Exam On - 8 Feb '26
The CTET 21st edition exam will be conducted on February 8. Several candidates may have started their preparation. It is a common question among candidates whether a CBSE CTET exam can be cleared without a coaching institute. This question strikes most of the candidates in their preparation journey. Scroll down to know more about it.
How to clear CTET without coaching?
CTET 2026: The CTET 2026 application process is ongoing. The notification was released on November 27. The last date to apply is December 18. The 21st edition exam will be conducted on February 8. It is a time for preparation, to make a strategy and work accordingly. Every year thousands of candidates clear the CBSE CTET exam. A common question that strikes most candidates is can a CTET exam be cleared without a coaching institute. Can we prepare CTET properly without the help of institutes. Is it possible? Scroll down to know about the answer. First, check about the exam overview or highlight.
- CTET 2026 Exam Overview
- Can a CTET be cleared without Coaching?
- CTET Books 2026 for Preparation
CTET 2026 Exam Overview
Candidates must be well-versed in the overview of the CTET exam including the CTET syllabus 2026. Have a look at the overview of the CTET exam pattern and syllabus below:
| Particulars |
CTET Paper 1 Highlights |
CTET Paper 2 Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Exam mode |
Offline |
|
| Number of subjects/sections |
5 |
4 |
| Names of subjects |
Child Development and Pedagogy Language-I Language-II Mathematics Environmental Studies |
Child Development and Pedagogy Language-I Language-II Mathematics and Science or Social Studies/Social Science |
| Duration of exam |
2 hours 30 minutes |
|
| Total questions |
150 |
|
| Type of questions |
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs); 4 options with only 1 correct option |
|
| Total marks |
150 |
|
| Marking scheme |
+1 for a correct answer, 0 for incorrect answer |
|
| Language of CTET question paper |
English and Hindi (candidates can write the paper in either of the languages) |
|
Can a CTET be cleared without Coaching?
Yes. It is possible to clear the CTET exam without the help of coaching. There are several candidates who cleared the exam by doing self-study. But what is important is to follow a proper study pattern, strategy and consistent practice. Or we can say that studying in a disciplined form matters. Candidates can check below some of the methods to achieve a good score in the upcoming CTET exam.
The CTET qualifying marks are different for different categories. General category candidates need to obtain a minimum of 60 per cent or above marks in the CTET 2025 exam in order to be considered as a CTET pass. The CTET passing marks for OBC/SC/ST category candidates are 55 per cent. Candidates scoring more than or equal to the qualifying marks are considered CTET qualified. Only those candidates are awarded the CTET Certificate those who secure the minimum qualifying marks. However, a higher CTET score is advantageous in the further teacher recruitment process.
1. Understand the CTET Exam, Pattern and Syllabus
First and foremost is to understand the CBSE CTET exam. It consists of two papers Paper I for Primary Level, which is for those who want to teach students from Classes 1 to 5 and Paper II for upper primary level for those who want to teach from Classes 6 to 8. To understand the CTET exam pattern 2026 and syllabus of any competitive exam is very important. It gives an idea about the number of questions that can be asked in the examination. It also helps to make a self-study plan. This makes the preparation in a structured way, systematic and simple.
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2. Choose the right books and study material
Choosing the right books is really important in the preparation. As studying from the right books for both Paper 1 and 2 makes a difference in the preparation style. Candidates should pick the CTET books which are aligned with the NCERT syllabus, cover all fundamentals, consist of the exam-oriented topics and of course are easy to understand. Make short notes if possible and give mock tests on a regular basis.
3. Make a proper strategy or plan.
It is also important to make a proper study plan and stick to it. Disciplines study is crucial. Candidates can also set daily and weekly targets and try to follow them. It is also recommended that complete those subjects first when you find difficulty and then move to the easier ones. For systematic preparation, dedicate separate time for mock test, learning work and for MCQs. Do frequent revision to retain information as much as possible.
The CTET exam process contains the stages shared below-
- Release of notification
- Submission of application form
- CTET admit card
- Conduct of the exam in offline mode
- Provisional answer key
- Declaration of result
- Final answer key
- CTET certificate for qualified candidates
No, coaching is not necessary for the CTET exam. Candidates can prepare well through self studies. One needs to cover the syllabus, solve previous year question papers and mock tests to clear the exam.
The CTET exam is generally easy to moderate in terms of difficulty level. The difficulty level depends on the nature of the questions asked in the exam.
4. Take regular Mock Test and Solve Previous Year Papers
CTET Previous Year Papers will help to know the type of questions asked in the exam and Mock test will help candidates to know about their performance and level of preparation. It is also recommended to attempt at least one full-length CTET mock test 2026 every week. Mark the portions or topics in which improvement is required. Work on it and plan preparation accordingly.
5. Revise all theories and concepts for the last time before the exam.
Candidates after completing the syllabus must schedule their time for revision. Try to revise important theories, memorize the formulas, also try to grasp the fundamental ideas of questions.
6. Stay Positive and Organised.
CTET Books 2026 for Preparation
Candidates can check below the CTET books for both paper 1 and 2.
CTET Books for Paper 1
Candidates apart from NCERTs candidates can also refer to the list of best CTET books given below for all subjects of Paper 1.
| CTET Book Name |
Publisher |
|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy for CTET & TETs (Paper I & II) |
Arihant Publication |
| Success Master CTET Paper I (Class I-V) |
Arihant Publication |
| CTET & TETs Bhasha Hindi Paper I & II |
Arihant Publication |
| CTET and TETs English Language and Pedagogy (Paper I & II) |
Arihant Publication |
| A Complete Resource for CTET (Language I): English and Pedagogy |
Geeta Sahni (Author), Pearson Publication |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations, Edition 7 |
R S Aggarwal |
| Mathematics Exam Goalpost for CTET & TETs |
Wiley Publication |
| Environmental Studies (EVS) Exam Goalpost for CTET & TETs, Class I-V |
Wiley Publication |
CTET Books for Paper 2
Candidates apart from Classes 6 to 8 NCERT books can also refer to the list of best CTET books given below for all subjects of Paper 2.
| CTET Book Name |
Publisher |
|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy for CTET & TETs (Paper I & II) |
Arihant Publication |
| Study Guide for CTET Paper 2 (Class 6 - 8 Teachers) Social Studies/ Social Science with Past Questions 4th Edition |
Disha Publication |
| CTET & TETs Bhasha Hindi Paper I & II |
Arihant Publication |
| CTET and TETs English Language and Pedagogy (Paper I & II) |
Arihant Publication |
| Success Master CTET (Social Science /Studies) Paper 2 for Class VI-VIII |
Arihant Publication |
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Education: Mass Com & Journalism, MSC Mathematics
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Shikha Goyal is a double post graduate with more than 12 years of experience in education domain, journal
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month ago
Hi.
How to Choose Exam Centre Area in the CTET Form
Select Exam Centre City Preferences
In the application form, you'll find a section “Choice of Examination Centres” where you can select multiple preferred exam cities (usually up to 4 choices) in order of preference.
These must be different cities
h
Scholar-Level 17
Answered a month ago
Yes, the degree from Indira Gandhi National Open University is valid for CTET and other government jobs also. Candidates can get admission after clearing the IGNOU BEd Entrance Test.
A
Contributor-Level 10
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