CTET Previous Year Question Papers PDF 2018–2026 | Paper 1 & 2

Success in the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) depends on much more than covering the course. You must understand the exam’s question style, identify repeated concepts, and build the speed needed to answer 150 questions in a limited time. Using CTET previous year question papers is one of the smartest ways to achieve all of this.

TargetExams provides a handy archive of CTET question papers from 2018 through 2026, including both Paper I and Paper II. Every single paper is verified, so you can practise with complete confidence.

📥 Download CTET Previous Year Question Papers PDF & Start Online Practice

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 previous papers with answers 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 Solving Old Papers Matters

Previous-year papers are not just extra questions — they give a genuine insight into how CTET papers are actually constructed.

Get Comfortable With the Format

The syllabus defines the topics; previous papers reveal how those topics turn into questions. Repeated practice makes the structure, sections, and difficulty feel familiar.

Zero In on Important Topics

Scanning several years of papers highlights concepts that are tested again and again, often in varied forms. Use this to build a focused, high-yield revision plan.

Gain Speed and Accuracy

Correct answers need to come quickly. Practising under a timer boosts your reading speed, question comprehension, decision-making, precision, and time management together.

Detect Your Weak Areas

Use each paper as a diagnostic. After finishing, review every mistake and ask whether it came from unclear concepts, misunderstood questions, or careless slips — then fix it.

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.