CTET Eligibility - Age Limit and Education Qualification

CTET Eligibility: The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2025, conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), is a national-level exam for candidates aspiring to become teachers in central government schools. To appear for the exam, candidates must first complete the CTET registration 2025 process. However, only those who fulfil the CTET exam eligibility criteria will be allowed to apply. It is important for all applicants to go through the official eligibility conditions carefully before filling out the CTET application form 2025.

The eligibility for CTET Paper 1 is meant for candidates who want to teach Classes 1 to 5, while the CTET Paper 2 eligibility applies to those aiming to teach Classes 6 to 8. The eligibility norms for both papers are set as per the guidelines framed by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) to ensure that only qualified candidates take part in the exam. Below, we have shared the detailed CTET eligibility 2025 for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 as prescribed by CBSE. 

Check Out: CTET Books

CTET Eligibility Criteria 2025

Before filling out the CTET 2025 application form, it's important to go through the eligibility criteria set by CBSE. Only candidates who meet all the required conditions will be allowed to apply for the exam. This includes details related to age, nationality, educational background, and more. Make sure to carefully review the following aspects of the CTET eligibility criteria 2025:

• Nationality – Applicant must be an Indian citizen.

• Educational Qualification – Minimum qualifications required for Primary and Upper Primary levels.

• Age Limit – Candidates must fall within the specified age range.

• Number of Attempts – There is no limit on the number of attempts.

Revised CBSE CTET Eligibility Criteria 2025

As per the latest update by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) on October 13, 2021, a new criterion has been added to the existing CTET eligibility criteria. This change directly impacts candidates looking to appear for the CTET exam. 

According to the revised guidelines, aspirants who have completed post-graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 55% marks (or an equivalent grade) and have also pursued a 3-year integrated B.Ed.-M.Ed. Programmes are now considered eligible for both CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2. This update broadens the scope of CTET exam eligibility, making it easier for postgraduates to qualify.

Check Out: 22 CTET Paper 1 Previous Year Question

CTET Nationality Criteria

As per the CTET eligibility criteria, candidates must meet the nationality requirements set by the conducting authority. The primary condition is that the applicant must be an Indian citizen. However, candidates from neighbouring countries or of Indian origin may also be considered under certain conditions.

CTET Age Limit 2025

The CTET age limit is quite flexible compared to other competitive exams. As per the official guidelines, there is no upper age limit for applying. However, candidates must have attained a minimum age of 17 years.

CTET Educational Qualification

The CTET qualification criteria are different for the two levels of the exam:

• Paper 1 is for candidates aspiring to teach Classes I to V (Primary Stage)

• Paper 2 is for those who wish to teach Classes VI to VIII (Upper Primary Stage)

Eligibility for CTET Paper 1 (Primary Stage – Classes I to V)

The eligibility for CTET Paper 1 revolves around academic qualifications related to elementary education. Candidates must have completed or be in the final year of a diploma in elementary or special education, or hold relevant degrees recognised by NCTE.

CTET Paper 2 Eligibility (Upper Primary Stage – Classes VI to VIII)

The CTET Paper 2 eligibility requires candidates to hold a graduation degree and relevant teacher education qualifications such as B.Ed or B.El.Ed.

Is B.Ed Compulsory for the CTET Exam?

This is a common query among aspirants. The answer is No—a B.Ed degree is not mandatory to appear for the CTET exam, especially for Paper 1. Candidates can appear for CTET Paper 1 with the following educational paths:

• Senior Secondary + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education

• Senior Secondary + 4-year B.El.Ed

• Senior Secondary + 2-year Diploma in Special Education

• However, for CTET Paper 2, a B.Ed or equivalent qualification is generally necessary.

Can Final-Year Students Apply for CTET Exam?

Yes, final-year students can apply for the CTET exam, provided they are currently pursuing one of the educational programmes approved under the CTET eligibility criteria. The CBSE allows appearing candidates to sit for the exam as long as they complete their respective degrees/diplomas by the time of appointment (if selected).

This provision is particularly beneficial for students who are in the final year of their Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed), Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed), or Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) programs.

Who is Considered an 'Appearing Candidate'?

An appearing candidate is someone who is currently in the final year (or semester) of their teacher training course and has not yet received the final result but will do so soon.

Difference Between CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2 Eligibility

The CTET exam is divided into two papers, and each paper targets a specific level of teaching. The eligibility for CTET Paper 1 and CTET Paper 2 eligibility differs based on the academic level and the educational qualification of the applicant.

CTET Eligibility FAQs

Q1. What is the minimum age required to apply for the CTET exam?

A. The minimum age limit for CTET is 17 years. There is no maximum age limit to appear for the exam.

Q2. Can I apply for CTET Paper 1 without a B.Ed degree?

A. Yes. You can apply for CTET Paper 1 if you have passed or are appearing in a 2-year D.El.Ed, 4-year B.El.Ed, or 2-year Diploma in Special Education, even without a B.Ed.

Q3. Is a B.Ed degree compulsory for CTET Paper 2?

A. Yes, for CTET Paper 2, a B.Ed or an equivalent teacher training qualification is generally required.

Q4. Can final-year B.Ed or D.El.Ed students apply for CTET?

A. Yes. Candidates who are in the final year of their B.Ed, D.El.Ed, B.El.Ed, or equivalent programs are eligible to apply for the CTET exam.

Q5. How many attempts are allowed in the CTET exam?

A. There is no limit on the number of attempts. You can appear for the CTET exam as many times as you wish.