TET Syllabus 2026: If you are dreaming of a career in teaching, the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is a major hurdle you need to clear. The syllabus for both CTET and WB TET is broadly divided into two papers.
Paper 1 is designed for primary teachers handling classes 1 to 5, while Paper 2 is for those eyeing upper primary roles in classes 6 to 8. If you aim to teach across both levels, you must clear both papers. However, if your focus is strictly up to class 5, Paper 1 is sufficient.
Table of Contents
Paper 1 Syllabus: Primary Teachers (Classes 1-5)
The structure is straightforward—in both exams, Paper 1 consists of 5 subjects. Each subject carries 30 marks with 30 questions, totaling a 150-mark exam.
| Subject | CTET Paper 1 Focus | WB TET Paper 1 Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Child Development & Pedagogy | Development of primary child (6-11 years), Inclusive Education, Learning theories (Piaget, Vygotsky). | High emphasis on needs of special children, gender roles, and theories suitable for WB classrooms. |
| 2. Language 1 | Proficiency & Comprehension. Usually Hindi or English. Focuses on grammar and inference. | Usually Bengali. Focuses on comprehension (prose/poetry), grammar (sandhi, samas), and vocabulary. |
| 3. Language 2 | Communication. Usually English or Hindi. Focuses on basic communication skills and pedagogy. | English. Focuses on comprehension, grammar (tenses, prepositions, voice change), and vocabulary. |
| 4. Mathematics | Basic Numeracy. Geometry, Shapes, Solids, Numbers, Addition, Measurement, Time, Money. | Broader Concepts. Includes CTET topics plus surface area & volume (sphere, cube), and simplification. |
| 5. Environmental Studies (EVS) | 6 Themes: Family & Friends, Food, Shelter, Water, Travel, Things We Make and Do. | EVS & Science Mix. Includes CTET themes plus Health & Hygiene, Water Pollution, and WB geography. |
Paper 2 Syllabus: Upper Primary Teachers (Classes 6-8)
This paper includes four sections. The first three are mandatory for everyone, while the fourth depends on your specific graduation stream.
Compulsory Sections (90 Marks)
You start with Child Development & Pedagogy (30 marks), which delves into the psychology of 11-14-year-olds. It covers vital topics like motivation, emotional development, and teaching strategies for creative learners.
Then follow Language 1 (30 marks) and Language 2 (30 marks). In WB TET, Language 1 is usually Bengali and features tougher comprehension exercises compared to Paper 1. Language 2 is typically English, which tests advanced grammar and the methodology of teaching English as a second language.
Subject Specialization (60 Marks)
Candidates choose an option based on their academic background.
Option A: Mathematics & Science The Mathematics section (30 marks) covers algebra, geometry, and mensuration. For instance, you might need to solve problems using formulas like the volume of a sphere (( frac{4}{3}pi r^3 )) or the surface area of a cube (( 6a^2 )). The Science section (30 marks) includes food, materials, and basic physics/chemistry, such as identifying the chemical formula for water (( H_2O )) or applying the equation ( F = ma ).
Option B: Social Studies This 60-mark section is tailored for arts graduates. It covers history (ancient societies, the 1857-58 revolt, post-independence India), geography (solar system, environment, agriculture), and civics (constitution, democracy, judiciary).
Key Differences: CTET vs WB TET
Before you start preparing, it helps to know how these two exams differ.
| Feature | CTET (Central) | WB TET (State) |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Multilingual (English/Hindi/Bengali and others). You choose your preferred language. | Mostly English and Bengali. Language 1 focuses heavily on Bengali. |
| Content Depth | Follows NCERT (Classes 1-8) strictly. | Follows West Bengal Board (WBBSE) but aligns with NCERT concepts. |
| Pedagogy | High weightage (approx. 50% of marks are pedagogy-based). | Includes pedagogy, but factual content often carries more weight. |
| EVS (Paper 1) | Focuses on 6 broad themes. | Includes WB geography, local ecology, and public health issues. |
Next Steps for Preparation
For CTET, reading NCERT textbooks from class 3 to class 8 is non-negotiable. For WB TET, you should thoroughly cover West Bengal Board books like ‘Paribesh Parichay’ or ‘Ganit Prabha’.
Practicing previous years’ question papers (PYQs) is the best way to get ready for both. Since the pedagogy concepts overlap significantly, consistent practice will definitely help you secure a good score.
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