The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level examination conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in India. This exam is mandatory for candidates aspiring to become teachers for Classes I to VIII in government and private schools across the country. The CTET December 2024 is a crucial opportunity for teaching aspirants to obtain certification for both Primary and Junior teaching positions. In this article, we will cover the eligibility, exam structure, application process, and important dates.
What is CTET?
The CTET, conducted twice a year by CBSE, certifies candidates’ eligibility for teaching positions. It is divided into two papers:
- Paper I: For candidates applying to teach Classes I to V (Primary Level).
- Paper II: For candidates interested in teaching Classes VI to VIII (Junior Level).
Candidates can also appear for both papers if they wish to teach students across these levels. The CTET certification is valid for a lifetime, allowing candidates to apply for teaching positions in both government and private schools.
CTET December 2024: Important Dates
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Release of Notification | November 2024 |
| Online Application Start Date | November 2024 |
| Last Date to Apply | December 2024 |
| Correction Window | December 2024 |
| Admit Card Release | January 2025 |
| CTET December 2024 Exam Date | February 2025 |
| Result Declaration | March 2025 |
Eligibility Criteria for CTET December 2024
Candidates must meet specific educational requirements to be eligible for the CTET exam. The eligibility criteria vary for Paper I and Paper II, depending on the level of teaching they wish to pursue.
Eligibility for Paper I (Primary Level – Classes I to V)
Candidates must fulfill one of the following conditions:
- Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
- Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 45% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education, as per NCTE regulations.
- Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed).
- Graduation with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.).
Eligibility for Paper II (Junior Level – Classes VI to VIII)
Candidates must fulfill one of the following conditions:
- Graduation and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
- Graduation with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a Bachelor in Education (B.Ed.).
- Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 4-year Bachelor in Elementary Education (B.El.Ed).
- Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 4-year B.A./B.Sc.Ed. or B.A.Ed./B.Sc.Ed.
CTET December 2024 Exam Pattern
The CTET exam is conducted in two papers—Paper I for Primary Level and Paper II for Junior Level. Each paper consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with no negative marking for incorrect answers. Each question carries one mark.
Paper I Exam Pattern (Classes I to V)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Paper II Exam Pattern (Classes VI to VIII)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics and Science | 60 | 60 |
| OR Social Studies/Social Science | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Candidates opting to teach Science or Mathematics will have to answer the specific subject’s section in Paper II. Those wishing to teach Social Studies will attempt the Social Studies section.
Application Process for CTET December 2024
The application process for the CTET December 2024 exam is straightforward and is done online. Candidates must follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Registration
- Visit the official CTET website: https://ctet.nic.in.
- Click on “Apply for CTET December 2024.”
- Complete the registration by providing your personal details such as name, email address, mobile number, and date of birth.
Step 2: Fill the Application Form
- After registration, log in using your registration number and password.
- Fill in the application form with your educational details, category, and preferred exam center.
- Choose the paper(s) you wish to appear for—either Paper I, Paper II, or both.
Step 3: Upload Documents
- Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-sized photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
- Photograph: Should be between 10kb and 100kb in size.
- Signature: Should be between 3kb and 30kb in size.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
The application fee can be paid online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking. The fee structure is as follows:
| Category | Paper I or Paper II | Both Papers |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹1000 | ₹1200 |
| SC/ST/Differently Abled | ₹500 | ₹600 |
Step 5: Submit the Application
- After payment, review the details and submit the application.
- Take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
CTET December 2024 Admit Card
The admit card for the CTET December 2024 exam will be available on the official website approximately two weeks before the exam date. Candidates should download and print their admit card as it is mandatory to carry it to the exam center.
CTET December 2024 Exam Centers
The CTET exam is conducted in numerous cities across India. While filling the application form, candidates can select their preferred exam center. The final allotment of the exam center will be mentioned in the admit card.
CTET December 2024 Result and Certification
The results for CTET December 2024 are expected to be announced in March 2025. Candidates who score 60% or above will qualify for the exam. The CTET certificate is valid for a lifetime and is accepted by various central and state government schools, as well as private schools across India.
Preparation Tips for CTET December 2024
- Understand the Syllabus: Make sure you are thoroughly familiar with the syllabus for both Paper I and Paper II. Focus on the subjects you are weakest in, but don’t neglect your strengths.
- Use NCERT Books: Since the CTET syllabus is aligned with the NCERT curriculum, studying from NCERT textbooks is highly beneficial.
- Practice Previous Year Question Papers: Solving past years’ question papers helps in understanding the type of questions asked, the exam pattern, and managing time during the exam.
- Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to evaluate your preparation level. This will help you in identifying areas that need improvement.
- Revision: Regular revision is essential to retain the concepts. Make a study plan and stick to it for thorough preparation.
Conclusion
The CTET December 2024 exam is a great opportunity for individuals aspiring to enter the teaching profession. By clearing this exam, candidates open the doors to teaching positions in government and private schools across India. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, apply on time, and prepare diligently to achieve success in the CTET December 2024.