Paper I (Class 1 to 5)

• Paper-I is applicable for those who aspire to teach in classes I to V, encompassing primary education. To adequately prepare for this paper, it is imperative to study the NCERT textbooks spanning from class I to V.
• Additionally, exploring materials from various publishers can be beneficial. For this purpose, a series of books centred on the Paper-I, published by Drishti Publications can be useful.
• Notably, the questions in Paper-I are slightly less challenging than those in Paper-II. The questions related to child development and pedagogy are at a primary level, while the questions in language, mathematics, and environmental studies align with a fifth-grade standard. This characteristic renders Paper-I comparatively more manageable than Paper-II.
• Within Paper-I, the pedagogy section provides insights into instructing young children, elucidating effective methods for language learning.
• Despite its perceived ease, some candidates underestimate the preparation required for this paper, which can be a significant oversight. Hence, irrespective of the perceived simplicity of the paper, it is crucial to enter the examination thoroughly prepared and with unwavering confidence.

The detailed section-wise strategy for each section is as follows:

Child Development and Pedagogy (CDP)

• In the primary classes, a teacher's primary responsibility is to inspire children to attend school regularly, a theme often reflected in examination questions from CDP too. To effectively address this, candidates are encouraged to delve into the theories put forth by various scholars.
• Developing an understanding of child-centred education is essential. Consistent practice with questions from previous years is also crucial.
• Additionally, candidates should possess knowledge about the learning processes of children and the challenges they encounter in a school environment.
• This requires not only reading materials from diverse publishers but also actively engaging with the classroom setting to comprehend the specific issues faced by children. This practical experience contributes to a more comprehensive preparation for the examination.

Language

• The language section comprises a total of 60 questions, contributing to 60 marks, encompassing both Language-I and Language-II, holding a pivotal role in determining eligibility in the test.
• This segment is further divided into two parts: language comprehension and the pedagogy of language development.
• In language comprehension, the primary focus is on Unseen Passages, both factual and cognitive, where questions pertain to grammar and verbal aptitude. To prepare for this section, candidates are advised to study grammar books thoroughly and engage in practice exercises related to passage-based questions.
• It is crucial for candidates to gain an understanding of the challenges faced by primary class children in language learning. Additionally, comprehension of the integration of language within the realms of family, society and school is essential.
• This knowledge serves as a foundation for easily solving the language pedagogy-related questions in the examination. Overall, a comprehensive approach to both language comprehension and pedagogy of language development is integral to success in the eligibility test.

Mathematics

• In the initial stages, children are introduced to basic skills such as writing and counting numbers. As they progress, they delve into more advanced concepts like addition and subtraction. Candidates usually find elementary-level mathematics manageable during examinations.
• Pedagogical approaches in mathematics aim to convey concepts in an accessible language to ensure that students don't perceive mathematics as overly challenging in subsequent classes, fostering a continuous and enjoyable learning experience.

Environmental Studies

• The field of environmental studies comprises two segments, with 15 questions allocated to each. These sections cover fundamental aspects of the environment, including topics like Family and Friends, Food, Water, Travel, and Shelter.
• Adequate preparation involves studying the NCERT Environmental Studies textbooks for classes 3rd, 4th, and 5th, focusing on both the content and solutions to NCERT questions.
• In the realm of pedagogy, the curriculum delves into the understanding of environmental studies, learning principles, and the integration of children with their surroundings. Consequently, aspirants should be mindful of these aspects while preparing for the examination.

The Detailed Syllabus for CTET Paper 1 is as follows:
Section-1: Child Development and Pedagogy

(A) Child Development: Primary School Children (15 Questions)

• Concept of development and its relationship with learning
• Principles of the development of children
• Influence of Heredity and Environment
• Socialization processes: Social world and children (Teacher, Parents, Peers)
• Piaget, Kohlberg and Vygotsky: constructs and critical perspectives
• Concepts of child-centred and progressive education
• Critical perspective of the construct of Intelligence
• Multi-Dimensional Intelligence
• Language and Thought
• Gender as a social construct; gender roles, gender-bias and educational practice
• Individual differences among learners, understanding differences based on diversity of language, caste, gender, community, religion etc.
• Distinction between Assessment for learning and assessment of learning; School-Based Assessment, Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation: perspective and practice
• Formulating appropriate questions for assessing readiness levels of learners; for enhancing learning and critical thinking in the classroom and for assessing learner achievement.

