CTET Previous Year Question Paper 2025 PDF Download | Paper 1 & 2 with Solutions

The CTET exam is a cornerstone for candidates aiming to become teachers in India, particularly for classes 1–8. While the syllabus, pattern, and requirements are well-documented, one resource often underestimated is the previous year question paper.

Practising and analysing past papers can give you a significant edge in preparation helping with understanding question patterns, difficulty levels, time management, and recurring topics. In this article, we’ll look at:

What is CTET and its significance?

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and is a mandatory eligibility test for teaching posts in government and many private schools across India for classes 1 to 8. It sets a national benchmark for teacher quality and is an index of your readiness to teach.
By clearing CTET, you become eligible (though not automatically appointed) for teaching jobs in central schools (like KVS, NVS), and many state schools treat it as a prerequisite.

Given its importance, aspirants must prepare thoroughly not just with textbooks, but with actual past papers. The reason: the exam is competitive, and knowing the pattern + question style gives a strategic advantage.

Why Previous Year Question Papers Matter

Using past CTET question papers provides multiple benefits:

Familiarity with Format and Question Style
Past papers give you direct exposure to question types, sectional weights, how pedagogy questions are asked, how languages are structured, and how the paper is organised overall.
Understanding Topic Frequency & Weightage
By reviewing multiple years of papers, you can identify which topics appear repeatedly for example in Child Development & Pedagogy (CDP), which parts of Mathematics or Environmental Studies are most asked. This helps prioritise your preparation.
Time management and Exam Simulation
When you practice full past papers under exam conditions, you build stamina and speed. CTET is 150 questions in 2½ hours (for each paper) which means roughly 1 minute per question (plus buffer) + checking time. Using past papers replicates that pressure.
Identifying Weak Areas & Gaps
Attempting past papers will likely expose your weaker sections e.g., certain pedagogy topics, language comprehension, or EVS concepts. Once identified, you can focus revision there.
Trend Awareness & Changes
Past papers help you observe changes in patterns: shifts in difficulty, newly emphasised topics, changes in language use, etc. For example the 2025 pattern shows no negative marking and equal weight for sections.
Building Confidence
Solving actual previous year papers builds confidence. As you see yourself doing better on them, you feel more ready for the real exam.

Current Trends in CTET Question Papers

Let’s examine some of the observable trends in recent CTET papers (2025 onwards) and how they affect preparation.

1. Two Papers Structure (Paper 1 & Paper 2)

The CTET exam remains divided into two papers:

Paper I: for candidates aiming to teach Classes I to V.
Paper II: for candidates aiming to teach Classes VI to VIII.
This structure remains stable. What is changing are the details of syllabus emphasis and question types.

2. 150 MCQs, 150 Marks, 2½ Hours Duration

Both Paper I and Paper II consist of 150 multiple‐choice questions (one mark each) to be answered in 2 hours 30 minutes. There is no negative marking.
This means maximum score is 150 and the papers are designed for speed and accuracy rather than complex partial marks.

3. Equal Sectional Weights (Paper I) & Choice in Paper II

In Paper I (Classes I to V) the five sections (Child Development & Pedagogy [CDP], Language I, Language II, Mathematics, Environmental Studies) carry equal marks (30 each).
In Paper II (Classes VI to VIII), the last section allows choice between Mathematics & Science or Social Studies/Social Science, carrying 60 marks. The other three sections carry 30 marks each.
This trend emphasises that in Paper II, your subject choice matters and depending on your subject background, you must pick the right option.

4. No Negative Marking

One of the best aspects for aspirants is the absence of negative marking meaning every question attempted positively adds 1 mark, and unanswered or wrong answers don’t deduct marks. This has been firmly highlighted in recent pattern descriptions.
This means it pays to attempt every question (smartly) rather than leaving blanks.

5. Shift Towards Conceptual & Pedagogical Questions

Though CTET is still objective MCQs, there is a visible trend where questions in CDP, languages and even subject‐sections ask more about pedagogy, inclusive education, child differences, and application of teaching‐learning methods—not just rote content recall. Past papers show this shift.
For example: within CDP you’ll find questions on constructivist theories, inclusive education, role of teacher, etc. The shift means aspirants must focus not just on content (Mathematics, EVS, Science) but on how those are taught, how children learn them.

