Rupali
Rupali Pruthi
Assistant Manager - Editorial
Updated on May 3, 2024 12:28 IST

CTET full form is the Central Teacher Eligibility Test. The CBSE CTET is an eligibility exam conducted by the CBSE every year. Check below the full form of the CTET exam and its meaning, importance of CTET exam, eligibility criteria, and CTET vs TET.

CTET_Full_Form

CTET Full Form: Central Teacher Eligibility Test

One of the most frequently asked questions that comes up to the mind of aspirants who begin with the CTET exam preparation is 'What is CTET full form?'. Candidates often speculate the implication of the CTET's full form in the context of the importance and nature of the exam. For the ease of candidates, we have shared here the full form of the CTET exam, the nature of the exam and its importance, CTET eligibility criteria, and how it is different from other TET exams.

Also Read: CTET Answer Key 2024 July Live Updates

Also Read: Last 5 Years Question Papers of CTET: Download Free PDFs

CTET stands for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test. The CTET exam is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) by the Guidelines framed by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). The exam is conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for appointment as Classes 1 to 8 teachers in Central Government Schools such as KVS, NVS and others. 

Q:   What are CTET qualifying marks for female?

A:

The CTET qualifying marks for females are the same as that of males. Check here the CTET qualifying marks for female candidates below:

Category

Qualifying Marks  (Out of 150)

Qualifying Percentage (in %)

General

90

60

OBC/ SC/ ST/ PwD

82

55

Q:   Can I change my CTET exam centre?

A:
No, candidates are not allowed to change their preferences of CTET exam centres after the final submission of the CTET application form. However, the CBSE provides a one-time facility of CTET application correction to candidates wherein they can modify their exam city preferences. However, no request of exam city modification is entertained after the closing of application correction facility.

Q:   Will I get the job after clearing the CTET exam?

A:
Qualifying CTET exam does not guarantee a job to a candidate. It is only one of the eligibility criteria for teacher appointment. Candidates need to appear for the recruitment process of schools such as KVS, NVS and others to get a teaching job. The school managements consider the CTET scores in the teacher recruitment process.

Also Read: CTET Application Form Correction 2024 Window: Date, Fees & How to Make Changes

The CTET exam is conducted offline in pen and paper mode. The exam is held in two shifts for Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Upcoming Sarkari Exam Dates

UP Police Constable Result 2024

21 Nov '24 - 21 Dec '24

RPF SI answer key

17 Dec '24 - 22 Dec '24

AFCAT 1 Application Form 2025

2 Dec '24 - 31 Dec '24

CDS 1 Application 2025

11 Dec '24 - 31 Dec '24

NDA 1 Application Form 2025

11 Dec '24 - 31 Dec '24

MP Patwari Exam Date

31 Dec '24

REET Application Form

16 Dec '24 - 15 Jan '25

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam 2024

18 Jan '25 - 20 Jan '25

SSC GD 2025 Exam Dates

4 Feb '25 - 25 Feb '25

TNPSC Group 4 Application Date...

25 Apr '25 - 25 May '25

CTET Full Form: Meaning

Let’s have a look at the detailed meaning of each word of the CTET full form, that is, the Central Teacher Eligibility Test below:

  • Central: The CTET exam is conducted by the central government. The Union Ministry of Education has entrusted the responsibility of conducting the CTET exam to the CBSE, Delhi.
  • Teacher Eligibility: The CBSE conducts the CTET exam to enable candidates to become eligible for an appointment as a teacher for Classes 1 to 8. It is an eligibility exam for aspirants looking forward to becoming primary or elementary teachers.
  • Test: As stated above, CTET is an exam. Candidates get a chance to obtain eligibility by appearing for the test or exam. The CTET is conducted online in the computer-based test (CBT) mode for Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Also Read: CTET FAQs 2024: Check Frequently Asked Questions

Importance of CTET Exam

As per the NCTE guidelines dated August 23, 2010, and July 29, 2011, one of the essential qualifications for a candidate to be eligible for an appointment as a teacher is that he or she should pass the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) or CTET. Qualifying the CTET exam is of utmost importance in the following manner:

  • It introduces the national standards and benchmarks of teacher quality in the entire recruitment process.
  • It enables the candidates and teacher education institutions to further improve their performance standards.
  • It sends a positive signal across all the stakeholders that the Government is keen on laying a special emphasis on teacher quality.

Also Read: How to Crack CTET 2024 on First Attempt?

CTET 2024 Exam Overview

Have a look at the overview of the CTET exam 2024 below including the exam conducting body, exam mode, application mode, fee payment and other details.

Q:   How many times can a candidate apply for the CTET exam?

