The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the much-awaited notification for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) July 2025 session. This national-level exam is a golden opportunity for those who want to become teachers in central government schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS). The online application process has started on the official website, ctet.nic.in, and candidates can apply until the last date in August 2025. This exam is held twice a year to certify teachers for classes 1 to 8. Read on to know how to apply, who can apply, the fees, and important dates.
What is the CTET Exam?
The CTET is a national exam conducted by CBSE to check if candidates are eligible to teach in primary (classes 1-5) and upper primary (classes 6-8) schools. It has two papers: Paper 1 for those who want to teach classes 1 to 5, and Paper 2 for classes 6 to 8. Candidates can appear for both papers if they want to teach all classes. Passing the CTET with at least 60% marks gives you a lifetime-valid certificate, which is mandatory for teaching jobs in central government schools. The exam tests your knowledge of teaching methods, child development, and subjects like Math, Science, and Languages.
How to Apply for CTET July 2025?
Applying for CTET 2025 is easy and done online. Here’s how you can do it:
- Visit the official website, ctet.nic.in.
- Click on the “Apply for CTET July 2025” link on the homepage.
- Register by filling in your name, email, phone number, and other details to get a registration number.
- Log in with your registration number and password to fill out the application form.
- Upload a recent photo and signature in JPG format as per the given size.
- Pay the application fee online using a debit/credit card or net banking.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future use.
Keep your Aadhaar number, educational certificates, and payment details ready to avoid delays. A correction window will open after the last date to fix any mistakes in the form.
Who Can Apply for CTET 2025?
To apply for CTET, you need to meet certain eligibility rules set by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). Here’s a quick look:
- For Paper 1 (Classes 1-5): You must have passed class 12 with at least 50% marks and completed or be pursuing a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
- For Paper 2 (Classes 6-8): You need a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks and a 1-year B.Ed or be in the final year of a 2-year D.El.Ed.
- You must be an Indian citizen and at least 18 years old (no upper age limit).
- Candidates in the final year of a teacher training course like D.El.Ed or B.Ed can also apply.
Check the official notification for detailed eligibility before applying.
Application Fees and Important Dates
The application fee depends on the category and the number of papers you choose. Below is a table with the fee details:
| Category | Fee for One Paper | Fee for Both Papers |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹1,000 | ₹1,200 |
| SC/ST/PwD | ₹500 | ₹600 |
Key dates for CTET July 2025:
- Notification Release: July 2025
- Application Start Date: July 2025
- Last Date to Apply: August 2025
- Exam Date: Expected in December 2025
- Admit Card Release: Two days before the exam
The exam will be offline with multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and no negative marking. Each paper is 2.5 hours long.
Exam Pattern and Preparation Tips
The CTET exam has two papers, each worth 150 marks. Paper 1 covers Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I & II, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies. Paper 2 includes Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I & II, and a choice of Mathematics/Science or Social Studies. Both papers have 150 MCQs, and you need at least 60% to qualify. To prepare, study NCERT books for classes 1-8, practice previous years’ question papers, and take mock tests to manage time. The syllabus and exam pattern are available on ctet.nic.in for detailed preparation.
What’s Next After Applying?
Once you apply, download your admit card from ctet.nic.in two days before the exam. It will have details like your exam center and reporting time. Arrive at least 90 minutes early to complete verification. After the exam, CBSE will release a provisional answer key, and you can raise objections if needed. Results will be announced a few weeks later, and those who qualify can apply for teaching jobs in schools like KVS and NVS. Keep checking the official website for updates on results and other announcements. Start preparing early to score well and secure your teaching career