NCERT Chapters to Study for CTET (100% Relevant)

Preparing for CTET can feel overwhelming: endless books, mixed advice, and limited time. But here’s the good news: the most reliable, accurate, and exam-aligned source is already in front of you, the NCERT books.

If you think that CTET is about mugging up facts, then, no, it’s about understanding concepts the way school children learn them. And NCERT does exactly that. From simple explanations to real-life examples, NCERT helps you build the conceptual clarity CTET demands.

This blog gives a crisp, chapter-wise roadmap so you know exactly what to read, what to skip, and how to use NCERT to score confidently in CTET.

Quick Reality Check: Stick to the Official Syllabus First

CTET has two papers:

• Paper I – For teaching Classes I–V
• Paper II – For teaching Classes VI–VIII

Each paper has 150 MCQs divided into Child Development & Pedagogy, Languages, and subject-specific sections (Maths/EVS for Paper I; Maths & Science or Social Studies for Paper II).

Always keep the official CTET syllabus beside you while studying.

Why NCERT Matters for CTET (And Why Students Rely on It)

"Because NCERT is literally the base of CTET"

Reasons NCERT is your strongest weapon:

• Provides conceptual clarity, CTET questions often test understanding, not memory.
• Uses simple language, which helps in retaining concepts.
• Contains real classroom examples, helping with pedagogy-based questions.
• Follows the same structure and difficulty level that CTET expects teachers to know.
• Many CTET questions are directly or indirectly inspired by NCERT examples, diagrams or exercises.
• Ideal for quick revision before the exam, no unnecessary theory, only the core essentials.

Guide Structure

This guide is organised so you can study without confusion:

• Must-read chapters (high-yield and frequently tested)
• Good-to-know chapters (medium weight; quick scan recommended)
• Action-oriented tips after each subject

Paper I (Classes I–V): High Priority NCERT Chapters

Child Development & Pedagogy

NCERT does not offer a CTET-specific pedagogy book, but its examples help strengthen teaching fundamentals. Pair NCERT insights with a pedagogy reference book and PYQs.

Focus on:

• Learning stages
• Inclusive classrooms
• Constructivism
• Assessment basics
• Classroom strategies

Study action: Create 1-page summary sheets for Piaget, Vygotsky, Kohlberg, formative vs summative assessment, and classroom management.

Mathematics (NCERT Class 1–5)

Must-read topics:

• Number sense: place value, operations
• Fractions & decimals (Class 4–5)
• Measurement: time, money, weight, length
• Geometry basics: shapes, symmetry
• Data handling: pictographs, bar graphs

Study action: Practise 20 mental math questions daily + solve NCERT end-of-chapter exercises.

Environmental Studies (EVS) – Class 1–5

Must-read chapters:

• Food, shelter, clothing
• Plants and animals
• Water, safety, hygiene
• Family, community, festivals
• Local resources and surroundings

Study action: Convert every chapter into a 1-page diagram-based mind map.

Paper II (Classes VI–VIII): High Priority NCERT Chapters

Child Development & Pedagogy

Focus is the same as Paper I, but includes:

• Adolescent development
• Subject-specific pedagogy
• Evaluation techniques

Study action: Solve 20 pedagogy MCQs daily.

Mathematics (NCERT Class 6–8)

Must-read topics:

• Number System: integers, rational numbers
• Fractions, decimals, ratio, percentage
• Algebra: expressions, equations, variables
• Geometry: triangles, circles, constructions
• Mensuration: area, volume
• Data handling

Study action: Solve all NCERT examples + 10 mixed questions daily.

Science (NCERT Class 6–8)

Must-read chapters:

• Food & nutrition (components, deficiencies)
• Materials & substances
• Plants & animals (structure, functions)
• Human body systems
• Force, motion, light, heat, electricity
• Environment & natural resources

Study action: Memorize diagrams, label accurately, practise 30–50 word explanations.

Social Science (NCERT Class 6–8)

Must-read topics:

• History: Ancient → Medieval → Modern basics
• Geography: Resources, agriculture, environment
• Civics: Democracy, Constitution, government systems
• Economics: Markets, livelihoods, production

Study action: Maintain a timeline sheet for History + quick-definition sheet for Geography/Civics.

4-Week CTET + NCERT Study Plan 

Week	Focus Areas	What to Complete
Week 1	Pedagogy + Paper I Basics	Learning theories, inclusive education, basic Maths (Class 1–5), core EVS chapters
Week 2	Science (Class 6–8)	Food & Nutrition, Materials, Human Body, Force, Motion, Light, Environment
Week 3	Maths + SST (Class 6–8)	Number system, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, History timelines, Geography & Civics basics
Week 4	Revision + PYQs	Revise pedagogy notes, solve past CTET papers, attempt mock tests, focus on weak topics

Daily Routine:

• 2 hours NCERT reading + exercises
• 1 hour PYQs/mocks
• 30 minutes revision

Final Tips: Turning NCERT Into CTET Marks

• Don’t just read, practice. Answer NCERT exercise questions and past CTET MCQs.
  
• Diagrams + definitions = easy marks. Label neatly and memorise function-based answers.
  
• Pedagogy needs examples. When you study a teaching principle, think of a classroom example you can explain in one sentence.
  
• Past papers are gold. They show how NCERT content is asked in CTET style.

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Bringing It All Together: The NCERT-First Strategy

Preparing for CTET feels much easier when you follow a focused, clutter-free plan instead of drowning in endless study material. NCERT gives you exactly what CTET wants: clarity, simplicity and strong fundamentals. 

Stick to the chapter lists above, practise regularly, and revise smartly. Even if you're starting late, consistent NCERT study combined with pedagogy practice can dramatically boost your score.

Believe in steady progress, not perfection. Keep your notes light, your concepts clear, and your routine consistent. With the right approach, cracking CTET becomes not only possible but fully achievable. You’ve got this. Clear fundamentals and win CTET.