How to Score 120+ Marks in CTET Exam 2026 Paper I?

Master the CTET Paper I 2026 with our expert section-wise strategy. From Child Pedagogy to EVS, get targeted tips, key topics, and scoring insights to help you achieve 120+ marks. Ideal for serious aspirants aiming to clear the exam with confidence and accuracy.

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Scoring 120+ marks in CTET 2026 Paper I is absolutely achievable with the right strategy, strong fundamentals, and regular practice. The paper tests five core sections, Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies, each carrying 30 marks. This makes a balanced preparation approach essential, where concepts, accuracy, and speed go hand in hand. With focused study, consistent revision, and proper mock test analysis, even an average aspirant can comfortably cross the 120-mark benchmark and improve their chances of qualifying CTET 2026.

CTET Exam 2026: Overview

The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET), conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education, is a key qualifying exam for candidates aiming to teach in government schools across India. CTET 2026 will be conducted in online mode and will include 150 multiple-choice questions. With no negative marking in place, candidates can attempt all questions without the fear of losing marks. This makes smart question selection, quick decision-making, and effective time management crucial for scoring well and improving the chances of qualifying.

CTET Exam 2026
Exam Name	CTET 2026 Paper I
Conducting Body	Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test (Online)
Paper Type	Paper I (Classes I to V)
Total Questions	150
Total Marks	150
Time Duration	150 Minutes
Marking Scheme	+1 for each correct answer
Negative Marking	None

CTET Admit Card 2026 – Click to Download

Importance of Scoring High in CTET Paper I

Achieving a high score in CTET significantly improves your chances of securing teaching positions in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and other government schools. A score above 120 out of 150 highlights strong teaching aptitude and sound subject knowledge. It also builds the confidence needed to perform well in interviews and move smoothly through the subsequent stages of the selection process.

Section-wise Strategy to Score 120+ in CTET Paper I

Scoring 120+ in CTET Paper I is crucial for candidates aiming for primary-level teaching posts (Classes I–V) in government schools. A section-wise strategy makes the broad syllabus easier to handle and helps aspirants focus on what truly matters. Child Development and Pedagogy builds a strong foundation in educational psychology, Languages I and II test communication and classroom skills, while Mathematics and Environmental Studies assess subject understanding along with teaching aptitude. Setting clear targets for each section, studying NCERT textbooks thoroughly, practising previous years’ papers, and focusing on concept clarity can significantly improve accuracy and time management. A well-planned, section-wise approach keeps preparation focused, efficient, and confidence-driven.

Section	Key Focus Areas	Preparation Strategy	Target Score
Child Development and Pedagogy (30 Marks)	Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory Vygotsky’s Social Constructivism Kohlberg’s Moral Development Inclusive education CCE and learning concepts Gender, intelligence, and diversity	Make short, topic-wise notes Focus on real classroom application Solve 300+ topic-wise MCQs Use NCERT Educational Psychology books	25-28
Language I (30 Marks)	Reading comprehension Language pedagogy Grammar, acquisition, and remedial teaching	Practice unseen passages from previous year papers Focus on pedagogy principles Understand how children learn and use language in classrooms	26-29
Language II (30 Marks)	Comprehension (prose and poetry) Vocabulary and grammar Language pedagogy	Choose the language you’re most confident in Practice error spotting, comprehension, and pedagogy-based questions Revise grammar basics	26-28
Mathematics (30 Marks)	Numbers, geometry, time, measurement Patterns and money Pedagogy of mathematics and error analysis	Strengthen basics using NCERT Class I to V books Practice mental math techniques Solve previous year questions and attempt mock tests	23-26
Environmental Studies (30 Marks)	Food, water, travel, family and friends, plants and animals Integrated learning and practical teaching methods Activities and experiments	Use visual and real-life examples Solve daily life scenario-based questions Refer to NCERT Class III to V textbooks	24-27

Smart Tips to Crack CTET 2026 with 120+ Marks

Start Early & Be Consistent: Allocate at least 2-3 months for thorough preparation. Stick to a daily study routine.
Stick to CTET Syllabus: Focus only on topics covered in the official syllabus. Don’t waste time on irrelevant material.
Make Your Own Notes: Quick revision becomes easier with personalized handwritten notes.
Attempt Weekly Mock Tests: Simulate the actual exam environment. Analyze your performance and improve weak areas.
Follow NCERT Books Rigorously: CTET is heavily based on NCERT Class I to V textbooks.
Analyze Previous Year Papers: Understand question trends, repetition topics, and difficulty levels.
Time Management During Exam: Aim to attempt all 150 questions. Divide time section-wise in your mocks.

Score 120+ Marks in CTET Exam 2026 Paper I: FAQs

Is it possible to score 120+ marks in CTET Paper I on the first attempt?

Yes, with consistent preparation, a clear understanding of concepts, and smart time management, scoring 120+ on the first attempt is achievable.

What is the ideal preparation time to score 120+ in CTET Paper I?

Ideally, 2 to 3 months of dedicated preparation, with a daily study schedule and regular mock test practice, is sufficient to aim for 120+ marks.

How many questions do I need to answer correctly to score 120+ in CTET Paper I?

You need to get at least 120 out of 150 questions correct. Since there's no negative marking, aim to attempt all questions confidently.

Which section is the most scoring in CTET Paper I?

Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, and Language II are often the most scoring if prepared well. They test conceptual clarity and language skills.