(B) Concept of Inclusive education and understanding children with special needs (5 Questions)

• Addressing learners from diverse backgrounds including disadvantaged and deprived
• Addressing the needs of children with learning difficulties, ‘impairment’ etc.
• Addressing the Talented, Creative, Specially abled Learners

(C) Learning and Pedagogy (10 Questions)

• How children think and learn; how and why children ‘fail’ to achieve success in school performance.
• Basic processes of teaching and learning; children's strategies of learning; learning as a social activity; social context of learning.
• Child as a problem solver and a ‘scientific investigator’
• Alternative conceptions of learning in children, understanding ‘children’s ‘errors’ as significant steps in the learning process.
• Cognition and Emotions
• Motivation and learning
• Factors contributing to learning - personal and environmental.

Section-2: Language-I

(A) Language Comprehension (15 Questions)

• Reading Unseen Passages:Two passages one prose or drama and one poem with questions on comprehension, inference, grammar, and verbal ability (Prose passage may be literary, scientific, narrative or discursive)

(B) Pedagogy of Language Development (15 Questions)

• Learning and Acquisition
• Principles of Language Teaching
• Role of listening and speaking; function of language and how children use it as a tool.
• Critical perspective on the role of grammar in learning a language for communicating ideas verbally and in written form.
• Challenges of teaching language in a diverse classroom; language difficulties, errors, and disorders
• Language Skills
• Evaluating language comprehension and proficiency: speaking, listening, reading and writing
• Teaching-learning materials: Textbook, multi-media materials, multilingual resource of the classroom
• Remedial Teaching

Section-3: Language-II

(A) Comprehension (15 Questions)

• Two unseen prose passages (discursive or literary or narrative or scientific) with question on comprehension, grammar and verbal ability

(B) Pedagogy of Language Development (15 Questions)

• Learning and acquisition
• Principles of Language Teaching
• Role of listening and speaking; function of language and how children use it as a tool
• Critical perspective on the role of grammar in learning a language for communicating ideas verbally and in written form
• Challenges of teaching language in a diverse classroom; language difficulties, errors and disorders
• Language Skills
• Evaluating language comprehension and proficiency: speaking, listening, reading and writing
• Teaching-learning materials: Textbook, multi-media materials, multilingual resource of the classroom
• Remedial Teaching

Section-4: Mathematics

(A) Content (15 Questions)

• Geometry
• Shapes & Spatial Understanding
• Solids around Us
• Numbers
• Addition and Subtraction
• Multiplication
• Division
• Measurement
• Weight
• Time
• Volume
• Data Handling
• Patterns
• Money

(B) Pedagogical Issues (15 Questions)

• Nature of Mathematics/Logical thinking; understanding children's thinking and reasoning patterns and strategies of making meaning and learning
• Place of Mathematics in Curriculum
• Language of Mathematics
• Community Mathematics
• Evaluation through Formal and Informal Methods
• Problems of Teaching
• Error Analysis and Aspects related to Learning and Teaching
• Diagnostic and Remedial Teaching

Section-5: Environmental Studies

(A) Content (15 Questions)

• Family and Friends
• Relationships
• Work and Play
• Animals
• Plants
• Food
• Shelter
• Water
• Travel
• Things We Make and Do

(B) Pedagogical Issues (15 Questions)

• Concept and scope of EVS
• Significance of EVS, integrated EVS
• Environmental Studies & Environmental Education
• Learning Principles
• Scope and relation to Science & Social Science
• Approaches of presenting concepts
• Activities
• Experimentation/Practical Work
• Discussion
• Continuous & Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE)
• Teaching material/Aids
• Problems

