Table of Contents
What is CTET?
CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) is a national-level exam conducted by CBSE under the guidance of NCTE.
It is the minimum eligibility test for candidates aspiring to become teachers in central schools (KVS, NVS) and other schools accepting CTET.
Currently, CTET certifies teachers for primary and upper primary levels only.
NCTE’s 2025 Announcement
NCTE Chairperson Pankaj Arora clarified in August 2025 that:
No directives have been issued to CBSE regarding CTET expansion.
CTET will not include Classes 9–12 before 2027.
Media reports about a “four-level CTET” in 2025 or 2026 are incorrect.
Direct Quote (as per media reports):
“CTET will remain limited to Class 1–8 until 2027. The proposal for Classes 9–12 can only be taken up after NEP-aligned teacher training programmes mature.”
Why No CTET for Classes 9–12 Before 2027?
The main reasons:
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 Alignment – CTET must match the 5+3+3+4 school structureintroduced in NEP.
Teacher Education Reform – The Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) started in 2023. The first batch will graduate in 2027.
No Trained Secondary-Stage Teachers Yet – Until 2027, there won’t be NEP-ready teachers for Classes 9–12.
Smooth Transition – Authorities want to avoid confusion during the ongoing teacher recruitment process.
Current CTET Structure (2025)
| CTET Paper | Classes Covered | Subjects Tested | Duration | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Classes 1–5 | Child Development, Language I, Language II, Math, EVS | 150 mins | Online |
| Paper II | Classes 6–8 | Child Development, Language I, Language II, Math/Science/Social Science | 150 mins | Online |
👉 Note: No Paper III or Paper IV exists as of 2025.
Future CTET Plans After 2027
Once the ITEP graduates pass out in 2027, NCTE may consider restructuring CTET as a four-level exam:
Level 1 → Foundational (Pre-school & Classes 1–2)
Level 2 → Preparatory (Classes 3–5)
Level 3 → Middle (Classes 6–8)
Level 4 → Secondary (Classes 9–12)
However, this will depend on policy review and stakeholder consultation post-2027.
Impact on Teaching Aspirants
If targeting Classes 1–8: Continue with CTET (Paper I & II).
If aiming for Classes 9–12 teaching jobs:
Pursue Postgraduate degree in the subject + B.Ed.
Qualify state-level TETs or recruitment exams.
CTET is not required for now.
Post-2027: Be ready for possible CTET expansion.
Key Takeaways
No CTET for Classes 9–12 before 2027.
CTET remains limited to Papers I & II for now.
NCTE waiting for ITEP graduates (2027 batch) before reforming CTET.
Teaching aspirants for Classes 9–12 should focus on PG + B.Ed. + state exams.
FAQ
Not before 2027. Till then, only PG + B.Ed. + state-level exams are required.
To align with NEP 2020 and wait for the first batch of ITEP-trained teachers in 2027.
Two levels:
Paper I (Classes 1–5)
Paper II (Classes 6–8)
Yes, B.Ed. candidates can apply for Paper II (Classes 6–8).