The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level exam conducted by the CBSE to certify candidates for teaching positions in Classes I to VIII in primary or upper primary schools under the Central Government, Kendriya Vidyalayas, or Navodaya Vidyalayas and other institutions. To apply for CTET, candidates must meet the minimum eligibility criteria set by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).
In this article, we will cover:
- Minimum qualifications for CTET Paper 1 (Primary Stage: Classes I–V)
- Minimum qualifications for CTET Paper 2 (Upper Primary Stage: Classes VI–VIII)
- Clarify key points from the official notifications of NCTE and CTET, and help you confirm whether you’re ready to apply.
Table of Contents
Who Can Appear for CTET?
The CTET notification clearly states that candidates must meet the minimum qualifications as notified by the NCTE. These qualifications are detailed in two primary frameworks:
1. NCTE Regulations
Specifically, the National Council for Teacher Education (Determination of Minimum Qualifications for Persons to be recruited as Education Teachers and Physical Education Teachers in Pre-Primary, Primary, Upper Primary, Secondary, Senior Secondary or Intermediate Schools or Colleges) Regulations, as amended up to October 2021.
Explanation: The NCTE sets the lowest acceptable standards for academic and professional credentials required to become a teacher in India. These rules apply to:
- Regular teachers (for subjects like Math, Science, etc.).
- Physical Education (PE) teachers (for sports/gym classes).
Covers all levels of schooling:
- Pre-primary (Nursery/KG)
- Primary (Classes I–V)
- Upper Primary (VI–VIII)
- Secondary (IX–X)
- Senior Secondary/Intermediate (XI–XII)
2. Recruitment Rules of KVS/NVS/State Government Schools
The minimum qualifications outlined by the appropriate government where the school is located, or specific rules for teachers in Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) or Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS).
Minimum Educational Qualifications for CTET
The CTET eligibility focuses on two levels of teaching: Primary Stage (Classes I to V) and Upper Primary Stage (Classes VI to VIII). Below are the latest minimum qualifications based on NCTE notifications up to October 13, 2021. These apply to candidates aiming to appear for Paper-I (Classes I-V) or Paper-II (Classes VI-VIII) of the CTET.
A. Primary Stage (Classes I to V) – Paper I
To be eligible to teach Classes I to V, you need one of the following qualifications:
- Senior Secondary (Class XII or equivalent) with at least 50% marks + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.).
- Senior Secondary (Class XII or equivalent) with at least 45% marks + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.) (as per NCTE Regulations, 2002, for candidates who completed Class XII before the 2002 cutoff).
- Senior Secondary (Class XII or equivalent) with at least 50% marks + 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.).
- Graduation (any discipline) + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.).
- Graduation with at least 50% marks + Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.). [1-year B.Ed. or 2-year B.Ed.]
- Note: If you hold a B.Ed., you must complete a 6-month Bridge Course in Elementary Education recognized by NCTE within 2 years of appointment as a primary teacher.
- Post-Graduation with at least 55% marks or equivalent grade + 3-year integrated B.Ed.-M.Ed..
- Note: B.Ed.-M.Ed. holders must also complete a 6-month Bridge Course in Elementary Education within 2 years of appointment.
For Special Education Teachers:
- Senior Secondary (Class XII or equivalent) with at least 50% marks + 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education).
- Graduation with at least 50% marks + 1-year B.Ed. (Special Education) (or 2-year equivalent).
- Post-Graduation with at least 55% marks + 3-year integrated B.Ed.-M.Ed. (with the same bridge course requirement).
| What is Special Education? Special Education refers to tailored teaching methods and support for students with disabilities or special needs, such as: Learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia) Physical disabilities (visual/hearing impairment, cerebral palsy) Developmental disorders (autism, ADHD) Intellectual disabilities (Down syndrome) |
B. Upper Primary Stage (Classes VI to VIII) – Paper II
To teach Classes VI to VIII, you need one of these qualifications:
- Graduation + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.).
- Graduation with at least 50% marks + 1-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.). [Or 2-year B.Ed.]