6. Multilingual, State‐wise Considerations

CTET is offered in multiple languages (20 languages in recent years) and both mediums (English/Hindi) are available. The language sections (Language I & II) require good command over comprehension, grammar, pedagogy of language development. The language preference and state‐level variant (if any) may affect your preparation.
Past papers therefore often include paraphrased questions in different languages—so practising in your medium is key.

7. Increasing Emphasis on EVS/Science & Environmental Awareness

In Paper I the Environmental Studies section covers a broad range: environmental problems, pedagogical issues, learning of EVS, etc. Meanwhile in Paper II, besides Mathematics & Science or Social Studies, the trend shows more questions relating to environmental issues, sustainability, inclusive schooling, etc. This aligns with national educational priorities.

8. Validity & Lifetime Certification

The CTET certificate once qualified is valid for a lifetime (in many cases) which means the stakes are high and the competition is tough. Knowing past paper patterns gives an advantage.

Understanding the CTET Exam Pattern in Detail

Here is a detailed breakdown of the pattern for both papers, which you should align your practice and previous year paper usage with.

Paper I (Classes I to V)

Section	Number of Questions	Marks	Duration
Child Development & Pedagogy (CDP)	30	30	Total 150 questions in 2½ hours
Language I (Compulsory)	30	30
Language II (Compulsory)	30	30
Mathematics	30	30
Environmental Studies (EVS)	30	30

Key Notes:

Total = 150 questions = 150 marks.
No negative marking.
Medium: English & Hindi (candidates can select language for both) typically bilingual.
Each section influences equally: missing in any one section can affect overall score.

Paper II (Classes VI to VIII)

Section	Number of Questions	Marks
Child Development & Pedagogy (CDP)	30	30
Language I (Compulsory)	30	30
Language II (Compulsory)	30	30
Mathematics & Science or Social Studies/Social Science	60	60

Key Notes:

Choose your specialization: If you’re an aspirant for Mathematics/Science teacher, you’ll select the “Mathematics & Science” section. If for Social Studies/Social Science teacher, choose the latter.
Total = 150 questions = 150 marks, time = 2½ hours.
Equal importance to CDP & languages; however, the subject‐specific section is heavier (60 marks) so being strong in it is beneficial.

Qualifying Marks & Validity

For general category, around 60% (i.e., 90 out of 150) is often used as benchmark though official cut‐offs may vary.
CTET certificate generally valid lifetime for many schools & states.
Candidates should check latest Notification for specific validity in state schools.

How to Access & Use Previous Year Question Papers

Here’s a detailed guide on how to locate, download and use CTET previous year papers effectively.

Step-by‐Step to Download

Visit the official CTET website (ctet.nic.in) when the notification is released.
Look for sections labelled “Previous Year Question Papers”, “Downloads”, or “Resources”.
Educational portals may also host past papers—ensure reliability of source.
Download PDF versions of past CTET question papers (Paper I & Paper II) for various years.
Organise the papers by year, paper type (I/II), and language (English/Hindi) so you can access them easily.
Maintain answer keys, solutions or official key (if released) alongside.

Using the Papers for Practice

Start with one full paper: Simulate exam conditions (2½ hours, no interruptions).
Time yourself: It builds stamina and helps you get a realistic sense of pace (150 questions/150 marks).
Mark & review: After completing, check your answers (if key available). List down questions you missed or guessed.
Analyse by section: See how you performed in CDP, languages, maths/EVS/subject‐specialization separately.
Identify patterns: Notice recurring types of questions (for example, language pedagogy, inclusive education, conceptual maths).
Revise accordingly: For weak areas, refer back to syllabus, textbooks or pedagogy material.
Repeat with newer paper: Do another past paper, apply insights from previous attempt.
Increase frequency as exam approaches: In last few weeks, attempt 3-5 past papers to build confidence and speed.

Why Using Past Papers Works Better Than Only Reading Theory

Theory reading is passive; past papers force you to apply knowledge.
It gives you real question difficulty, phrasing, and format textbooks may not replicate it.
You train under timed conditions, which builds exam readiness, not just content knowledge.
It builds psychological familiarity with the exam format, reducing anxiety.

