes
- Language I and II should be different from each other
CTET Paper II Exam Pattern (Elementary Stage: Classes VI-VIII)
CTET Marking Scheme & Negative Marking
Marking Scheme
- Each correct answer: +1 mark
- Each wrong answer: 0 marks (no negative marking)
- Unattempted questions: 0 marks
- Total marks per paper: 150
- Passing marks: 90 (60%)
- Qualifying criteria: No sectional cut-off
- Marks calculation: Only correct answers counted
Negative Marking Policy
- Negative Marking: No negative marking in CTET
- Strategy: Attempt all questions
- Guessing: No penalty for guessing
- Risk-free: Answer all questions even if unsure
- Time management: Better to attempt than leave blank
- Previous years: No negative marking since inception
- Future updates: Check official notification for changes
Score Calculation Example
Let's understand the marking with an example:
1 If you attempt 120 questions
Correct answers: 100 questions × 1 mark = 100 marks
Wrong answers: 20 questions × 0 marks = 0 marks
Unattempted: 30 questions × 0 marks = 0 marks
Total Score: 100 marks (Qualified as >90 marks)
2 If you attempt all 150 questions
Correct answers: 110 questions × 1 mark = 110 marks
Wrong answers: 40 questions × 0 marks = 0 marks
Total Score: 110 marks (Qualified as >90 marks)
Note: Since there's no negative marking, attempting all questions increases your chances of scoring higher.
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Time Management & Exam Strategy
Section-wise Time Allocation (Paper I)
| Subject | Questions | Suggested Time | Time per Question | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Development | 30 | 35 minutes | ~70 seconds | Read carefully, conceptual |
| Language I | 30 | 30 minutes | 60 seconds | Fast reading, comprehension |
| Language II | 30 | 30 minutes | 60 seconds | Grammar focus, vocabulary |
| Mathematics | 30 | 35 minutes | ~70 seconds | Calculation speed needed |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 20 minutes | 40 seconds | Fact-based, quick answers |
| Total + Review | 150 | 150 minutes | 60 seconds avg | 10 min buffer for review |
Strategic Approach for CTET Exam
1 Before the Exam
- Understand the complete exam pattern and syllabus
- Practice with mock tests following the same pattern
- Develop a section-wise time management strategy
- Prepare quick revision notes for last-minute review
- Get familiar with the computer-based test interface
2 During the Exam
- Start with your strongest section to build confidence
- Attempt all questions (no negative marking)
- Use flag feature for difficult questions, revisit later
- Keep track of time - don't spend too long on one question
- Save last 10-15 minutes for review and unanswered questions
- Stay calm if you find difficult questions
3 Section-wise Strategy
- Child Development: Read questions carefully, focus on pedagogy
- Languages: Read comprehension passages thoroughly
- Mathematics: Attempt easier calculations first, use rough space
- EVS/Science/Social Studies: Fact-based, quick decision making
- General: Eliminate obviously wrong options first
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is there negative marking in CTET 2025?
Answer: No, there is NO negative marking in CTET. Each correct answer carries 1 mark, and wrong answers or unattempted questions carry 0 marks. This makes it beneficial to attempt all questions.
Q2: What is the duration of CTET exam?
Answer: The CTET exam duration is 2.5 hours (150 minutes) for each paper. For candidates appearing for both Paper I and Paper II, the total duration is 5 hours (with a break between sessions).
Q3: How many questions are there in CTET Paper I?
Answer: CTET Paper I has 150 questions divided into 5 subjects with 30 questions each: Child Development & Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies.
Q4: What is the passing marks for CTET?
Answer: The passing marks for CTET is 60% (90 out of 150 marks). There is no sectional cut-off. Candidates scoring 90 marks or above qualify for the CTET certificate.
Q5: Can I choose both Mathematics & Science and Social Studies in Paper II?
Answer: No, in Paper II you have to choose either Mathematics & Science OR Social Studies/Social Science. You cannot choose both. The chosen section will have 60 questions.
Q6: Is the exam pattern same for Paper I and Paper II?
Answer: The basic pattern is similar (150 questions, 150 marks, 2.5 hours), but the subjects differ. Paper I has 5 subjects including Mathematics and EVS, while Paper II has 4 subjects with an option between two combinations for the fourth subject.
Q7: How should I manage time during CTET exam?
Answer: Allocate approximately 1 minute per question. Start with your strongest subject, flag difficult questions, and ensure you attempt all questions. Keep 10-15 minutes at the end for review. Practice with timed mock tests to improve speed.
Q8: What is the validity of CTET certificate?
Answer: The CTET certificate has lifetime validity for candidates who qualify. There is no need to reappear for the exam once you have qualified, unless you want to improve your score.
Why Understanding Exam Pattern is Crucial?
Understanding the CTET exam pattern is the foundation of your preparation strategy. Here's why it matters:
- Effective Time Management: Knowing the pattern helps allocate time wisely across sections
- Strategic Preparation: Focus on high-weightage areas and question types
- Reduced Exam Anxiety: Familiarity with pattern reduces stress on exam day
- Improved Accuracy: Knowing what to expect improves question-solving speed
- Better Score Prediction: Understand how marks are calculated
- Optimal Attempt Strategy: With no negative marking, you can attempt all questions
- Section-wise Focus: Prepare according to each section's requirements
The CTET exam pattern is designed to test not just knowledge but also teaching aptitude and time management skills. By understanding and practicing with the actual pattern, you increase your chances of success significantly.
Start Practicing with Real CTET Pattern Today
Now that you understand the CTET exam pattern thoroughly, it's time to put this knowledge into practice. Begin with timed mock tests, develop your section-wise strategy, and practice full-length papers regularly. Remember, consistent practice with the actual exam pattern is key to achieving a high score in CTET.
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