Paper-II (Class 6 to 8): Social Studies

• Paper-II is applicable for those aspiring to teach students in classes VI to VIII. Within Paper-II candidates can opt for either ‘Social Studies/Social Science’ or ‘Maths & Science’. This section pertains to the strategy regarding Paper-II for those aspirants who have opted for ‘Social Studies/Social Science’.
• To adequately prepare for this examination, it is essential to study NCERT textbooks ranging from class VI to VIII. Additionally, candidates may find it beneficial to consult books from various publishers. For this purpose, a series of books centred on the Paper-II (Social Studies/Social Science), published by Drishti Publications can be useful.
• Notably, Paper-II question papers are more challenging compared to Paper-I, particularly in the realm of child development and pedagogy where the questions reach a higher difficulty level. The focus of Paper-II is on ensuring the proper development of children and preparing them for the future.
• The questions in Language and Social Studies cover material up to the eighth-grade level. Social Studies, in particular, provides in-depth information on History, Geography and Civics. Candidates need to pay special attention to facts and concepts during their preparation.
• Language teaching emphasizes methods that facilitate easy language acquisition for children, including strategies for refining language skills. This comprehensive approach ensures that candidates are well-prepared for Paper-II, addressing both the academic content and the pedagogical aspects of teaching.

The detailed section-wise strategy for each section is as follows:

Child Development and Pedagogy (CDP)

• The syllabus for Paper-II of Child Development and Pedagogy mirrors that of Paper-I but features an elevated level of questions. As one progresses through the educational levels, the complexity of questions in the examination proportionally increases.
• This segment places particular emphasis on the significance of learning in children's development. Extensive studies delve into the impact of heredity and environment on a child's development, elucidating topics such as inclusive classrooms and individual differences within the class.
• The curriculum also addresses the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged children, tailoring classes to meet their specific requirements. The preparation for this section in the CTET exam benefits significantly from the teaching training received during B.Ed. or D.El.Ed. highlighting the importance of prior educational training.
• Candidates are advised to enter the examination well-prepared for questions related to the aforementioned points to enhance their performance.

Language

• The language section holds significant weight in the eligibility test, comprising a total of 60 questions amounting to 60 marks, encompassing both Language-I and Language-II. The language question paper is divided into two parts: language comprehension and the pedagogy of language development.
• In language comprehension, the focus is primarily on Unseen Passages, with questions related to grammar and verbal aptitude. Adequate preparation involves studying grammar books and practicing questions associated with them to enhance comprehension skills.
• The pedagogy syllabus remains consistent across both papers. The level of learning, however, is somewhat more advanced than in the primary stage, leading to a higher level of difficulty in the examination questions.
• Consequently, candidates should allocate special attention to their preparation for this section to ensure a thorough understanding and successful performance in the examination.

Social Studies/Social Science

• Social Studies/Social Science are a part of the CTET syllabus for classes 6 to 8. This section is based on the NCERT textbooks from classes 6 to 8 and covers subjects such as History, Geography, and Social and Political Life.
• To prepare effectively, candidates are advised to start by reading the NCERT textbooks. Alongside reading, practicing questions from previous years is crucial. Comprehensive preparation involves understanding chapter-wise concepts and solving related questions to grasp the entire syllabus.
• In the pedagogy curriculum, social studies are not merely confined to books; rather, they are taught through practical applications related to students' lives. This approach enables students to integrate social studies into their daily lives and future careers.
• Candidates are encouraged to practice solving real-life problems and their associated questions before the exam to enhance their familiarity with the subject matter and ensure they do not find the questions challenging during the test.

The Detailed Syllabus for CTET Paper-II (Social Studies/Social Science) is as follows:

Section-1: Child Development and Pedagogy

(A) Child Development: Elementary School Children (15 Questions)

• Concept of development and its relationship with learning
• Principles of the development of children
• Influence of Heredity and Environment
• Socialization processes: Social world and children (Teacher, Parents, Peers)
• Piaget, Kohlberg and Vygotsky: constructs and critical perspectives
• Concepts of child-centred and progressive education
• Critical perspective of the construct of Intelligence
• Multi-Dimensional Intelligence
• Language and Thought
• Gender as a social construct; gender roles, gender-bias and educational practice
• Individual differences among learners, understanding differences based on diversity of language, caste, gender, community, religion etc.
• Distinction between Assessment for learning and assessment of learning; School-Based Assessment, Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation: perspective and practice
• Formulating appropriate questions for assessing readiness levels of learners; for enhancing learning and critical thinking in the classroom and for assessing learner achievement.

