In a recent update, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has clarified that CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) will not be extended to Classes 9–12 until 2027, despite persistent rumours suggesting otherwise. This announcement provides much-needed clarity as aspiring teachers await the CTET 2025 notification.
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What Is CTET and Its Current Scope
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET), administered by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), serves as a national-level eligibility exam for teachers, ensuring they meet minimum standards to teach in central government schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.
Currently, CTET comprises two papers:
Paper I: For teaching Classes 1–5
Paper II: For teaching Classes 6–8
There are no CTET papers for Classes 9–12 in the existing structure.
3. NCTE’s Official Clarification: No CTET for Classes 9–12 Until 2027
Multiple reputable sources have confirmed that CTET will remain limited to its two current levels until 2027. The NCTE explicitly stated that no directive has been issued to CBSE to expand CTET, and any such expansion will be considered only after 2027, once graduates from the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) are available.
4. Why No CTET for Secondary Level Now?
a) Role of ITEP & NEP-2020
The Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP), introduced in 2023, is a dual-degree course that prepares educators to teach across all four stages of the NEP-2020 (5+3+3+4) structure:
Foundational: Pre-primary + Classes 1–2
Preparatory: Classes 3–5
Middle: Classes 6–8
Secondary: Classes 9–12
The first ITEP cohort will graduate by 2027, ensuring a workforce that’s professionally trained for all levels. Only then will the NCTE consider extending CTET to secondary-level teachers.
b) Teacher Education Readiness
According to NCTE chairperson Pankaj Arora, media claims suggesting imminent expansion of CTET to all levels are misplaced. The system needs structural readiness, including trained educators, before such a change is implemented .
5. What CTET 2025 Will Cover
Paper I: Eligibility for teaching Classes 1–5
Paper II: Eligibility for teaching Classes 6–8
There will be no new papers added for Classes 9–12 in the 2025 exam cycle.
6. Timeline: When Might CTET for Classes 9–12 Start?
| Year | Key Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2023–24 | Launch of ITEP |
| 2025 | CTET continues for Classes 1–8 only |
| 2027 | ITEP grads available |
| Post-2027 | Potential expansion to include CTET for Classes 9–12 |
7. Implications for Aspiring Teachers
Qualified graduates for Classes 9–12 need not worry about CTET yet; eligibility continues to be governed by ordinary qualifications such as PG + B.Ed. on recruitment exams.
Preparedness for future CTET frameworks is crucial. With NEP-2020 shaping models, new requirements might surface post-2027.
CTET Paper I & II remain essential for aspiring primary and upper-primary teachers.
8. What Aspirants Should Do Now
Prepare for CTET Paper I & II—these remain relevant and upcoming.
Follow ITEP developments, as they signal long-term shifts in teacher education.
Stay updated with official NCTE and CBSE announcements for policy changes.
Plan for future requirements if considering a teaching career at the secondary level.
FAQs
Expansion is contingent on the graduation of the first ITEP-trained cohort in 2027, enabling qualified teacher readiness
Expansion will only be considered post-2027, when ITEP graduates are available
