CBSE conducts the CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) twice annually to recruit qualified, efficient teachers for Central government schools. Lakhs of candidates appear for this exam every year, which is why it is highly competitive. This exam is conducted to verify the efficiency and conceptual knowledge of the teachers. Also, the exam is held in two phases, Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Candidates who give Paper 1 can be appointed to teach classes I to V and those who give Paper 2 can teach for classes VI to VIII. The CTET exam is only for those who aspire to become elementary school teachers. You need to score a minimum of 60% (General category) to qualify in the CTET. For SC/ST/OBC categories, the qualifying score is 55%. Moreover, there is no negative marking applied in this examination.
Significance of the CTET exam
The CTET qualifying certificate pertains to all central government schools. It is also relevant in schools under the management of the Union Territories like Lakshadweep, Delhi, Chandigarh, and Nagar Haveli. Likewise, some of the unaided private schools also consider the CTET certificate, where you can apply this qualification. Some of the State government schools may also consider the CTET certificate if the state decides not to hold the TET examination.
Moreover, to teach for Classes I to VIII in schools affiliated with CBSE, teachers need to have a minimum qualification of the CTET or TET certificate. The CTET and the TET (Teacher Eligibility Test) are conducted under the guidelines set by the NCTE. Teachers who have a CTET qualification will be given more priority over the other candidates.
Job Opportunities after clearing CTET
If you qualify for the CTET examination, you will be able to work as a teacher at a government school or any CBSE-affiliated school. But, if you join this field, you may advance quickly with positions such as:
- You might work as a senior teacher in a primary or secondary school.
- Consistent promotions may lead to your appointment as principal of a higher grade school.
- You might work as an Assistant Teacher at a primary or secondary school.
- Similarly, a senior teacher at an upper primary school.
However, you must be aware of the fact that CBSE is only responsible for conducting the CTET exam. The allotment of job positions in schools does not fall under its umbrella.
What are the perks of being a CTET-qualified teacher?
A primary teacher who has cleared CTET teaching for Classes I to VIII gets paid a lot more than others. They earn approximately 1.5 Lakhs per year. However, the average pay scale of a secondary school teacher is around 2.3 Lakhs per year. Previously, the CTET qualifying certificate had a validity of seven years from the date of result declaration. You may get appointed at any point during this period. However, from 2021, the NCTE and CBSE have revised this period to life. Hence, all the certificates that have already expired will also be renewed for lifetime validity.
How many times can you attempt the CTET exam?
A candidate can give the CTET exam as many times as they want. CBSE has not defined any attempt extent for this exam. However, a candidate can only give the CTET exam up to a maximum of two times a year. Moreover, you can write the exam again, even if you have already qualified in your previous attempt(s). You can do so if you wish to improve your scores and exhibit a higher qualification percentile on your CTET certificate.
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