(B) Concept of Inclusive education and understanding children with special needs (5 Questions)

• Addressing learners from diverse backgrounds including disadvantaged and deprived
• Addressing the needs of children with learning difficulties, ‘impairment’ etc.
• Addressing the Talented, Creative, Specially abled Learners

(C) Learning and Pedagogy (10 Questions)

• How children think and learn; how and why children ‘fail’ to achieve success in school performance.
• Basic processes of teaching and learning; children's strategies of learning; learning as a social activity; social context of learning.
• Child as a problem solver and a ‘scientific investigator’
• Alternative conceptions of learning in children, understanding ‘children’s ‘errors’ as significant steps in the learning process.
• Cognition and Emotions
• Motivation and learning
• Factors contributing to learning - personal and environmental

Section-2: Language-I

(A) Language Comprehension (15 Questions)

• Reading Unseen Passages: Two passages one prose or drama and one poem with questions on comprehension, inference, grammar and verbal ability (Prose passage may be literary, scientific, narrative or discursive)

(B) Pedagogy of Language Development (15 Questions)

• Learning and Acquisition
• Principles of Language Teaching
• Role of listening and speaking; function of language and how children use it as a tool
• Critical perspective on the role of grammar in learning a language for communicating ideas verbally and in written form
• Challenges of teaching language in a diverse classroom; language difficulties, errors and disorders
• Language Skills
• Evaluating language comprehension and proficiency: speaking, listening, reading and writing
• Teaching-learning materials: Textbook, multi-media materials, multilingual resource of the classroom
• Remedial Teaching

Section-3: Language-II

(A) Comprehension (15 Questions)

• Two unseen prose passages (discursive or literary or narrative or scientific) with question on comprehension, grammar and verbal ability

(B) Pedagogy of Language Development (15 Questions)

• Learning and acquisition
• Principles of language Teaching
• Role of listening and speaking; function of language and how children use it as a tool
• Critical perspective on the role of grammar in learning a language for communicating ideas verbally and in written form
• Challenges of teaching language in a diverse classroom; language difficulties, errors and disorders
• Language Skills
• Evaluating language comprehension and proficiency: speaking, listening, reading and writing
• Teaching-learning materials: Textbook, multi-media materials, multilingual resource of the classroom
• Remedial Teaching

Section-4: Social Studies/Social Science

(A) Content (40 Questions)

• History
  • When, Where and How
  • The Earliest Societies
  • The First Farmers and Herders
  • The First Cities
  • Early States
  • New Ideas
  • The First Empire
  • Contacts with Distant lands
  • Political Developments
  • Culture and Science
  • New Kings and Kingdoms
  • Sultans of Delhi
  • Architecture
  • Creation of an Empire
  • Social Change
  • Regional Cultures
  • The Establishment of Company Power
  • Rural Life and Society
  • Colonialism and Tribal Societies
  • The Revolt of 1857-58
  • Women and reform
  • Challenging the Caste System
  • The Nationalist Movement
  • India After Independence
• Geography
  • Geography as a social study and as a science
  • Planet: Earth in the solar system
  • Globe
  • Environment in its totality: natural and human environment
  • Air
  • Water
  • Human Environment: settlement, transport and communication
  • Resources: Types - Natural and Human
  • Agriculture
• Social and Political Life
  • Diversity
  • Government
  • Local Government
  • Making a Living
  • Democracy
  • State Government
  • Understanding Media
  • Unpacking Gender
  • The Constitution
  • Parliamentary Government
  • The Judiciary
  • Social Justice and the Marginalization

(B) Pedagogical Issues (20 Questions)

• Concept & Nature of Social Science/Social Studies
• Class Room Processes, activities and discourse
• Developing Critical thinking
• Enquiry/Empirical Evidence
• Problems of teaching Social Science/Social Studies
• Sources – Primary & Secondary
• Projects Work
• Evaluation

