Are You Still Eligible for Paper 1 ?

Introduction

In the past, many educators directed their focus solely towards Paper 1 of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) for two primary reasons:

• Their respective institutions did not specify a preference between Paper 1 and Paper 2, accepting certification from either.
• There was a prevalent perception that Paper 1 entailed a more straightforward preparation process compared to Paper 2.

However, the landscape changed for teachers preparing for the January 2024 CTET. Despite the CTET Notification Bulletin explicitly stating that eligibility criteria would align with the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE)'s Teacher Recruitment Rules, this alignment, until then, was not fully realized in practice.

Previously, graduates with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree were deemed eligible for Primary Teacher (PRT) positions. Nonetheless, candidates were unexpectedly denied this option when completing their CTET forms for the January 2024 exams. This underscores the CTET application process's strict adherence to the Supreme Court ruling regarding the qualifications of B.Ed. versus Basic Training Certificate (BTC) holders.

Deciphering CTET Eligibility Criteria: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Let's embark on a journey to unravel the intricacies of the CTET eligibility criteria. We'll break down the following criteria for enhanced clarity and ease of comprehension. It's important to note that the following criteria are tailored for the general category, with a 5% concession in marks applicable to special categories such as Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD).

1. Academic Qualifications:

• High School Level: Candidates must have passed Higher Secondary (Class 12) or its equivalent with a minimum aggregate score of 50%. In exceptional cases, a minimum score of 45% may suffice, although this is a rare occurrence.
• Graduation Level: A minimum aggregate score of 50% is required.
• Post-Graduation Level: Candidates must attain a minimum aggregate score of 55%.

2. Teacher Qualifications:

Diplomas in Education:

• Two-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.).
• Two-year Diploma in Special Education (D.Ed. - Special Education).
• Diploma in Education (in accordance with NCTE Norms of 2002).

Degrees in Education:

• One-Year Degree in Education (B.Ed.): Only applicable to candidates who completed their B.Ed. by 2015.
• Two-Year Degree in Education (B.Ed.).
• Two-Year Degree in Special Education (B.Ed. - Special Education).
• Three-Year B.Ed.-M.Ed.
• Four-Year Degree in Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.).
• Four-Year Integrated Degree in Education (B.A.B.Ed., B.Sc.B.Ed., B.Com.B.Ed.).

Paper 1 Eligibility (For Classes 1-5):

Academic Qualification: Candidates must have achieved a minimum aggregate score of 50% in Class 12.

Teacher Qualifications:

• 2-year D.El.Ed. (recognized by NCTE).
• 4-year B.El.Ed. (recognized by NCTE).
• 2-year D.Ed. (Special Education): Recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). Additionally, candidates must complete a minimum 6-month NCTE approved course in Elementary Education to qualify.

Paper 2 Eligibility (For Classes 6-8):

Academic Qualification: Candidates must hold a minimum graduate degree (with a 50% aggregate). Those with 50% in Class 12 pursuing an integrated graduate program with Education are also eligible.

Teacher Qualification:

• Graduate + 2-year D.El.Ed.
• Graduate + 1-year B.Ed. or B.Ed. (Special Ed).
• Class 12 + 4-year B.El.Ed.
• Class 12 + 4-year B.A./Sc./Com. B.Ed.
• PG + 3-year B.Ed-M.Ed.

Navigating Both Papers: Who's Eligible?

Upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that only candidates meeting the following criteria can appear for both papers:

• Completion of both Diploma and Degree in Education.
• Graduation with a Diploma in Education.

Stay tuned for an in-depth series once the July 2024 application details are released. We trust that this comprehensive guide will prove invaluable as you embark on your CTET journey.