Preparing for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) demands more than simply finishing the prescribed syllabus. You also need to understand how questions are actually framed, spot the topics that matter most, and learn to manage 150 questions within a fixed time window. That is precisely why practising CTET previous year question papers is such an essential part of smart preparation.
TargetExams offers a carefully compiled collection of CTET old question papers covering 2018 to 2026, for both Paper I and Paper II. Every PDF in this archive has been verified so you can rely on a genuine and dependable practice bank.
Download CTET Previous Year Papers PDF
The papers are arranged neatly by examination session, paper type, and question set. Just pick the session you need and download the PDF straight away.
The collection holds 128 verified question-paper PDFs spanning CTET sessions from 2018 through 2026:
- CTET February 2026
- CTET December 2024
- CTET July 2024
- CTET January 2024
- CTET August 2023
- CTET December 2022
- CTET December 2021
- CTET January 2021
- CTET December 2019
- CTET July 2019
- CTET December 2018
Depending on the session, you will find both CTET Paper I and CTET Paper II papers here. You can also grab the complete set of CTET question paper PDF directly from the archive.
CTET Exam Pattern at a Glance
- Total Questions: 150 MCQs
- Total Marks: 150 Marks
- Marks per Question: 1 Mark
- Duration: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
- Negative Marking: No negative marking
With 150 questions to attempt in 150 minutes, efficient time management is essential — and practising previous papers is one of the best ways to build that skill.
Why Are Previous Papers So Helpful?
Old papers are much more than extra practice material. They give you a real look at how CTET questions have been asked in actual exams.
Understand the Exam Structure
The syllabus lists what to study, while previous papers show how those topics are tested. Solving them repeatedly builds familiarity with question format, section distribution, and overall difficulty.
Find the Most Repeated Topics
Going through several years of papers reveals concepts that keep appearing in different forms. This makes it easier to prioritise your revision and focus on what matters most.
Improve Speed and Precision
Knowing the answer is not enough; you must reach it quickly. Timed practice sharpens your reading, comprehension, decision-making, accuracy, and time management in one go.
Discover Your Weak Spots
Treat each paper like a diagnostic test. After you finish, do not just total your marks. Analyse every wrong answer and ask: was the concept unclear, the question misread, or a careless slip? Then revise accordingly.
CTET Paper I vs Paper II
CTET Paper I
Paper I is for candidates who want to teach Classes I to V. It tests the knowledge, aptitude, and pedagogy needed at the primary level. If this is your target, practise CTET Paper I question papers regularly.
CTET Paper II
Paper II is meant for candidates who plan to teach Classes VI to VIII. It includes subject-specific areas along with pedagogy and languages. Those aiming for elementary-level posts should focus on CTET Paper II question papers.
How to Use CTET Papers Effectively
Step 1: Complete the Core Syllabus
Build a reasonable grasp of the major topics before attempting full papers. You need not finish everything, but basic familiarity makes each session more productive.
Step 2: Attempt Your First Paper Freely
Use your first paper as a baseline. Do not worry about marks; instead, note strong sections, weak areas, tough concepts, slow questions, and common mistakes.
Step 3: Revise Weak Topics
After analysing your performance, go back to the concepts that troubled you. Study them again and practise more questions.
Step 4: Practise Under Timed Conditions
Once comfortable, recreate exam conditions. Set a timer for 2 hours 30 minutes and attempt all 150 questions without pause.
Step 5: Analyse Every Attempt
Analysis matters as much as the test. Keep a small mistake notebook: Question/Topic → Your Mistake → Correct Concept → Revision Required. Review it before every mock test.
Practise With Online CTET CBT Mock Tests
PDF papers are great for study and revision, but online computer-based practice offers true exam simulation. TargetExams also provides CTET papers in an online environment for selected exams, featuring a countdown timer, question navigation, automated scoring, an exam-style interface, detailed solutions, and full-length mock-paper practice.
Study → Practise Topic Questions → Solve Previous Papers → Attempt CBT Mock Tests → Analyse Mistakes → Revise → Repeat
How Many CTET Papers Should You Solve?
There is no fixed number, but relying on one or two papers is rarely enough. Start with older papers and gradually move to the latest ones.
- Phase 1: Solve older papers to understand the pattern.
- Phase 2: Revise concepts based on mistakes.
- Phase 3: Attempt recent papers under timed conditions.
- Phase 4: Use full-length mock tests for final preparation.
The aim is not to complete the maximum papers, but to learn from every single attempt.
Key Benefits of Solving CTET Previous Papers
- Understand the exact CTET question format
- Get familiar with Paper I and Paper II structure
- Spot frequently tested concepts
- Evaluate your current preparation level
- Improve speed and accuracy
- Develop better time management
- Find weak chapters before the exam
- Reduce the fear of full-length tests
- Create a focused revision plan
- Build confidence through repeated practice
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I download CTET previous year question papers?
TargetExams lets you access CTET previous-year papers organised by session and paper, covering 2018 through 2026.
Are both CTET Paper I and Paper II available?
Yes. The archive includes Paper I (Classes I–V) and Paper II (Classes VI–VIII) depending on the session.
How many questions are there in CTET?
CTET has 150 multiple-choice questions carrying 150 marks.
Is there negative marking in CTET?
No, there is no negative marking in CTET.
What is the duration of the CTET exam?
Candidates get 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the paper.
Are previous-year papers enough for CTET preparation?
They are extremely useful but should be combined with syllabus study, concept revision, and mock tests.
Should beginners solve CTET previous papers?
Yes. Beginners can start with a diagnostic attempt and later practise full papers under timed conditions.
Start Your CTET Preparation Today
Combining conceptual study with genuine exam practice makes CTET preparation far more structured. Previous papers help you understand question framing, recognise weak areas, improve speed, and judge whether your preparation is on track.
TargetExams provides a large archive of CTET Previous Year Question Papers covering 2018–2026, including Paper I and Paper II, plus selected online CBT-style mock tests.
Do not just keep reading — start testing yourself. Download a paper, set the timer, attempt it seriously, analyse every mistake, and improve your next score.