Paper-II (Class 6 to 8): Maths & Science

• Paper-II is applicable for those aspiring to teach students in classes VI to VIII. Within Paper-II candidates can opt for either ‘Social Studies/Social Science’ or ‘Maths & Science’. This section pertains to the strategy regarding Paper-II for those candidates who have opted for ‘Maths & Science’.
• To adequately prepare for this examination, it is essential to study NCERT textbooks ranging from class VI to VIII. Additionally, candidates may find it beneficial to consult books from various publishers. For this purpose, a series of books centred on the Paper-II (Maths & Science), published by Drishti Publications can be useful.
• Notably, Paper-II is more challenging compared to Paper-I, particularly in the realm of child development and pedagogy where the questions reach a higher difficulty level. The focus of Paper-II is on ensuring the proper development of children and preparing them for the future.
• The questions in Language and Maths & Science cover material up to the eighth-grade level. Maths & Science, in particular, demands in-depth information on Arithmetic, Algebra, Basic Biology and Basic Chemistry. Candidates need to pay special attention to facts and concepts during their preparation.
• Language teaching emphasizes methods that facilitate easy language acquisition for children, including strategies for refining language skills. This comprehensive approach ensures that candidates are well-prepared for Paper-II, addressing both the academic content and the pedagogical aspects of teaching.

The detailed section-wise strategy for each section is as follows:

Child Development and Pedagogy (CDP)

• The syllabus for Paper-II of Child Development and Pedagogy mirrors that of Paper-I but features an elevated level of questions. As one progresses through the educational levels, the complexity of questions in the examination proportionally increases.
• This segment places particular emphasis on the significance of learning in children's development. Extensive studies delve into the impact of heredity and environment on a child's development, elucidating topics such as inclusive classrooms and individual differences within the class.
• The curriculum also addresses the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged children, tailoring classes to meet their specific requirements. The preparation for this section in the CTET exam benefits significantly from the teaching training received during B.Ed. or D.El.Ed. highlighting the importance of prior educational training.
• Candidates are advised to enter the examination well-prepared for questions related to the aforementioned points to enhance their performance.

Language

• The language section holds significant weight in the eligibility test, comprising a total of 60 questions amounting to 60 marks, encompassing both Language-I and Language-II. The language question paper is divided into two parts: language comprehension and the pedagogy of language development.
• In language comprehension, the focus is primarily on Unseen Passages, with questions related to grammar and verbal aptitude. Adequate preparation involves studying grammar books and practicing questions associated with them to enhance comprehension skills.
• The pedagogy syllabus remains consistent across both papers. The level of learning, however, is somewhat more advanced than in the primary stage, leading to a higher level of difficulty in the examination questions. Consequently, candidates should allocate special attention to their preparation for this section to ensure a thorough understanding and successful performance in the examination.

Maths & Science

• For the CTET exam, candidates have the option to choose either Social Studies or Mathematics and Science, comprising 60 questions with a total of 60 marks. To excel in the mathematics section, it is imperative to thoroughly study the NCERT Mathematics textbooks from classes 6 to 8.
• The mathematics segment encompasses questions from the number system, algebra, and geometry. To effectively prepare, candidates should commit mathematical formulas to memory and engage in extensive practice to streamline problem-solving during the exam.
• In the Science section, both experimental and factual questions are presented. Successful preparation involves studying the NCERT Science books from classes 6 to 8.
• The science questions primarily focus on materials used in daily life, such as food, cleanliness, magnets, electricity, etc. Consequently, candidates should not only read the books but also remain attentive to their surroundings to enhance their readiness for this section.

The Detailed Syllabus for CTET Paper-II (Maths & Science) is as follows:

Section-1: Child Development and Pedagogy

(A) Child Development: Elementary School Children (15 Questions)

• Concept of development and its relationship with learning
• Principles of the development of children
• Influence of Heredity and Environment
• Socialization processes: Social world and children (Teacher, Parents, Peers)
• Piaget, Kohlberg and Vygotsky: constructs and critical perspectives
• Concepts of child-centred and progressive education
• Critical perspective of the construct of Intelligence
• Multi-Dimensional Intelligence
• Language and Thought
• Gender as a social construct; gender roles, gender-bias and educational practice
• Individual differences among learners, understanding differences based on diversity of language, caste, gender, community, religion etc.
• Distinction between Assessment for learning and assessment of learning; School-Based Assessment, Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation: perspective and practice
• Formulating appropriate questions for assessing readiness levels of learners; for enhancing learning and critical thinking in the classroom and for assessing learner achievement.