A:

There is no restriction on the number of attempts for the exam. This means that candidates can apply and appear for the exam as many times as they want irrespective of whether they cleared the paper in the last cycle. Candidates can also attempt the CTET paper again to improvise their exam score.

Q:   How many attempts are there in CTET?

A:
There is no limit to the number of attempts the CTET exam. Candidates falling within the CBSE-prescribed age limit can appear for the exam for any number of times. As per CTET eligibility criteria, candidates should be of minimum 18 years of age and there is no upper age limit. The upper age limit is prescribed by the recruiting agency at the time of recruitment after the candidate qualifies the CTET exam.

Q:   What are CTET qualifying marks for the OBC category?

A:
The CTET qualifying marks for the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category is 55 per cent. OBC candidates need to obtain 82 marks out of the total 150 marks to qualify the exam. A 81 mark scorer OBC candidate will fail to clear the exam.

Q:   What are CTET passing marks for the SC and ST categories?

A:
The CTET passing marks for the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories is 55 per cent. The SSC & ST categories candidates need to obtain 82 out of the total 150 marks to qualify the exam and obtain the eligibility Certificate.

Q:   What are CTET qualifying marks for the General category?

A:
General category candidates need to obtain 90 out of 150 marks to pass the CTET exam. The CTET qualifying percentage is 60 per cent for the General category. The General or your category need to obtain 90 or above marks to obtain the eligibility Certificate. A 89 mark scorer also will be declared disqualified in the exam process.

Particulars

Details

Exam Name

CTET

CTET full form

Central Teacher Eligibility Test

Conducting Body

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)

Exam Level

National

Exam Frequency

Twice a year

Exam Mode

Offline- Pen and Paper mode

CTET application mode

Online

Exam Fees

  • INR 1,000 for the General/ OBC
  • INR 500 for SC/ ST/ PwD

Exam Duration

150 minutes

No. of Papers and Total Marks

  • Paper-1: 150 marks
  • Paper-2: 150 marks

Total Questions

150 MCQs in each paper

Language of Exam

English and Hindi

Official Website

https://ctet.nic.in

CTET Exam Process 2024

The CTET 2024 exam involves various stages. Have a look at the entire CTET exam process 2024 below in detail:

  • CTET Application Process: The CTET exam process begins with online applications. Candidates need to fill out the CTET application form 2024 in online mode.
  • Issue of CTET Admit Card: Candidates need to download the CTET admit card 2024 from the official website- ctet.nic.in.
  • Conduct of CTET Exam: Candidates need to appear for the CTET 2024 exam at the centres mentioned on their admit cards.
  • CTET Result: The CBSE releases the CTET result 2024 on the official website after the completion of the assessment process.
  • CTET Certificate: CTET-qualified candidates are awarded the eligibility certificates. CTET certificate validity is for a lifetime.

CTET Eligibility Criteria 2024

Have a look at the detailed CTET eligibility 2024 below for Paper 1 and Paper 2:

CTET Eligibility for Paper 1

  • Senior Secondary with a minimum of 50 per cent marks and cleared or appearing in final year exam of Diploma in Elementary Education (2 years duration). OR

  • Senior Secondary securing a minimum of 45 per cent marks and cleared or appearing in final year exam of Diploma in Elementary Education (2 years duration). OR

  • Senior Secondary with a minimum of 50 per cent marks and cleared or appearing in the final year exam of Bachelor of Elementary Education (4 years duration). OR

  • Senior Secondary with a minimum of 50 per cent marks and cleared or appearing in the final year exam of Diploma in Education (2 years duration). OR

  • Bachelor’s degree with a BEd degree.

CTET Eligibility for Paper 2

  • Graduation degree and has passed or is appearing in the final year examination of Diploma in Elementary Education (2 years duration). OR

  • Graduation degree with 50 per cent marks and has cleared or appearing in the final year exam of BEd. OR

  • Graduation degree with 40 per cent marks and has cleared or appearing in the final year exam of BEd, according to NCTE regulations. OR

  • Senior Secondary with a minimum of 50 per cent marks and has cleared or appeared in final year exam of 4 years duration Bachelor of Elementary Education. OR

  • Senior Secondary with 50 per cent marks and cleared or appearing in final year exam of B.A.Ed/B.Sc.Ed or B.A/B.Sc.Ed. OR

  • Graduation degree with 50 per cent marks and has cleared or appearing in BEd program of 1-year duration.

Also Read:

What’s Next after CTET?

