Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is a national-level test conducted by CBSE, which qualifies the candidates to teach in central government schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and other schools managed by the central government in the administrative sense. State TETs, on the other hand, are exams that are conducted by the individual states to hire teachers to work in state-owned schools and institutions.
Here's a comparison to help understand it better:
|
Criteria |
CTET |
State TET |
|
Conducting Body |
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
State Education Boards |
|
Validity |
Lifetime |
Varies by state (mostly 7 years or lifetime) |
|
Language Medium |
Hindi & English |
Regional Languages |
|
Recognition |
Central Government & some Private Schools |
State Government Schools |
|
Difficulty Level |
Moderate |
Varies (can be easier or similar to CTET) |
Which is better: CTET or State TET?
It is based on your career objective. CTET is the right option in case you want to teach in central schools or intend to relocate to another state in search of employment. But in case you are willing to settle and teach in a particular state, then State TET can prove to be more beneficial.
Lots of aspirants prefer to study both, because once they crack either of these, their probability of getting a government job increases.
Do CTET and State TET have the same syllabus?
The syllabus is very much similar in the wider sense. Both tests examine:
• Pedagogy and Child Development
• Language 1 and 2
• Mathematics and Environmental Studies ( Paper 1)
• Mathematics and Science or Social Studies (Paper 2 depending on specialization)
State TETs can, however, contain state-specific questions particularly in language and general awareness. It is recommended to first read the CTET previous year solved papers to get the idea of the pattern of the central exam and then match it with the state-specific additions.
Read More: CTET 2025: Last-Month Strategy That Gets the Best Results
Can the same preparation help for both exams?
Yes, more so with Paper 1, the fundamental concepts are unchanged. Use the usual preparation material and practice through mock tests. The best book for CTET Paper 1 can be useful in both exams because of the similar topics. Although every state may include some additional parts, your CTET preparation can be a good start.
To give your preparation a kick start, it is strongly advised that you solve CTET previous year solved papers regularly. It assists in knowing the exam pattern, crucial subjects and time management.
Do private schools accept CTET or State TET certificates?
Yes, many private schools consider TET-qualified candidates favorably. CTET, in particular, has wider recognition and may enhance your chances of being selected by reputed private institutions across India. It’s also a key factor if you plan to appear for DSSSB, NVS, or KVS recruitments.
Which one has more competition?
CTET typically sees higher participation due to its national scope, which increases competition. However, with dedicated preparation and the right CTET books, clearing the exam is very much achievable.
Conclusion:
Whether you choose CTET or State TET should align with your career aspirations. If flexibility and national-level opportunities appeal to you, CTET is ideal. If you’re rooted in a particular state, State TET is the logical path.
Pro Tip: Prepare with focus, practice through CTET previous year solved papers, and refer to CTET books that match the latest syllabus to increase your success rate.
