CTET Preparation 2026: Tips, Tricks, Strategy & Study Plan
Central Teacher Eligibility Test 2026 ( CTET )
Exam On - 7 Feb '26 - 8 Feb '26
CTET Preparation Tips 2026: The CBSE will conduct the CTET exam for 21st Edition on February 8, 2026 at various centres across the country. Less time is left for the students to revise and prepare. This is the time for practicing mock tests and last year papers. Frequent revision also plays a crucial role. The CTET exam will be conducted in offline pen and paper mode. Revise core topics including child development and pedagogy and also subject-specific areas like Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Identify the weak areas and prepare them.
The CTET 2026 preparation is all about finding the right balance between theory and practice. To crack the exam with high scores, candidates need to have a concrete strategy. Have a look at some of the essential tips to prepare for the CBSE CTET below.
Also Read: CBSE CTET Analysis
- Best CTET Preparation Tips 2026
- How to Clear CTET in First Attempt?
- How to Prepare for CTET in 2 months?
- How to Prepare for CTET in 3 months?
- CTET Last Minute Preparations 2026
- CTET Preparation 2026 FAQs
Best CTET Preparation Tips 2026
The CTET exam is conducted by the CBSE at national level. As competition is increasing every year and so candidates need to prepare accordingly and also poses significant challenges. It is important for the candidates to have focused approach and strategy for the preparation which will improve the selection or gaining success in the teaching as a career. The best CTET preparation tips and strategies are shared below-
CTET Exam Pattern & Syllabus
One must be fully aware of the pattern and syllabus. The CTET exam contains questions from Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, II, Mathematics and Environmental Studies, Mathematics & Science or Social Studies/ Social Science. The CTET exam pattern differs for Paper 1 and 2.
Also Read
| Download CTET Syllabus |
Prepare well for the Child Development and Pedagogy
The CDP subject of CTET is one of the scoring subjects. It forms a part of both Paper 1 and Paper 2 and carries a weightage of 30 marks in both papers. Additionally, the subject is important to become a good teacher by profession. Therefore, candidates are advised to prepare well for this section.
Also Read: CTET Child Development and Pedagogy Preparation Tips: Know How to Prepare.
Refer to best books
NCERT books are one of the best resources for preparing for the exam. The section-wise books are available in the market for all the subjects. Have a look at some of the best CTET books below.
| Book Name |
Publisher |
|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy for CTET & TETs (Paper I & II) |
Arihant Publication |
| CTET & TETs Bhasha Hindi Paper I & II |
Arihant Publication |
| CTET and TETs English Language and Pedagogy (Paper I & II) |
Arihant Publication |
| A Complete Resource for CTET (Language I) English and Pedagogy |
Geeta Sahni (Author), Pearson Publication |
| Environmental Studies (EVS) Exam Goalpost for CTET & TETs, Class I-V |
Wiley Publication |
| Success Master CTET (Social Science /Studies) Paper 2 for Class VI-VIII |
Arihant Publication |
Also Read: CTET Best Books for Exam Preparation
Practice Last 5 Years' Papers & Mock Tests
After covering the complete syllabus, candidates should solve CTET previous years question papers. Moreover, candidates should solve mock tests as it improves time management and makes candidates aware of their weak areas.
Commonly asked questions
How to Clear CTET in First Attempt?
To clear CBSE CTET exam, time management, solve questions within time limits, etc. are the key factors that candidates should focus. Check below how to clear the exam of CTET in first attempt:
- Make and follow the study timetable.
- Build a proper preparation strategy.
- Practice well in advance.
- Revise thoroughly.
Also Read: How to Crack CTET in First Attempt?
Commonly asked questions
No, coaching is not necessary for the CTET exam. Candidates can prepare well through self studies. One needs to cover the syllabus, solve previous year question papers and mock tests to clear the exam.
The CTET qualifying marks are different for different categories. General category candidates need to obtain a minimum of 60 per cent or above marks in the CTET 2025 exam in order to be considered as a CTET pass. The CTET passing marks for OBC/SC/ST category candidates are 55 per cent. Candidates scoring more than or equal to the qualifying marks are considered CTET qualified. Only those candidates are awarded the CTET Certificate those who secure the minimum qualifying marks. However, a higher CTET score is advantageous in the further teacher recruitment process.
How to Prepare for CTET in 2 months?
Candidates can improve accuracy and speed by regular practice last year question papers and mock tests. Follow the latest educational trends will also be helpful. To follow well-planned routine is also important. Candidates can clear the exam with two months of preparation as shared here-
- Cover the entire syllabus.
- Prepare a revision checklist.
- Clear your basics.
- Practice question papers.
- Attempt model tests.
- Make notes.
- Work on your speed.
Also Read: How to Prepare for CTET Exam in 2 months?
Commonly asked questions
Candidates can prepare for CTET in ten days by practicing more through previous years papers and mock tests. Attempt at least two CTET question papers daily in the last one week of the exam.
How to Prepare for CTET in 3 months?
Three months before the CTET exam are very crucial. Aspirants can easily crack the exam in 90 days preparation as shared here:
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus
- Find the best books and start with preparations
- Solve previous year’s papers
- Attempt at least one mock test daily
- Keep revising the short notes
Also Read: CTET Admit Card
Commonly asked questions
Candidates can clear the CBSE CTET exam in one month. For this, candidates must study at least 10 to 12 hours daily. Solving the question papers us must to know the exam pattern and types of questions asked in the exam.
