Preparing for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) in 2 months might seem daunting, but with a strategic approach and the right resources, it can be effectively managed. This guide will help you understand the key aspects of the CTET syllabus, the importance of mock tests, and how to utilize EduRev resources to enhance your preparation.
Understanding the Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The first step in preparing for any exam is to thoroughly understand the syllabus and exam pattern. CTET consists of two papers:
CTET Paper 1 (for classes I to V):
- Child Development and Pedagogy (CDP)
- Language I (mandatory)
- Language II (mandatory)
- Mathematics and Subject concerned Pedagogy
- Environmental Studies and Subject concerned Pedagogy
CTET Paper 2 (for classes VI to VIII):
- Child Development and Pedagogy (CDP)
- Language I (compulsory)
- Language II (compulsory)
- Mathematics & Science and Subject concerned Pedagogy OR Social Science and Subject concerned Pedagogy
Each subject requires a clear understanding of the basic concepts and their application. Here's how you can effectively utilize EduRev resources for each subject:
Week 1-2: Building Foundations with NCERT
NCERT books are the cornerstone of your CTET preparation. They provide a solid foundation in the subjects covered in the exam:
- Child Development and Pedagogy: NCERT books on child psychology and pedagogy.
- Mathematics and Environmental Studies: NCERT textbooks from Classes I-VIII.
- Science/Social Studies: NCERT textbooks relevant to the specific topics mentioned in the syllabus.
Thoroughly read and understand these books, as many questions in the CTET are directly based on NCERT content. EduRev has provided different courses and content to help you revise the NCERTs in a short span of time:
Week 3-4: Strengthening Core Concepts by Solving PYQs
CTET Previous Year Papers are an invaluable resource for exam preparation. They provide you with an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the exam format, question pattern, and marking scheme. By analyzing previous year’s papers, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses and focus on your preparation accordingly.
- Once you’re through the CTET Syllabus, pick up the previous year's papers and skim through them to get an understanding of what is actually asked in the CTET Exam. You can also analyse what sections are important for you and what are not in your UPSC Syllabus.
- You need to devote 1-2 weeks to analyze the syllabus and PYQs alone, this will help you understand what UPSC is asking and what is the demand.
- PYQs are important. You should look for that source that gives topic-wise questions of previous years. So that you can have a complete understanding of the topic and the type of questions asked.
- You should check out complete PYQs and subject-wise PYQs as well, while studying a particular subject. You can find 10-year Solved Previous Year Papers of CTET Exam here.
- Lastly, you can refer to them again as they are a good source of self-assessment in your CTET Preparation.
EduRev offers a course of CTET Previous Year Question Papers which provides unsolved and solved previous year question papers of CTET exam. You can check out this course here: _______
Now after completely solving the Previous year Start attempting mock test series and even practice yourself with as many tests as possible.
It will give you an exam feel. Once you get acclimatized, it will reduce exam-time stress.
- The single most effective tool to crack the CTET exam is mock tests.
- Practice one mock test daily in the morning because the exam will be in the morning and your brain will work faster.
- Try to join test series like the one at EduRev which you can give at any time you want and not an external schedule so that you are able to practice/attempt whenever you want. You can find the Mock Test Series here.
You can attempt Mock Tests regularly from the course CTET Mock Test Series. You will find subject-wise & complete mock tests and practice tests. Attempt more and more tests and ace your preparation!
Identify your own strategy for mock tests. Do you value accuracy or speed? You need to identify the pattern before the actual exam.
How to Attempt Mock Tests for CTET?
- Solving mock tests within the time limit is a must. Learn to finish in time both Paper 1 and Paper 2 as per the given schedule.
- In the 2.5 hour period go through the questions thrice and mark absolutely sure questions in the first attempt, then those in which you have doubt, need to keep track of accuracy test series to help in achieving accuracy.
- Sit for an actual exam-like mock test at the same time.
- And then consistently stick to YOUR final paper-solving approach right till the end.
How to Analyze your CTET Mock Tests?
- Analysis of mock tests is absolutely necessary. Self-assessment is an essential part of CTET preparation.
- Ideally, analyze Mock tests ASAP after the test
- For wrong attempts, understand why you committed the mistakes
- Try to Identify topics/themes where you are going repeatedly wrong
Go to your EduRev Profile (Analysis tab) to see your macro comprehensive analysis and see if you can pattern in the mistakes that you make.
- Work out ways to eliminate silly errors
- Never forget to analyze correctly attempted questions as well
- Brush up on the concepts of your weak areas that you may have missed
- This will help you in shaping YOUR approach/strategy and even identifying strengths and weaknesses.
- It will not only help you in anxiety management during the actual exam but will also prepare you extremely well for the exam!
Any new static knowledge gained should be added in your notes. And even for current affairs, maintain a separate diary and note down new things learned there.
Week 7-8: Final Revision and Speed Enhancement
- The Final Revision is the most important step in this journey as now your purpose is to revise the already known concepts. This can be done using NCERT based Quick revision PPTs.
- EduRev also provides a complete Crash Course for Situations like this. This Crash course covers all the necessary topics with the carefully selected videos to increase your understanding of concepts.
- After All this, we can attempt full length tests for Proper practice.
- Without self-belief, you can not perform well in this exam even if you study a lot. Believe in yourself and be consistent. Don’t Forget, Consistency and discipline will take you places in the journey of clearing the CTET Examination.
- The journey is very difficult but if you have strong determination you will clear the exam. But prepare yourself for failures, there will be many. You just need to get up from each of them and walk towards your goal.
- So probably, the most important aspect at the end of your entire preparation journey is to stay positive. There are times when it can get quite hard/overwhelming but remember that happens to the best of top rankers. You just need to remove negative thoughts from your head and march forward towards your goal.
Additional Tips for Effective Preparation
- Stay Organized: Keep a study schedule and stick to it. Allocate specific times for each subject and ensure a balanced approach.
- Stay Positive and Confident: Confidence plays a crucial role in exam preparation. Stay positive, keep practicing, and believe in your abilities.
- Health and Well-being: Take regular breaks, get enough sleep, and maintain a healthy diet. Physical well-being directly impacts cognitive functions.
Utilizing EduRev Resources
EduRev offers a wide range of resources that can significantly aid your preparation. Here's how to make the most of these resources:
- Solved and Unsolved PYQs: Practice extensively with previous year questions to understand the exam pattern and frequently asked questions.
- Chapter Notes and Mindmaps: Use these for a clear and concise understanding of each topic. Mindmaps are especially useful for visual learners.
- Revision Notes: Quickly review important concepts before the exam.
- Worksheets and Chapter-wise Tests: Regular practice with worksheets and tests helps reinforce concepts and improve problem-solving skills.
- Full-length Tests: Simulate exam conditions with full-length tests to build stamina and time management skills.
- Explanatory Videos: Clarify doubts and enhance understanding of complex topics with video explanations.
By following this 2-month study plan and leveraging EduRev resources effectively, you can approach the CTET exam with confidence and a solid preparation foundation. Remember, consistent practice, regular revision, and a strategic approach are the keys to success in any competitive exam. Good luck!