Section: Download Links to CTET Previous Year Question Papers

Here is a curated list of links to access previous year CTET question papers (PDFs). (Note: always check for updated links or official site for latest versions.)

Tip: If any link is no longer active or you cannot find a key, use educational portals, coaching site archives or the Wayback‐Machine search for archived versions.

Preparation Strategy Using Previous Year Papers

To make maximum use of past papers, here’s a recommended strategy tailored to CTET aspirants.

Phase 1: Foundation Building

First, review the syllabus for your relevant paper (Paper I or II).
Read standard textbooks and pedagogy material for CDP, languages, maths/EVS or subject specialization.
Once you complete basic reading, pick one past year paper and attempt without timing—just to familiarise yourself.

Phase 2: Timed Practice & Analysis

Now begin timed practice: full paper under exam conditions (2 h 30 m).
After finishing, check results: mark correct, incorrect, unattempted.
Analyse: which section took most time? Where you made errors? Was it conceptual misunderstanding or reading error?
Based on analysis, revise weak areas. If you struggle in CDP, revisit pedagogy topics like inclusive education, learning theories. If you struggle in maths/subject specialization, practise more conceptual questions.

Phase 3: Iterative Improvement

Each week attempt 1‐2 past papers (or mock tests designed from them).
Gradually increase pace: aim to finish in say 2h10m instead of 2h30m to leave buffer for review.
Maintain an error log: keep noting types of questions you miss, topics you repeatedly struggle with, question phrasing types that confuse you.
For language sections, practise comprehension, grammar, pedagogy of language development. Past papers help highlight repeated question framing (synonym/antonym, inference, pedagogy based).
For CDP, past papers often ask about child‐centered pedagogy, inclusive education, evaluation methods—so review those concepts.
For Maths/EVS or subject specialization, past papers indicate frequently asked topics: Number system, Geometry, Algebra, Environmental concerns, Social Studies topics etc. Focus accordingly.

Phase 4: Final Weeks Before Exam

In the last 3–4 weeks, solve 3-4 full previous year papers per week.
Review your error log weekly, ensure you are not repeating the same mistakes.
In the last week, avoid heavy new topics—focus on revision, solving past papers, sleeping well and staying calm.
On exam day: Work with confidence—you’ve seen the pattern multiple times. Use the earlier buffer time to review your answers lightly at the end. Attempt all 150 questions since there is no negative marking.
After exam: Review your performance again, note what you did well and what you could improve for future attempts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with access to past papers, many aspirants commit avoidable mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:

Solving past papers only once and moving on: Without analysis and revision you won’t learn from mistakes.
Ignoring weaker sections: If you do well in maths but struggle in CDP or language ethics, you risk your overall score. Remember each section in Paper I is equal weight.
Ignoring time management: Doing papers without timing means you’ll struggle during actual exam.
Treating past papers like mock tests without review: You must review errors, identify patterns, revise accordingly.
Over‐looking language sections: Language I & II often carry 60 marks combined (Paper I) and are compulsory—neglecting them can cost.
Leaving questions unattempted though no negative marking: Because there’s no penalty, it’s strategically better to attempt all questions (smartly) rather than leave blanks.
Not staying updated with latest pattern: Ensure you use the most recent year’s papers; patterns may evolve (though CTET has been stable recently).
Underestimating concept‐based rather than memorization questions: Past papers show emphasis on pedagogy, child‐development, inclusive education—topics not learned by pure memorisation.

Final Guidance & Conclusion

The CTET examination is a critical step for aspiring teachers, and using previous year question papers is not optional—it’s essential. They help you understand what to expect, train you under realistic conditions, expose your weak areas, and build your readiness.

Summing up:

Gather as many past CTET question papers (Paper I & II) as possible.
Study the pattern, syllabus and topics.
Use the past papers as practice under timed conditions.
Analyse, learn from mistakes, and revise accordingly.
Focus not just on subject content but on pedagogy, language comprehension, inclusive education and concept application.
Attempt all questions in the actual exam (since no negative marking).
Stay confident, and remember: the CTET certificate is valid for lifetime for many schools—so this effort pays off long-term.

By following a structured strategy centred on past question papers, you significantly improve your chances of clearing CTET with a good score and moving ahead towards your teaching career.