What is Central Teacher Eligibility Test?

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level examination conducted in India to determine the eligibility of candidates for appointment as teachers in primary and upper primary schools. The CTET is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and it serves as a mandatory qualification for candidates aspiring to teach in central government schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, as well as schools under the administrative control of Union Territories.

Key features of the CTET include:

1. Levels of CTET:

   • Paper-I: Intended for candidates aspiring to teach classes I to V (primary stage).
   • Paper-II: Intended for candidates aspiring to teach classes VI to VIII (elementary stage).

2. Eligibility Criteria:

   • For Paper-I: Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
   • For Paper-II: Graduation and passed or appearing in the final year of 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) or Bachelor of Education (B.Ed).

3. Examination Pattern:

   • Both Paper-I and Paper-II consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
   • Each paper has a duration of 2.5 hours.
   • There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.

4. Validity of CTET Certificate:

   • The CTET certificate is generally valid for seven years from the date of declaration of results.

5. Frequency of Examination:

   • The CTET is usually conducted twice a year.

6. Appointment as a Teacher:

   • Qualifying the CTET does not guarantee a job, but it makes a candidate eligible for teacher recruitment processes in central government schools.

7. Examination Languages:

   • The CTET is conducted in multiple languages, allowing candidates to choose the language in which they are most comfortable.

CTET is an important certification for those aspiring to become teachers in central government schools. It aims to ensure a national standard and benchmark of teacher quality in the recruitment process. As educational policies and examination details may evolve, it's advisable to check the official CTET website or relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.