If you are dreaming of becoming a teacher in a government school, then clearing the CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) is your first big step. But the most common question every student asks is: "Exactly how many marks do I need to pass?"
The answer is actually quite simple, but it depends on your category. For the General category candidates, the passing criteria is 60%. Since the total marks for the exam are 150, you need to score at least 90 marks to qualify. If you belong to OBC, SC, or ST categories, there is a little relaxation for you. You need to score 55%, which means 82.5 marks (usually rounded to 82) is enough to get your certificate.
One thing you should remember is that CTET is not like a regular competitive exam where you have to beat everyone else to get a rank. It is a qualifying exam. As long as you touch that 90 or 82 mark boundary, you are officially "CTET Qualified." Also, there is no negative marking, so you must try to attempt all 150 questions!
Once you pass, your CTET certificate is now valid for a lifetime, which is great news for all teaching aspirants. However, just knowing the passing marks isn't enough; you need a solid plan to reach that target. For a better understanding of the latest patterns, you should definitely check out this CTET 2026: A complete guide to exam date, syllabus, and eligibility to stay ahead in your preparation.
Focus on Child Development and Pedagogy (CDP) because it carries a lot of weight. If you get 25+ in CDP, reaching the 90-mark goal becomes much easier! Best of luck with your preparation.