Candidates should start the preparation at least one year before the CBSE CTET exam. Candidates must cover the syllabus and then should practice through the question papers or mock papers.
CTET Last Minute Preparations 2026
The last few days before the exam are meant for quick revision. It is the right time for candidates should do CTET last-minute preparation tips 2026. Revision and practice will enable candidates to clear the CTET 2026 exam with high scores. Have a look at some of the important last-minute CTET preparation tips below:
- Analyse the solved CTET question papers & mock tests
- Devise a proper strategy to attempt the paper
- Time management & accuracy
- Arrange CTET admit card & necessary documents
- Be confident and calm
- Keep track of time while solving the paper
Read More:
- CTET Answer Key
- Preparation Tips for English
- Preparation Tips for Mathematics
- What is TET? List of popular teacher eligibility tests including CTET, UPTET, OTET & more
- Are CTET & TET exams same? Know the Difference
- English Prepositions: Meaning, Types, & Exercise
- English Vocabulary
- Upcoming Teaching Exams 2026
Commonly asked questions
The CTET Paper 2 question papers for Maharashtra are the same as for other states in India. To get the CTET question papers for Maharashtra, candidates simply need to download the Marathi language question papers. The language-wise and year-wise CTET previous years papers are available on the CTET website. Moreover, candidates can easily download the CTET question papers on Shiksha page here - https://www.shiksha.com/exams/ctet-exam-question-papers
The CTET exam process contains the stages shared below-
- Release of notification
- Submission of application form
- CTET admit card
- Conduct of the exam in offline mode
- Provisional answer key
- Declaration of result
- Final answer key
- CTET certificate for qualified candidates
CTET Preparation 2026 FAQs
Have a look at the CTET preparation FAQs below:
Commonly asked questions
The CTET question paper of previous years are there on the official website of the CBSE CTET exam. Candidates can easily find their CTET February 2026 question papers on the official website once released. Moreover, candidates who are looking for the CTET previous years papers with the answer key PDF, they can visit this page of the Shiksha.com - https://www.shiksha.com/sarkari-exams/teaching/articles/ctet-last-minute-preparation-tips-blogId-78125
The CTET exam pattern for Paper 1 and Paper 2 is shared below-
| Particular | Paper 1 Pattern | Paper 2 Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Offline | Offline |
| Name of Subjects | Child Development and Pedagogy Language-I Language-II Mathematics Environmental Studies | Child Development and Pedagogy Language-I Language-II Mathematics and Science/ Social Studies or Social Science |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Question | 150 | 150 |
| Marks | 150 | 150 |
You can get the CTET old marksheet or duplicate CTET marksheet and certificate by visiting the official website of the exam. Follow the steps given below to get the previous years marksheets or certificates:
- Visit the official website - ctet.nic.in.
- Go to the 'Duplicate Marksheet & Certificate' link under e-Services.
- Click on the link given under '2011 to 2016' or '2018 & onwards'.
- Login using the registered mobile or Aadhaar number.
- Click on the Get Issued Documents link.
- Select CBSE >>> Teacher Eligibility Test Mark-sheet or Certificate.
- Enter the Roll Number and Year of passing.
- Click on get document link.
The CTET qualifying marks for females in Bihar are the same as those in other states. Moreover, the CTET passing marks are same for both male and female candidates. Have a look at the CTET qualifying marks for all genders and states below:
Category | Minimum Qualiying Marks (Out of 150) | Minimum Qualiying Percentage (in %) |
|---|---|---|
General in all states | 90 | 60 |
SC/ST/OBC/PwD in all states | 82 | 55 |
The CTET question paper contains multiple choice questions- MCQs. There are 150 questions in the exam. The paper carries 150 marks. Candidates need to mark the answers on the OMR Sheet.
CTET exam is of 2 hours 30 minutes duration for each paper. The CTET exam is conducted in two shifts. The CTET Shift 1 starts from 9:30 am to 12 noon and Shift 2 is from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
The CTET 2026 exam will be conducted on February 7 and 8. The Board released the time table for the exam as given below:
Events | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
Reporting Time | 7:30 AM | 12:30 PM |
Checking of Admit Cards | 9:00 AM to 9:15 AM | 2:00 PM to 2:15 PM |
Checking of Computer | 9:15 AM | 2:15 PM |
Last Entry in the Examination Centre | 9:30 AM | 2:30 PM |
Test Commences | 9:30 AM | 2:30 PM |
Test Concludes | 12:00 Noon | 5:00 PM |
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 21 hours ago
Yes, the CTET exam has been resceduled. Due to high number of applications, the Central Board of Secondary Education will conduct the exam on February 7 and 8 instead of only 8 February.
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
Hi.
How to Choose Exam Centre Area in the CTET Form
Select Exam Centre City Preferences
In the application form, you'll find a section “Choice of Examination Centres” where you can select multiple preferred exam cities (usually up to 4 choices) in order of preference.
These must be different cities
h
Scholar-Level 17
Answered a month ago
Yes, the degree from Indira Gandhi National Open University is valid for CTET and other government jobs also. Candidates can get admission after clearing the IGNOU BEd Entrance Test.
A
Contributor-Level 10
CTET NotificationsUpcoming Sarkari Exam Dates
RRB Group D 2025 Exam (08/2024) 27 Nov '25 - 10 Feb '26
Is the CTET Exam 2026 Rescheduled?