CTET Qualifying Marks & Passing Criteria
CTET Qualifying Marks & Passing Criteria
Understanding the CTET qualifying marks is the first step every aspirant must take before diving into preparation. Lakhs of candidates appear for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test each year, yet many are unaware of the exact passing criteria - leading to last-minute confusion and anxiety.
This article covers the CTET passing marks for both Paper 1 and Paper 2, category-wise relaxation for reserved candidates, certificate validity, and actionable tips to score above the qualifying threshold in your very first attempt.
What Are the CTET Qualifying Marks for General and Reserved Categories?
The CTET qualifying marks differ based on the category of the candidate. For the General category, a minimum of 60% marks - which translates to 90 out of 150 - is required to pass the exam. Reserved category candidates enjoy a relaxation of 5%, bringing their minimum required score to 82-83 out of 150 (approximately 55%).
A common mistake aspirants make is assuming that the CTET cutoff changes every year like other competitive exams. In reality, the CTET passing marks are fixed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and remain consistent across all exam cycles.
| Category | Minimum Marks Required (out of 150) | Qualifying Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 90 | 60% |
| OBC / SC / ST / PwD | 82-83 | 55% |
CTET Minimum Passing Marks for Paper 1 and Paper 2
Both Paper 1 (for Classes I-V teachers) and Paper 2 (for Classes VI-VIII teachers) carry a total of 150 marks. The CTET Paper 1 qualifying marks and CTET Paper 2 passing marks follow the same threshold - 90 for General category and approximately 82-83 for reserved categories.
Candidates who wish to teach both primary and upper primary levels must appear for both papers and clear each independently. Passing one paper does not grant eligibility for both levels - a fact that many first-time aspirants overlook.
Mock Tests and Weekly Practice
Consistent practice under timed conditions is one of the most reliable ways to score above the CTET minimum passing marks. These resources on EduRev are specifically designed to simulate actual exam pressure.
- CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) Mock Test Series 2026
- CTET Mock Test Series (Hindi) 2026
- Weekly Tests for CTET Preparation
Category-wise CTET Passing Criteria: General, OBC, SC, and ST
The CTET passing criteria are officially defined category-wise by CBSE. The 5% relaxation applies uniformly to OBC (non-creamy layer), SC, ST, and PwD candidates across both papers. This means their CTET minimum marks to pass stand at 82-83 out of 150.
It is important to note that this relaxation applies only to the qualifying threshold - not to state-level recruitment, where each state government sets its own merit-based cutoff separately. Qualifying CTET is just an eligibility condition, not a guarantee of appointment.
How Many Marks Are Required to Qualify CTET?
To directly answer the most searched question - 90 out of 150 marks are required to qualify CTET for General category candidates, and approximately 82-83 marks are needed for reserved category candidates. This is the CTET pass marks out of 150 that CBSE officially mandates.
Candidates preparing for the 2026 exam cycle should aim to score at least 100+ to build a comfortable buffer, since state recruiters often shortlist candidates based on CTET scores beyond the basic qualifying threshold.
Previous Year Papers for Score Benchmarking
Solving past papers helps you understand the difficulty level and identify how far you are from the required CTET passing score. EduRev's question paper archive covers multiple exam cycles to give you an accurate benchmark.
CTET Passing Percentage: What Score Do You Need to Clear the Exam?
The CTET passing percentage is 60% for General/EWS candidates and 55% for OBC/SC/ST/PwD candidates. Many students confuse these percentages with merit percentiles, which is a separate concept used in competitive exams like JEE or NEET. CTET has a fixed qualifying benchmark, not a percentile-based cutoff.
To achieve this percentage comfortably, focus on the high-weightage sections of both papers. Consistent revision using structured tools can help reinforce weak areas without wasting time on topics you already know.
Quick Revision Tools
These resources help you revisit key concepts rapidly, especially in the final weeks before the exam when time is limited.
