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TET / CTET

1. What is TET/CTET?

  • TET (Teacher Eligibility Test): A state-level exam conducted by different states for recruiting primary (Class 1-5) and upper primary (Class 6-8) teachers in state government schools.
  • CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test): A national-level exam conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for recruitment in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and other central government schools.

Both exams ensure the recruitment of qualified teachers who meet the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) standards.

2. Purpose of TET and CTET

  • Mandatory Qualification: TET/CTET is mandatory for those aspiring to become teachers in government schools or schools affiliated with the state or central government.
  • Improving Standards of Teaching: The exam aims to ensure that teachers have the necessary skills, qualifications, and teaching aptitude to educate students.
  • Job Eligibility: A candidate qualifying TET or CTET can apply for teaching jobs in respective state or central schools.

3. Difference Between TET and CTET

  • CTET is conducted at the national level by CBSE for central schools like Kendriya Vidyalaya and Navodaya Vidyalaya, as well as private schools affiliated with CBSE.
  • TET is conducted by state governments for recruiting teachers in state government schools, as well as schools under the state education boards.

For example:

  • UTET: Uttarakhand TET.
  • UPTET: Uttar Pradesh TET.
  • MPTET: Madhya Pradesh TET.

Each state has its own TET exam and eligibility rules, but the basic structure is similar to CTET.

4. Eligibility Criteria

(a) Educational Qualification:

The eligibility criteria are divided into two categories based on the level of teaching: Primary Level (Class 1-5) and Upper Primary Level (Class 6-8).

(i) For Primary Level (Class 1-5):

  • Candidates should have passed Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in:
    • Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.) (2 years).
    • Or Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.) (4 years).
    • Or Diploma in Education (Special Education).

(ii) For Upper Primary Level (Class 6-8):

  • Candidates should have a graduation with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in:
    • Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.).
    • Or Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.).
    • Or Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) (Special Education).

(iii) Relaxation in Eligibility:

  • Relaxations in qualifications (like 45% instead of 50%) are often provided for reserved categories as per government norms.

(b) Age Limit:

  • There is usually no specific age limit for appearing in TET/CTET, though it can vary for state TET exams.

5. Exam Structure and Pattern

Both CTET and state TETs follow a similar exam pattern. The exam is conducted in two papers:

  • Paper I: For candidates applying to become teachers for Classes 1-5 (Primary Level).
  • Paper II: For candidates applying to become teachers for Classes 6-8 (Upper Primary Level).

Candidates who wish to teach both levels must appear for both papers.

(a) Paper I (Primary Level)

SectionNumber of QuestionsMarks

Child Development and Pedagogy3030

Language I (Hindi, English, etc.)3030

Language II (English, Hindi, etc.)3030

Mathematics3030

Environmental Studies3030

Total150150

  • Duration: 2.5 hours.
  • Nature of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
  • Marks per question: 1 mark each, no negative marking.

(b) Paper II (Upper Primary Level)

SectionNumber of QuestionsMarks

Child Development and Pedagogy3030

Language I (Hindi, English, etc.)3030

Language II (English, Hindi, etc.)3030

Mathematics and Science (for Maths/Science Teachers)6060

Social Studies/Social Science (for Social Studies Teachers)6060

Total150150

  • Duration: 2.5 hours.
  • Nature of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).

(c) Choice of Languages:

  • Candidates can choose two languages from a prescribed list (such as Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Urdu, etc.).
  • One must be the medium of instruction (Language I), and the other is typically a communication language (Language II).

6. Syllabus for TET/CTET

(a) Child Development and Pedagogy:

  • Understanding the nature of learning and the developmental stages of children.
  • Theories of learning and their implications.
  • Inclusive education and addressing the needs of special children.
  • Concepts related to teaching methodologies and evaluation.

(b) Language I and Language II:

  • Proficiency in the chosen languages (grammar, vocabulary, comprehension).
  • Focus on language development and communication skills.
  • Teaching methods for languages, focusing on constructive and interactive methods.

(c) Mathematics:

  • Fundamental concepts in mathematics (arithmetic, geometry, algebra).
  • Problem-solving and logical reasoning.
  • Application of pedagogical principles in teaching mathematics.

(d) Environmental Studies (for Paper I):

  • Basic concepts of science, social studies, and environmental awareness.
  • Teaching strategies and methods for making students aware of environmental issues.

(e) Mathematics and Science (for Paper II):

  • In-depth concepts of math (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, etc.).
  • Fundamental concepts of science (physics, chemistry, biology).

(f) Social Studies (for Paper II):

  • History, Geography, Civics, and Political Science.
  • Teaching strategies for integrating social issues and current affairs into lessons.

7. Qualifying Marks

  • To qualify, candidates must score a minimum of 60% in the exam.
    • For reserved categories, the minimum qualifying marks may be relaxed (around 55%).
  • Once qualified, the CTET certificate is valid for 7 years. Similarly, TET certificates are valid for a certain period as prescribed by the state.

8. Application Process

(a) CTET Application:

  • Mode: Online.
  • Fee: For General/OBC candidates: ₹1000 (Paper I or Paper II), ₹1200 (Both Papers). For SC/ST/PwD candidates: ₹500 (One Paper), ₹600 (Both Papers).

(b) TET Application:

  • Mode: Online.
  • The fee and process vary by state. Typically, it ranges from ₹500-₹1000 depending on the category and the number of papers.

9. Job Prospects After Qualifying TET/CTET

After qualifying for TET/CTET, candidates can apply for teaching positions in:

  • Central Government Schools (for CTET qualified): Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and Army Schools.
  • State Government Schools (for TET qualified): Candidates can apply to schools under the state education board.
  • Private Schools: Many private schools, especially those affiliated with CBSE, prefer CTET-qualified candidates.

Teachers are recruited as per merit, and qualifying for TET/CTET is only the first step in the recruitment process. Many states and central schools conduct additional exams or interviews for final selection.

10. Preparation Tips for TET/CTET

  • Understand the Syllabus: Go through the official syllabus