(B) Concept of Inclusive education and understanding children with special needs (5 Questions)

• Addressing learners from diverse backgrounds including disadvantaged and deprived
• Addressing the needs of children with learning difficulties, ‘impairment’ etc.
• Addressing the Talented, Creative, Specially abled Learners

(C) Learning and Pedagogy (10 Questions)

• How children think and learn; how and why children ‘fail’ to achieve success in school performance.
• Basic processes of teaching and learning; children's strategies of learning; learning as a social activity; social context of learning.
• Child as a problem solver and a ‘scientific investigator’
• Alternative conceptions of learning in children, understanding ‘children’s ‘errors’ as significant steps in the learning process.
• Cognition and Emotions
• Motivation and learning
• Factors contributing to learning - personal and environmental

Section-2: Language-I

(A) Language Comprehension (15 Questions)

• Reading unseen passages: Two passages one prose or drama and one poem with questions on comprehension, inference, grammar and verbal ability (Prose passage may be literary, scientific, narrative or discursive)

(B) Pedagogy of Language Development (15 Questions)

• Learning and Acquisition
• Principles of Language Teaching
• Role of listening and speaking; function of language and how children use it as a tool
• Critical perspective on the role of grammar in learning a language for communicating ideas verbally and in written form
• Challenges of teaching language in a diverse classroom; language difficulties, errors and disorders
• Language Skills
• Evaluating language comprehension and proficiency: speaking, listening, reading and writing
• Teaching-learning materials: Textbook, multi-media materials, multilingual resource of the classroom
• Remedial Teaching

Section-3: Language-II

(A) Comprehension (15 Questions)

• Two unseen prose passages (discursive or literary or narrative or scientific) with question on comprehension, grammar and verbal ability

(B) Pedagogy of Language Development (15 Questions)

• Learning and acquisition
• Principles of language Teaching
• Role of listening and speaking; function of language and how children use it as a tool
• Critical perspective on the role of grammar in learning a language for communicating ideas verbally and in written form
• Challenges of teaching language in a diverse classroom; language difficulties, errors and disorders
• Language Skills
• Evaluating language comprehension and proficiency: speaking, listening, reading and writing
• Teaching-learning materials: Textbook, multi-media materials, multilingual resource of the classroom
• Remedial Teaching

Section-4: Mathematics & Science

Mathematics

(A) Content (20 Questions)

• Number System
  • Knowing our Numbers
  • Playing with Numbers
  • Whole Numbers
  • Negative Numbers and Integers
  • Fractions
• Algebra
  • Introduction to Algebra
  • Ratio and Proportion
• Geometry
  • Basic Geometrical Ideas (2-D)
  • Understanding Elementary Shapes (2-D and 3-D)
  • Symmetry: (reflection)
  • Construction (using Straight edge Scale, protractor, compasses)
  • Mensuration
  • Data handling

(B) Pedagogical Issues (10 Questions)

• Nature of Mathematics/Logical thinking
• Place of Mathematics in Curriculum
• Language of Mathematics
• Community Mathematics
• Evaluation
• Evaluation
• Problem of Teaching

Science

(A) Content (20 Questions)

• Food
  • Sources of food
  • Components of food
  • Cleaning food
• Materials
  • Materials of daily use
• The World of the Living
• Moving Things, People and Ideas
• How things work
  • Electric current and circuits
  • Magnets
• Natural Phenomena
• Natural Resources

(B) Pedagogical Issues (10 Questions)

• Nature & Structure of Science
• Natural Science/Aims & Objectives
• Understanding & Appreciating Science
• Approaches/Integrated Approach
• Observation/Experiment/Discovery (Method of Science)
• Innovation
• Text Material/Aids
• Evaluation-cognitive/psychomotor/affective
• Problems
• Remedial Teaching