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The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is on the verge of its biggest transformation since inception. While CBSE hasn’t officially confirmed it yet, reliable sources suggest that CTET 2025 may no longer stick to the traditional two-tier structure. Instead, under the influence of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the upcoming NCTE Act 2025, CTET will be restructured into four distinct levels. If implemented, this shift could change the way India recruits its school teachers.
What’s Changing in CTET?
As per the sources, the CTET exam is undergoing a major transformation. Earlier, it was divided into just two papers, namely Paper I for primary classes and Paper II for upper primary. But now, aligning with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central Teacher Eligibility Test will be restructured into four distinct levels. This change is designed to reflect the different stages of schooling more accurately and to improve the precision of teacher selection. From early childhood education to senior secondary classes, each level will now have a dedicated CTET paper, making the process more specialised and streamlined.
CTET Exam Structure: Then vs Now
Previous CTET Structure | New CTET Structure (As per NEP) |
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Why Changes in CTET Exam Matter?
This is more than a cosmetic change, it’s a strategic overhaul designed to improve the quality and clarity of teacher recruitment. By segmenting CTET into four levels, the exam will now:
- Align more accurately with teacher roles in the school system
- Encourage subject specialization, especially for higher classes
- Offer distinct certification paths for early childhood, primary, middle, and secondary school teaching
A Golden Opportunity for B.Ed. Holders
Perhaps the most impactful update for aspirants is the expansion of B.Ed eligibility. This change opens the doors wide for B.Ed graduates who previously couldn’t apply for certain teaching positions due to eligibility limitations. Under the NCTE Act 2025:
- 1-year and 2-year B.Ed programs will now be valid for all four CTET levels, including Pre-Primary and Primary
- Earlier, only D.El.Ed holders were eligible for Primary level teaching. That restriction is being lifted
Why CTET July 2025 Form Isn’t Out Yet?
If you’ve been waiting for the CTET July 2025 application form, here’s why it hasn’t been released. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has put a hold on the current format of the exam as it transitions to the new 4-level structure. As per the reports, the next CTET will only be held under the revised system, and the form will be released after the new framework is officially notified. CBSE and NCTE are working together to finalize:
- New exam syllabi
- Updated paper patterns
- Revamped evaluation criteria
What CTET Aspirants Should Do Now?
This is the perfect time to re-strategize your preparation. If you’re pursuing or have completed a B.Ed, these changes mean you can aim for multiple teaching levels with a single qualification. Start exploring the updated NEP-based curriculum, and follow updates from CBSE and NCTE closely.