The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially started the application process for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) December 2024 session, with the exam scheduled to be held on 1 December 2024. Aspiring teachers across India can now apply for the exam, which serves as a gateway to teaching positions in central government schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS), and others.
Eligibility Criteria for CTET 2024
To be eligible for the CTET December 2024 exam, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
- Nationality: Applicants must be Indian citizens.
- Age: The minimum age requirement is 18 years. There is no upper age limit for applying.
- Educational Qualifications:
- For Primary Teacher (Classes I to V): Candidates must have at least 50% marks in senior secondary (or its equivalent) and have completed or be in the final year of a two-year diploma in elementary education.
- For Secondary Teacher (Classes VI to VIII): Candidates should possess a graduation degree with at least 50% marks and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree. Alternatively, candidates who have 50% in their senior secondary and are pursuing a four-year B.A./B.Sc.Ed. or B.A.Ed./B.Sc.Ed. are also eligible.
Application Fees and Exam Structure
The application fees for the CTET December 2024 exam vary depending on the category and the number of papers the candidate wishes to appear for:
- General and OBC Categories:
- Rs 1,000 for one paper (either Paper I or Paper II).
- Rs 1,200 for both Paper I and Paper II.
- SC, ST, and Differently-Abled Candidates:
- Rs 500 for one paper.
- Rs 600 for both papers.
The CTET exam consists of two papers:
- Paper I is for candidates aspiring to teach Classes I to V.
- Paper II is for those aiming to teach Classes VI to VIII.
Candidates can choose to appear for either one or both papers, depending on their teaching preferences. Additionally, there is no limit to how many times a candidate can take the CTET exam, allowing individuals to retake the test to improve their scores, provided they remain eligible.
No Negative Marking and Lifetime Validity of CTET Certificate
One of the key advantages of the CTET exam is that it does not impose any negative marking. Candidates will not lose marks for incorrect answers or unanswered questions, making the exam less punitive and more encouraging for participants.
Moreover, the CTET certificate is now valid for life, as per CBSE’s updated guidelines. This provides immense flexibility and longevity to those who qualify, enabling them to apply for teaching positions in central government schools throughout their careers without worrying about certificate expiration.
Scope and Opportunities after CTET
Passing the CTET exam opens up numerous opportunities in the field of education. Candidates who qualify are eligible to apply for teaching positions in central government schools, including:
- Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS),
- Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS),
- Central Tibetan Schools, and
- Schools under the administration of union territories like Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Delhi.
The CTET exam is distinct from the state-level Teacher Eligibility Test (TET). While TET certification limits candidates to teaching positions in state government schools, CTET certification allows candidates to apply for teaching posts in central government schools across the country. This national-level recognition offers broader career opportunities for teachers.
Admit Card and Important Dates
Candidates will be able to download their admit cards for the CTET exam from the official CBSE website two to three days before the exam. In previous sessions, CBSE released admit cards around two weeks prior to the exam date. It is important for candidates to regularly check the official CTET website for updates regarding the release of admit cards and other important announcements.
Conclusion
With the opening of the CTET December 2024 application process, aspiring teachers have the opportunity to advance their careers and apply for prestigious teaching positions in central government schools. The CTET exam provides a crucial stepping stone for those looking to make a lasting impact in the education sector, with the added benefit of lifelong certification and national recognition.