The NCTE notification specifies a 1-year B.Ed. for Classes VI to VIII, reflecting an older structure of the B.Ed. program. However, the 2-year B.Ed. has been the standard program in India since 2014 (per NCTE norms), replacing the 1-year version.
A candidate is eligible to appear for CTET Paper-II with a graduate degree (50% marks, or 45% with relaxation) and a 2-year B.Ed. from an NCTE-recognized institution. The 2-year B.Ed. is accepted as equivalent or superior to the 1-year B.Ed. specified in the notification.
3. Graduation with at least 45% marks + 1-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) (per NCTE Regulations, 2002).
4. Senior Secondary (Class XII or equivalent) with at least 50% marks + 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.).
5. Senior Secondary (Class XII or equivalent) with at least 50% marks + 4-year B.A./B.Sc.Ed. or B.A.Ed./B.Sc.Ed..
6. Graduation with at least 50% marks + 1-year B.Ed. (Special Education).
Relaxation for Reserved Categories
The NCTE provides a relaxation of up to 5% in the minimum qualifying marks in the educational qualifications for candidates from reserved categories, including:
- Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Other Backward Classes (OBC)
- Differently-abled (PwD)
For example:
- If the requirement is 50% marks in Senior Secondary or Graduation, it becomes 45% for reserved category candidates.
- If it’s 55% marks in Post-Graduation (for B.Ed.-M.Ed.), it reduces to 50%.
Important Notes
- CTET clearance does not guarantee a teaching job. Schools (KVS/NVS/state) will verify qualifications as per their Recruitment Rules.
- No Age Limit:
- There is no upper age limit to appear for CTET.
- Self-Responsibility:
- The CTET notification emphasizes that candidates are personally responsible for ensuring their eligibility before applying. Double-check your qualifications against the NCTE guidelines on their official website.
- CTET Does Not Verify Eligibility:
- Appearing for the CTET or even passing it doesn’t mean your eligibility has been confirmed. The final verification happens during recruitment by the concerned agency (e.g., KVS, NVS, or state government).
Download NCTE Gazette Notifications on Teacher Qualifications
Here are the official NCTE notifications that define the minimum qualifications for teachers in India. These documents are essential for CTET/TET eligibility, recruitment rules, and career planning.
List of NCTE Notifications (2010–2021)
| Notification | Key Changes | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| Gazette Notification (23 Aug 2010) | Base qualifications for teachers (Classes I–VIII) | Download PDF |
| Gazette Notification (29 Jul 2011) | Added Graduation + B.Ed. for Primary Teachers | Download PDF |
| Gazette Notification (12 Nov 2014) | Introduced 2014 Regulations (Pre-Primary to Senior Secondary) | Download PDF |
| Amended Notification (28 Jun 2018) | Mandatory 6-month Bridge Course for B.Ed. teachers (Classes I–V) | Download PDF |
| Amended Notification (13 Nov 2019) | Allowed 50% in either Graduation or PG + B.Ed. | Download PDF |
| Amended Notification No. 459 (13 Oct 2021) | Recognized 3-year B.Ed.-M.Ed. for Secondary/Senior Secondary | Download PDF |
| Amended Notification No. 462 (13 Oct 2021) | Extended B.Ed.-M.Ed. to Primary/Upper Primary | Download PDF |
Frequently Asked Questions on CTET Eligibility
What are the eligibility criteria for CTET Paper-I (Classes I to V)?
To appear for CTET Paper-I, you need one of these qualifications:
Senior Secondary (Class XII or equivalent) with 50% marks + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.).
Senior Secondary with 50% marks + 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.).
Senior Secondary with 50% marks + 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education).
Graduation + 2-year D.El.Ed..
Graduation with 50% marks + Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) (requires a 6-month Bridge Course within 2 years if appointed).
Post-Graduation with 55% marks + 3-year integrated B.Ed.-M.Ed. (same Bridge Course requirement).
Relaxation: Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled) get a 5% relaxation in marks (e.g., 45% instead of 50%).What are the eligibility criteria for CTET Paper-II (Classes VI to VIII)?
For CTET Paper-II, you need:
Graduation + 2-year D.El.Ed..
