Do you see yourself in front of a classroom, guiding young students? The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) December 2025 might be the doorway to that dream. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is expected to release the official notification soon, and this year could be different. Reports suggest there may be only one CTET exam in 2025. Let’s look at why this matters and how you can prepare with confidence.
Why CTET December 2025 Is Important
CTET is the minimum requirement for anyone who wants to teach in central government schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas. Many private schools have also started asking for it. Usually, CTET happens twice a year, but CBSE has reportedly dropped the July 2025 session. That means December could be your only chance.
In December 2024, more than 15 lakh candidates appeared, showing just how competitive the exam has become. Missing this attempt may force you to wait an entire year, so the pressure is high to get it right.
Key Updates For CTET 2025
Here are the important changes you should know:
- Only One Exam In 2025: CTET might be conducted only in December. The decision is linked to CBSE’s move to streamline eligibility tests.
- Late Notification: The official notice is likely to come out in September 2025 at ctet.nic.in. Keep checking so you don’t miss it.
- Future Expansion Plans: There are talks of adding Pre-Primary (Balvatika) and TGT/PGT (Classes 9–12) levels. But CBSE has confirmed this won’t be before 2027. For now, focus only on Paper 1 (Classes 1–5) or Paper 2 (Classes 6–8).
- Stronger Pedagogy Focus: Almost half of the paper will be based on Child Development and Pedagogy, with more case studies and NCERT-based questions.
- Digital Exam Mode: CTET will remain a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with 150 multiple-choice questions for 150 marks. No negative marking, and each paper will last 2.5 hours in English or Hindi.
Eligibility Criteria
| Paper | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Classes 1–5) | 12th pass with 50% marks + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education / 4-year B.El.Ed / 2-year Diploma in Special Education |
| Paper 2 (Classes 6–8) | Graduation with 50% marks + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education / 1-year B.Ed / 4-year B.A/B.Sc.Ed |
There is no age limit for applicants. The CTET certificate is valid for life, so once you qualify, you never have to attempt it again.
How To Prepare Effectively
Since this is the only exam this year, planning is crucial. Here are some practical steps:
- Rely On NCERT Books: Stick to Classes 1–8 NCERT textbooks for subjects like Mathematics, EVS, Science, and Social Studies. Most questions are based on them.
- Strengthen Pedagogy: Refer to standard books like Arihant or Pearson on Child Development and Pedagogy. Practice case-study-based questions to improve analysis.
- Attempt Mock Tests: Use platforms like Oliveboard or Gradeup for CBT-style mock exams. Try to aim for at least 90+ marks (60% for General, 55% for SC/ST/OBC).
- Stay Updated: Keep checking ctet.nic.in and CBSE’s official handles for new updates.
Application Process
Once the official notice is out, here’s how you can apply:
- Visit ctet.nic.in and click on “Apply Online.”
- Register with your name, email ID, and phone number.
- Fill in the form, select your paper and exam city preferences.
- Upload your photo and signature in JPEG format.
- Pay the fee: ₹1,000 (General/OBC) or ₹500 (SC/ST/PwD) for one paper. ₹1,200 or ₹600 for both papers. Payment can be made online or via e-challan.
What Aspirants Are Saying
Many candidates on social media are anxious about the single-exam format. Some are worried about the late notification, saying prep time is being reduced. At the same time, many students are happy that the CTET certificate is valid for life, which they see as a big advantage. Data also shows that most candidates prefer Paper 1, so expect higher competition in the primary level exam.
Why This Exam Matters
The Supreme Court has made CTET mandatory for all teachers within two years, even those already in service. This ruling has made December 2025 even more crucial. With private schools also giving weight to CTET, passing it can open doors in both government and private education. For anyone serious about teaching, this exam is not just a test but a career-defining opportunity.
