CTET eligibility depends on the paper: for Paper I (classes 1 to 5) you need senior secondary marks plus an elementary teacher training qualification such as D.El.Ed or B.El.Ed, while for Paper II (classes 6 to 8) you generally need graduation with a B.Ed or a D.El.Ed, or an integrated four-year course. There is no upper age limit and no cap on attempts.
If you came here asking about CTET full form eligibility, the name itself answers half of it: Central Teacher Eligibility Test. Below, each qualification route is listed with its minimum marks, followed by the B.Ed question that confuses many applicants.
Exam at a glance
Full form
Central Teacher Eligibility TestConducted by
CBSEPaper I base qualification
Class 12 with a D.El.Ed, a B.El.Ed or a special education diplomaPaper II base qualification
Graduation with a B.Ed or D.El.Ed, or 12th with an integrated courseFinal-year students
Can apply in most routesUpper age limit
NoneAttempts
No limitBulletin
CTET eligibility for Paper I (classes 1 to 5)
You must meet one of these combinations. "Appearing" means you are in the final year of the course when you apply.
| Route | Academic qualification | Teacher training |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Senior secondary with at least 50% | Passed or appearing in final year of 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (any name) |
| 2 | Senior secondary with at least 45% | Passed or appearing in final year of 2-year D.El.Ed under the NCTE Regulations, 2002 |
| 3 | Senior secondary with at least 50% | Passed or appearing in final year of 4-year B.El.Ed |
| 4 | Senior secondary with at least 50% | Passed or appearing in final year of 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education) |
| 5 | Graduation | Passed or appearing in final year of 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education |
Diplomas with names like JBT or BTC count under the elementary education diploma as long as they are recognised.
Can a B.Ed holder sit Paper I
Following the Supreme Court judgment that held B.Ed graduates ineligible for primary teacher posts, recent CTET bulletins no longer list graduation plus B.Ed as a route for Paper I. NCTE has also publicly denied social media claims that B.Ed eligibility for the primary level had been restored. If you hold only a B.Ed, plan for Paper II.
Qualification for Paper II (classes 6 to 8)
| Route | Academic qualification | Teacher training |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Graduation | Passed or in the last year of a 2-year elementary education diploma |
| 2 | Graduation with at least 50% | Passed or appearing in B.Ed |
| 3 | Graduation with at least 45% | Passed or appearing in 1-year B.Ed under NCTE regulations of the time |
| 4 | Senior secondary with at least 50% | Passed or appearing in final year of 4-year B.El.Ed |
| 5 | Senior secondary with at least 50% | Passed or appearing in final year of 4-year B.A./B.Sc.Ed or B.A.Ed/B.Sc.Ed |
| 6 | Graduation with at least 50% | Passed or appearing in B.Ed (Special Education) |
If you want to teach maths and science, your Paper II will include the 60-question maths and science section; for social studies teachers it is the social studies section. Pick the section matching the subject you hope to teach, as explained on the CTET Paper 2 syllabus page.
Relaxation in qualifying marks
The percentages above apply to the general category. Under NCTE norms, candidates from SC, ST and OBC groups, and those with disabilities, get a relaxation of up to 5% in the minimum marks of the academic qualification. So a route that asks for 50% in graduation would need 45% from an eligible reserved category candidate.
| Category | Route needing 50% |
|---|---|
| General | 50% |
| SC, ST, OBC, differently abled | As low as 45% (relaxation of up to 5%) |
How the relaxation applies to routes that already ask for 45% is set by NCTE norms and the employer, so confirm it in the bulletin.
This relaxation is about your degree marks. For the separate concession on the CTET score itself, see the CTET cut off page.
Age, nationality and attempts
- Age: the bulletin sets no upper age limit. Sources disagree on whether any minimum age applies, so check the current bulletin if you are very young.
- Nationality: the test is meant for Indian candidates seeking teacher posts in India. If you are not an Indian citizen, read the bulletin and the rules of the school you will apply to.
- Attempts: unlimited. You can also sit again after qualifying to improve your score.
- Validity: the certificate is valid for life.
Documents to keep ready
- Class 10 marksheet or certificate as proof of age, plus the class 12 marksheet
- Graduation marksheets, if your route needs them
- Marksheets of your teacher training course, or a bonafide certificate if you are in the final year
- Category certificate for SC, ST or OBC, and a disability certificate where relevant
- A recent photograph and signature scanned to the size the bulletin asks for
CBSE does not verify documents at the exam stage. The school or recruiting body checks them when you apply for a job, so your details in the form must match your certificates exactly.
What to do after confirming you are eligible
Pick your paper, then turn to the CTET syllabus to plan your study. Solving past sets from our CTET previous papers guide early helps you judge which sections need the most time. Other state tests with similar rules are listed on the teaching exams hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is the eligibility for CTET exam for a B.Ed student?
A B.Ed student or graduate can sit Paper II if graduation marks meet the 50% route, or 45% under the NCTE-based route. Final-year B.Ed students may also apply. Paper I does not currently accept B.Ed.
Can D.El.Ed students apply for CTET?
Yes. Students in their last year of a 2-year D.El.Ed can apply for Paper I, and for Paper II if they are also graduates.
Is there an age limit for CTET?
There is no upper age limit. Check the bulletin for any minimum age condition in your session.
What is the CTET qualification eligibility after 12th only?
A plain class 12 pass does not qualify you on its own. You also need a teacher training course such as D.El.Ed (two years) or B.El.Ed (four years), or must be in its final year.
How many times can I take CTET?
There is no limit, and you may reappear to raise your score.
Can I write both papers?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility of CTET exam for each paper separately. Many graduates with D.El.Ed take both.