Graduation with 50% marks + 1-year or 2-year B.Ed..
Graduation with 45% marks + 1-year or 2-year B.Ed. (per NCTE Regulations, 2002).
Senior Secondary with 50% marks + 4-year B.El.Ed. or 4-year B.A./B.Sc.Ed. or B.A.Ed./B.Sc.Ed..
Graduation with 50% marks + 1-year or 2-year B.Ed. (Special Education).
Relaxation: 5% relaxation in marks for reserved categories.Can I apply for both CTET Paper-I and Paper-II?
Yes, you can apply for both papers if you meet the eligibility criteria for each. For example, if you have a Graduation with 50% marks and a 2-year B.Ed., you’re eligible for both Paper-I (Classes I to V) and Paper-II (Classes VI to VIII). Just ensure you select both options in the application form and prepare for both exams.
I have a 2-year B.Ed. and a graduate degree. Am I eligible for CTET?
Yes, you’re eligible:
Paper-I: If you have 50% marks in graduation (or 45% with relaxation), you qualify, but you’ll need a 6-month Bridge Course if appointed to teach Classes I to V.
Paper-II: If you have 50% marks (or 45% with relaxation), you’re eligible, and no Bridge Course is required.
The 2-year B.Ed. is accepted, as it’s the standard since 2014, replacing the older 1-year B.Ed. mentioned in some criteria.What are the requirements for Special Education Teachers in CTET?
Paper-I (Classes I to V): Graduation with 50% marks (or 45% with relaxation) + 1-year or 2-year B.Ed. (Special Education).
Post-Graduation with 55% marks (or 50% with relaxation) + 3-year integrated B.Ed.-M.Ed. (requires a 6-month Bridge Course if appointed).
Paper-II (Classes VI to VIII): Graduation with 50% marks (or 45% with relaxation) + 1-year or 2-year B.Ed. (Special Education).
The B.Ed.-M.Ed. isn’t listed for Paper-II special education roles.What is the 6-month Bridge Course, and do I need it to take CTET?
The 6-month Bridge Course in Elementary Education is a training program for candidates with a B.Ed. or 3-year B.Ed.-M.Ed. appointed to teach Classes I to V. It ensures they’re equipped for primary-level teaching.
Do you need it for CTET? No, it’s a post-appointment requirement, not a condition to appear for CTET. You need it only if you get a teaching job in Classes I to V and hold these qualifications.
Note: A specific Bridge Course was introduced (April 7, 2025) for in-service B.Ed. teachers appointed before August 11, 2023, but it doesn’t apply to new CTET candidates.Is there an age limit for CTET?
No, there’s no upper age limit for CTET. Candidates of any age can apply as long as they meet the educational qualifications.
Can I apply if I’m still pursuing my B.Ed. or D.El.Ed.?
Yes, candidates in the final year of their qualifying program (e.g., B.Ed., D.El.Ed., B.El.Ed.) can apply for CTET, provided they complete the course before the result declaration or appointment. Check the CTET Information Bulletin for exact terms.
How do I verify my eligibility before applying?
Check Qualifications: Match your degrees against the NCTE criteria listed above.
Visit Official Sites: Review the latest CTET Information Bulletin at ctet.nic.in and NCTE guidelines at ncte.gov.in.
Contact Support: Email CBSE at [email protected] for specific doubts.
Note: You’re responsible for ensuring eligibility. Applying incorrectly could lead to disqualification later.How many times can I attempt CTET?
Unlimited attempts (no restriction).
How long is the CTET certificate valid?
Lifetime validity (as per NCTE’s latest rule).
Can I teach in private schools without CTET?
Depends on the school (some require it, others don’t).
Conclusion
CTET eligibility is strictly based on NCTE’s teacher qualification norms, which have been updated over the years (latest in 2021).
Before applying for CTET 2025, carefully check whether you meet the educational qualification requirements. Keep in mind that eligibility verification is done during recruitment, not during the exam application. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, always refer to the official websites of CTET and NCTE.
Need help? Drop your questions in the comments!
Stay Updated: Follow us for the latest CTET exam dates, syllabus, and preparation tips!