What is CTET and its Eligibility? What is CTET's Salary?

What is CTET? Explain about Eligibility Criteria & Salary After Qualifying

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level exam conducted by CBSE twice yearly (July/Dec cycles). The purpose for this test is to determine eligibility for teaching Classes 1–5 (Paper 1) or Classes 6–8 (Paper 2) in central government schools like KVS/NVS and many state/private institutions.

CTET Eligibility (Overview)

This test requires:

• Indian nationality

• Minimum age: 18 years (no upper limit)

• Specific academic qualifications

Paper-wise requirement:

• Paper 1: 12th (50%) + D.El.Ed/BTC/JBT

• Paper 2: Graduation (50%) + B.Ed

Appearing/final-year students qualify provisionally.

After qualifying CTET (60% for general and 55% for reserved), candidates receive a lifetime certificate unlocking jobs with salaries ranging from ₹35,000–₹50,000 monthly (PRT/TGT/PGT in KVS).

Understanding CTET: Purpose & Structure

CTET, mandated by NCTE, certifies teacher competency via:

• 150 MCQs

• 150 marks

• 2.5 hours per paper

• No negative marking

Syllabus Structure

• Paper 1: Child Development, Language, Maths, EVS

• Paper 2: Child Development + subject-specific (Maths/Science/Social Studies)

CTET nic in 2025 hosts dates.
CTET 2025 application form date for Feb 2026 was Nov 27–Dec 18, 2025.

Lifetime validity allows reattempts for score improvement and is mandatory for KVS recruitment.

CTET Eligibility Criteria: Detailed Breakdown

CTET eligibility per NCTE (unchanged 2026):

General Conditions

• Nationality: Indian or equivalents (Nepal/Bhutan/Tibetan refugees)

• Age: 18+ (no maximum; same for females)

• Attempts: Unlimited

Paper 1 (Classes 1–5)

• 12th with (50%) + 2-year D.El.Ed/D.Ed/BTC/JBT/ETT (or Special Ed.)

• 12th with (50%) + 4-year B.El.Ed/B.A./B.Sc.B.Ed

• Graduation + 2-year Diploma Elementary Ed.

• NIOS D.El.Ed (18-month in-service) valid per 2017 order

• Appearing/final-year eligible (NCTE FAQ confirms 1st/2nd year too) youtube

Paper 2 (Classes 6–8)

• Graduation with (50%) + B.Ed (1-year; IGNOU/regular/Special Ed. valid)

• Graduation with (45%) + B.Ed (NCTE norms)

• 12th with (50%) + 4-year B.A./B.Sc.Ed/B.A.Ed

• ITEP (integrated B.A./B.Sc.B.Ed) valid

• D.El.Ed holders are also eligible (vice versa not for Paper 1)

Eligibility Comparison Table

NTT/Montessori/P.Ed are ineligible for Paper 1; verify NCTE/RCI recognition.

Application Process: CTET 2025 Form Dates

Visit ctet.nic.in for CTET 2025 application form date

• Feb cycle: Nov 27–Dec 18, 2025

• Fee: ₹1,000 per paper

Steps:

1. Register

2. Upload documents (photo/signature)

3. Select center

4. Pay fee

EWS/SC/ST/females exempt.
Appearing students fill confidently—FAQ clarifies eligibility.

Salary After Clearing CTET: Job Opportunities & Pay Scales

CTET salary isn't direct—clearing qualifies for recruitment.

Central Government Schools (KVS/NVS)

• PRT:

  • Pay Level 6 (₹35,400 basic)

  • Gross: ₹35,000–₹37,000 (DA 50%+, HRA, TA)

• TGT:

  • Level 7 (₹44,900)

  • ₹44,000–₹48,000

• PGT:

  • Level 8 (₹47,600)

  • ₹48,000–₹55,000+

Additional Benefits

• NPS pension

• Medical facilities

• Housing

• Promotions (Vice Principal: ₹60,000+)

DSSSB/state jobs: ₹30,000–₹45,000
Private schools: ₹25,000–₹40,000

A high CTET score prioritizes merit.

Salary Table (7th CPC)