Relaxation in CTET Qualifying Marks for Reserved Category Candidates
The CTET relaxation in qualifying marks for reserved category candidates is clearly outlined in the official CBSE notification. OBC (non-creamy layer), SC, ST, and PwD candidates need to score 55% instead of the standard 60%, which equals approximately 82-83 marks out of 150.
One important clarification: EWS (Economically Weaker Section) candidates are treated at par with General category candidates for CTET qualifying purposes and must score 60%. Students sometimes assume EWS gets the 55% relaxation - this is incorrect and can lead to under-preparation.
CTET Certificate Validity After Qualifying the Exam
As per the revised CBSE guidelines, the CTET certificate validity is now lifetime - meaning once you qualify, your certificate does not expire. This was a major policy change from the earlier 7-year validity period, and it applies to all candidates who have already qualified as well.
The CTET score validity period being lifetime means candidates can use their qualifying certificate for any state or central government teaching recruitment without worrying about renewal. However, re-appearing to improve scores is always permitted if you wish to strengthen your profile for competitive state recruitments.
What Happens After You Qualify CTET? Next Steps Explained
Qualifying CTET makes you eligible to apply for teaching posts in central government schools (KVS, NVS, Army Public Schools) and in many state government schools that accept CTET scores. The CTET qualifying certificate is a mandatory eligibility document - not a direct appointment letter.
- Download your CTET scorecard from the official CBSE website.
- Keep the certificate safe - it is valid for a lifetime.
- Watch for KVS, NVS, and state TET recruitment notifications.
- Apply to state-level teacher recruitment boards that accept CTET scores.
- Consider re-appearing if your score is just above the qualifying threshold, as higher scores improve your merit ranking in state recruitments.
Tips to Score Above CTET Qualifying Marks in First Attempt
Clearing CTET in the first attempt requires a structured approach rather than random studying. One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is spending equal time on all sections regardless of their actual weightage - this leads to poor time management and preventable score loss.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Child Development and Pedagogy, which is a high-scoring and conceptual section that many candidates underestimate.
- Practising maths and language questions without reviewing the pedagogical aspects, which form a distinct sub-section in both papers.
- Attempting mock tests without analysing mistakes - students who skip review sessions tend to repeat errors in the actual exam.
- Assuming CTET qualifying marks are dynamic (like a cutoff) and either over-preparing or becoming complacent based on rumours.
- Not attempting both Paper 1 and Paper 2 when eligible, missing the opportunity to expand teaching eligibility to two levels.
A structured 2-month plan that dedicates specific weeks to each subject area - rather than studying topics randomly - significantly improves your chances of scoring well above the CTET minimum marks to pass. Candidates preparing for Paper 1 can benefit from the 2 Months Preparation for CTET Paper 1 course, which offers a week-by-week breakdown aligned to the actual exam syllabus.
For Paper 2 aspirants, the 2 Months Preparation for CTET Paper 2 course follows a similarly structured approach with subject-specific focus areas.
Study Plans and Preparation Guides
A well-organised study plan prevents last-minute panic and ensures all sections get adequate attention before the exam date.
Students who are unsure where to begin their preparation can refer to the How To Study For CTET guide, which breaks down the preparation strategy by paper, subject, and difficulty level - especially useful for first-time aspirants.
Frequently Asked Questions on CTET Passing Criteria
Here are clear, direct answers to the most commonly asked questions about CTET qualifying marks and passing criteria:
- What is the minimum qualifying marks in CTET? - 90 out of 150 for General/EWS; 82-83 out of 150 for OBC/SC/ST/PwD.
- How much percentage is needed to qualify CTET? - 60% for General category; 55% for reserved categories.
- Is CTET passing marks the same for Paper 1 and Paper 2? - Yes, the qualifying threshold is identical for both papers.
- Does CTET have negative marking? - No, there is no negative marking in CTET.
- How to qualify CTET exam in first attempt? - Follow a structured study plan, practise with mock tests, solve previous year papers, and focus on Child Development and Pedagogy as it appears in both papers.
- Is CTET certificate valid for lifetime? - Yes, as per CBSE guidelines, the CTET certificate has lifetime validity.
