Is There Negative Marking in CTET 2025?

As there are lakhs of aspirants who are looking forward to a career in teaching, the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2025 remains a significant avenue. Issues of exam pattern, eligibility, and most importantly negative marking create a lot of curiosity every year. When you are preparing to take CTET 2025, you must have asked yourself this question - Is there negative marking in CTET 2025? This blog will not only dispel that doubt but also take you through other aspects of it, including paper structure, marking scheme, and how to score more.

So, let us get into all the details.

What is CTET?

CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) is a national examination, administered by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to ascertain the eligibility of the candidates to teach at the schools run by the central government, such as Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and other schools that recognize the CTET score.

CTET 2025: Overview of the exam

The CTET 2025 examination will be conducted at two levels:

• Paper 1: Candidates who want to teach classes I to V.

• Paper 2: To those candidates who have an intention of teaching classes VI-VIII.

Here’s a quick table for the exam overview:

CTET Marking Scheme 2025: Is There Negative Marking?

Let’s answer the most important question straight away:

❌ No, there is NO Negative Marking in CTET 2025.

This is great relief to aspirants. You are not penalized in CTET trying to answer a wrong answer like other competitive exams. Every correct answer earns you 1 mark and no marks are lost due to incorrect or unanswered questions.

This marking system is highly favorable to candidates as they can attempt all questions without fear of losing marks.

Read More: How to Prepare for CTET 2025 in the Final Weeks?

CTET Paper 1 vs Paper 2 – Key Differences

Understanding the difference between the two papers is essential before starting your preparation. Here's a simple comparison table:

CTET Syllabus 2025: Topics to Focus On

It will assist you in focusing on what is important whether you are studying Paper 1 or Paper 2 by providing you with a good understanding of the syllabus. Some of the major topics are:

In Paper 1:

• Child Development: Inclusive education concept, learning and pedagogy

• Language Comprehension L1 and L2

• Mathematics: Number system, geometry, measurements

Environmental Studies: Family, Food, Shelter, Travel, Things We Make and Do

In Paper 2:

• Child Development and Pedagogy: Teaching theories, learning methods

• Language parts: Grammar, understanding, language proficiency

Mathematics/Science/Social Science: In accordance with the choice of the candidate and the background of the subject

When you have CTET preparation books in the new syllabus, then you can work more focused and better.

Common Mistakes to be Avoided in CTET 2025 Exam

The following are the pitfalls and their avoidance:

• ❌ Pedagogy: Some people do not read this part, yet it is the foundation of the paper.

• ❌ Blind Guessing: The guessing game is not a wise idea, even when there is no negative marking. Make an attempt to eliminate.

• ❌ Neglecting Mock Tests: Practice is important. By working on the previous year solved papers of CTET, confidence and exam temperament are developed.

Preparation Tips to Maximize Your Score

To make the most of your preparation time, follow these strategies:

1. Create a Study Timetable

Divide time for each subject and stick to your plan. Consistency is the key to success.

2. Focus on Conceptual Understanding

Memorizing without understanding won’t help in CTET. Focus on grasping the concepts, especially in pedagogy and child psychology.

3. Practice Daily with MCQs

Daily practice with CTET-style MCQs ensures you're exam-ready.

4. Use CTET preparation books

Good CTET preparation books provide well-structured content, mock tests, and topic-wise coverage, making it easier to revise efficiently.

5. Refer to CTET previous year solved papers

Solving CTET previous year solved papers gives a real sense of exam pattern and helps identify recurring questions and important topics.

Top Benefits of Solving CTET Previous Year Papers

Here's why practicing past year questions is essential:

• Helps understand the exam pattern

• Identifies frequently asked topics

• Improves speed and accuracy

• Boosts confidence

If you're using the best book for CTET Paper 1, make sure it includes ample past papers and answer keys to support your revision.

Exam Day Strategy for CTET 2025

On exam day, follow these expert tips:

• ✅ Arrive at the center early and carry the required documents.

• ✅ Start with your strongest subject to build confidence.

• ✅ Don’t waste too much time on a single question.

• ✅ Utilize the full time — you have 150 minutes for 150 questions.

• ✅ Attempt all questions — there’s no negative marking.

Myths vs Facts: CTET Exam Confusion Busted

There are several myths surrounding the CTET exam that often confuse aspirants. Let’s bust them one by one:

Understanding these facts can help you approach the exam with a positive and informed mindset.

Section-wise Preparation Tips

To further sharpen your edge, here’s how you can prepare for each section:

1. Child Development and Pedagogy

This is the most scoring yet tricky section. Focus on:

• Educational psychology

• Learning theories (Piaget, Kohlberg, Vygotsky)

• Inclusive education & classroom management

Using the best book for CTET Paper 1, especially for this section, ensures conceptual clarity.

2. Language I and II

These sections assess your comprehension and grammar skills. Read editorials, practice unseen passages, and revise grammar rules. Daily practice helps avoid silly errors.

3. Mathematics and Environmental Studies (for Paper 1)

Instead of rote learning, understand concepts like measurement, numbers, data interpretation, and nature-based questions.

4. Maths/Science/Social Science (for Paper 2)

Stick to NCERT concepts and previous years’ trends. If you’re solving CTET previous year solved papers, you'll notice the CTET often repeats question patterns.

What to Do One Week Before CTET 2025

• ✅ Focus entirely on revision. Avoid starting new topics.

• ✅ Solve at least 3 full-length mock papers under timed conditions.

• ✅ Review the answers — not just what you got wrong, but also why the correct options were right.

• ✅ Revise pedagogy and teaching methodology daily.

• ✅ Sleep well. Fatigue can negatively affect your focus and decision-making during the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is there negative marking in CTET 2025?

No, there is no negative marking. One mark is awarded for every correct answer, and no marks are deducted for incorrect answers.

Q2. How many marks are needed to pass CTET?

You need at least 60% (90 out of 150) to qualify CTET. However, for SC/ST/OBC/differently-abled candidates, relaxation is provided.

Q3. Can I appear for both CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2?

Yes, if you’re eligible for both, you can apply and appear for both papers.

Q4. How should I prepare for CTET in 2 months?

Create a strict daily schedule. Use CTET preparation books, revise the syllabus thoroughly, and solve CTET previous year solved papers and mock tests regularly.

Q5. What is the validity of the CTET certificate?

The CTET certificate is now valid for a lifetime, which means no need to reappear once you qualify.

Final Words

CTET 2025 is a golden chance of becoming a teacher. It is a major strength that there is no negative marking. This should be used by the candidates to make an effort to answer all the questions in a smart but confident manner. To increase your success rate, create a structured study schedule, concentrate on pedagogy and do CTET previous year solved papers on a regular basis. Furthermore, it can be a significant difference in your preparation process to use the best book covering CTET Paper 1 according to the most recent syllabus.

It is important to remember that success in CTET is not only the matter of hard work but also the matter of smart strategy and regular practice. Begin now and your CTET certificate may be your ticket to a lucrative career in teaching in the near future.