CTET Exam 2025: Eligibility, Benefits, Attempts, Validity & All FAQs Answered!
Formfees
12/04/2025
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Thinking of becoming a teacher in India but confused about CTET? You’re not alone. CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) is one of the most important certifications for aspiring educators — but students often have many doubts.
In this complete guide, we’ll answer all your top CTET-related questions in simple language. Whether you’re pursuing B.Ed, want to become a government teacher, or just starting out — this is your one-stop resource.
Who Is Eligible for CTET Exam?
To appear for CTET, you must meet certain educational qualifications based on the level you want to teach:
✅ For Primary Stage (Class I to V)
You need any one of the following:
- Senior Secondary (Class 12) with at least 50% marks + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed)
- Senior Secondary with 50% + 4-year B.El.Ed
- Senior Secondary with 50% + 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education)
- Graduation + 2-year D.El.Ed
✅ For Elementary Stage (Class VI to VIII)
Any one of the following:
- Graduation + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education
- Graduation with at least 50% + 1-year B.Ed
- Graduation with 45% + 1-year B.Ed (NCTE recognized)
- Senior Secondary with 50% + 4-year B.El.Ed
- Senior Secondary with 50% + 4-year B.A/B.Sc.Ed or B.A.Ed/B.Sc.Ed
👉 Note: Final-year students of teacher training courses can also apply.
📌 Is CTET Compulsory for B.Ed?
No, CTET is not compulsory for pursuing B.Ed. But if you want to become a teacher in a government school, clearing CTET (after B.Ed) is mandatory for most teaching jobs.
📌 Is CTET Compulsory for Teachers?
Yes, especially for:
- Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV)
- Navodaya Vidyalaya (NVS)
- Central Government Schools
- Many state and private schools also prefer CTET-qualified candidates.
📌 What Is CTET Qualifying?
To pass CTET, you need to score at least:
- 60% marks (90 out of 150) for general category
- 55% (82.5 marks) for SC/ST/OBC/PwD (in most cases)
There’s no negative marking.
📌 Is CTET Valid for Lifetime?
Yes! Since 2021, the CTET certificate is valid for a lifetime. Earlier it was valid for 7 years.
So once you clear CTET, your certificate remains useful forever — no need to reattempt!
📌 How Many Attempts Are Allowed in CTET?
There is no limit on the number of CTET attempts. You can appear multiple times to improve your score or just to qualify.
📌 Is the CTET Exam Tough?
CTET is considered a moderate-level exam, but:
- Competition is high
- Questions test your understanding, not just memory
- Many fail due to lack of NCERT-based preparation
👉 With proper study and mock tests, you can clear it in 1–2 attempts.
📌 What Can I Qualify for After CTET?
Clearing CTET opens doors to:
- Government teaching jobs (KVS, NVS, DSSSB, etc.)
- Private school jobs with better salary
- Eligibility for TGT and PRT roles
It’s a baseline qualification for many teaching career options.
📌 Can I Become a Teacher Without CTET?
Yes, but mostly in:
- Private schools
- State board-affiliated schools (depending on state policies)
However, for central government schools, CTET is compulsory.
📌 In Which States Is CTET Valid?
CTET is valid:
- Nationwide, especially in CBSE schools
- In almost all states
- Some states conduct their own TET (e.g., UPTET, HTET), but still accept CTET scores
📌 Can I Do B.Ed Without Graduation?
No. To pursue a B.Ed, you need to be a graduate (in any stream). After completing your degree, you can go for B.Ed and then CTET.
📌 Can I Become a Government Teacher After CTET?
Yes — if you clear CTET and meet other criteria like:
- Educational qualification (B.Ed/D.El.Ed)
- Apply for exams like DSSSB, KVS, NVS, etc.
Many central and state schools recruit only CTET-qualified candidates.
📌 Who Is Eligible for PGT Teacher?
To become a Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) in India:
- You need a Postgraduate degree (Master’s) in the subject
- A B.Ed degree
- CTET (not always mandatory, but preferred in central schools)
PGT is for teaching Classes 11 and 12 — higher-level roles with better pay.
Quick Recap of Common Doubts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| CTET Validity | Lifetime |
| Attempts Allowed | Unlimited |
| Minimum Passing Marks | 60% (General), 55% (Reserved) |
| Can I teach without CTET? | Only in private or some state schools |
| CTET for Govt. Jobs | Compulsory in most cases |
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is CTET enough to get a job?
CTET makes you eligible, but you still need to apply for vacancies and go through selection processes like written tests or interviews.
Q2. What is the salary after CTET?
Depends on job role. PRT teachers can earn ₹35,000–₹45,000/month. TGTs and PGTs earn higher in government jobs.
Q3. Does CTET have negative marking?
No. CTET does not have negative marking, which makes it easier to attempt all questions.
Q4. Can I apply for CTET without D.El.Ed or B.Ed?
Only if you are in the final year of the course. Otherwise, you must have completed one of the required teacher training programs.
Q5. Which books are best for CTET preparation?
Start with NCERT books from Class 1–8, then refer to Arihant, Disha, or Child Development and Pedagogy guides.
🎯 Editor Thoughts
CTET is your gateway to becoming a teacher in India. Whether you’re aiming for a central school job or boosting your teaching resume, passing CTET is a strong step in the right direction.
👉 Need help with CTET coaching or B.Ed admission? Connect over WhatsAPP