Once the candidates clear the CTET exam, they become eligible to apply for recruitment in various private and government schools. Candidates can apply for appointments in the following schools:

  • Central Government schools such as KVS, NVS, Central Tibetan Schools, etc.
  • Schools under the administrative control of UTs such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep.
  • Private schools that consider the CTET qualification.
  • Schools owned by State Governments and local bodies.

Difference Between CTET and TET

CTET and TET are both eligibility tests conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates as teachers. The major difference between CTET and TET is that the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is conducted at the national level and the TET exam is conducted at the state level by respective state governments such as TS TET, TNTET, HP TET, MP TET, UPTET, MAHA TET and various others.

TET Exams

UPTET 2024 MAHA TET 2024 Bihar STET 2024
REET 2024 HP TET 2024 TNTET 2024
OTET 2024 AP TET 2024 CG TET 2024

Read More:

About the Author
author-image
Rupali Pruthi
Assistant Manager - Editorial

Rupali has over 10 years of editorial experience in the education, lifestyle and IT fields. With Masters in English Literature, she enjoys creating digital content for government exams. She is a travel buff by passi... Read Full Bio

Download Important Dates for Sarkari Exams Exams

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Explore Other Exams

18 Jan '25 -

20 Jan '25

SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam 2024

22 Apr '25 -

21 May '25

SSC CGL 2025 Application Dates

7 Mar '24

MP Police Constable Result

15 Sep '23

MP Police Constable Answer Key

Dec '24

Release of UPTET Notification

Jan '25

UPTET Exam Date

8 Jun '25

UPSC ESE (IES) 2025 Prelims Ex...

10 Aug '25

UPSC ESE (IES) 2025 Main Exam ...

4 Nov '24 -

15 Nov '24

Application Form

4 Dec '23

HTET 2023 Answer Key

14 Dec '24

IBPS SO Mains 2024 Exam

9 Nov '24

IBPS SO Prelims 2024 Exam

22 May '23

PSTET Paper 2 Result

15 May '23

PSTET Paper 1 Final Answer Key

Sep '24

RBI Assistant notification 202...

31 Dec '23

RBI Assistant mains exam 2023

24 Oct '24

UTET 2024 Exam

8 Oct '24

UTET 2024 Admit Card Released

The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 20 hours ago

CTET admit card has already been released on 12 December 2024. Also, the CTET exam was held on 14th December and 15th December 2024.

P

Priya Kumari

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 days ago

The CTET Paper 1 Set I answer key for December 2024 is available online. You can download it from the official CTET website or from various coaching institutes that provide unofficial answer keys.

A

ABHINAV SRIVASTAVA

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 days ago

Some popular sources for obtaining the question paper of CTET along with the answer key provided in December 2022 are listed below. This is available on the main website of CTET - ctet.nic.in. Some educational websites and institutes like  Shiksha provide question papers of that particular examinati

...more

K

KUMKUM BASWAL

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a week ago

Comprehensive Strategies to Pass CTET Exam:
Understand Syllabus and Exam Pattern. One should be well conversant with the syllabus both for Paper 1 and Paper 2, such as Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I & II, Mathematics and Environmental Studies for Paper 1, and other subjects covered under

...more

79504758
Vikash Kumar Gupta

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Hii Baijnath, you can qualify CTET (Central Teachers Eligibility Test) Exam by following these steps :

  1. Comprehend the exam pattern and syllabus in detail.
  2. Utilize the appropriate study material and go through conceptual clarity of every topic.
  3. Practice atleast 5 previous years questions of CTET exam mu

...more

77458581
Yash Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, you can appear for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) if you are in your third year of an integrated B.Sc B.Ed. program: 

The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has revised the CTET eligibility criteria to allow candidates enrolled in Teacher Training Courses (TTC) to apply f

...more

A

Anurag Shivam

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

No, candidates are not allowed to change their preferences of CTET exam centres after the final submission of the CTET application form. However, the CBSE provides a one-time facility of CTET application correction to candidates wherein they can modify their exam city preferences.

Y

Yash Goswami

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce) graduates can apply for the *Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET)* exam, but only under certain conditions. The CTET is conducted by the *Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)* to determine the eligibility of candidates for teaching positions in central gov

...more

N

Noddy

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 3 weeks ago

The general eligibility requirements for most candidates who wish to appear for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) as teachers at the primary and upper primary levels are :-

Primary Level (Class I-V):
Educational Qualification:
Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passe

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

The syllabus for Language II (Malayalam) in CTET Paper 1 includes the following:

Understanding: Two unseen prose passages (literary, narrative, or scientific) with questions on comprehension, grammar, and verbal ability (15 questions).

Language Development Pedagogy Includes topics about language learn

...more

S

Subhash Kumar Gupta

Contributor-Level 10