There are many comparisons between two similar exams, but the most popular is the difference between CTET and UPTET.
CTET and UPTET are teaching exams conducted by CBSE and UPBEB. Around lakhs of students appear for both the exams for the post of teacher and get a government job in the state and center government school.
If we talk about differences, then the main difference is about their level. CTET is a national level exam whereas UPTET is a state level eligibility exam. Also, CTET takes place twice a year, and UPTET once a year.
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CTET- Introduction
CTET is a Central Teacher Eligibility Test conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education for candidates to get teaching jobs in government schools from Class I to Class VIII.
So, as we said, the CTET exam takes place twice a year and has two papers. Candidates who wish to become teachers for classes 1 to 5th must give paper -I and the one willing to teach classes 6 to 8 must appear for paper II. CTET takes place across the country.
All the candidates must take CTET if they wish to apply for teaching jobs in central government schools. The CTET certificate is valid for seven years. CTET exam is an important benchmark for the teacher eligibility in India.
CTET Eligibility
The students appearing for CTET must meet the eligibility criteria set by the CBSE. The minimum age for a student to apply for CTET is 18. Given below are the qualifications required for different papers for CTET.
Qualification for those willing to teach classes I to V- (Paper -I)
The appearing Candidates should have Senior Secondary or its equivalent with at least 50% marks and pass or appear in the final year of 2- a year Diploma in Elementary Education (or) Graduation with at least 50% marks and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.).
Qualifications for those willing to teach Classes VI-VIII- (Paper-II)
- Candidates who have graduated or are appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education are eligible to apply for paper -II.
(or)
- A candidate with Graduation with at least 50% marks and passing or appearing in 1-year B.Ed. (Special Education) is also eligible to apply for paper -II.
CTET- Exam Pattern
CTET exam pattern consists of two papers – paper – I for those willing to teach classes I to V and Paper – II for those willing to teach classes VI to VIII. Candidates can apply for both exams.
Exam Pattern for classes I to V
| Subjects | Number of questions | Maximum Marks | Total Time |
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 | 150 Minutes |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | |
| Language – 1 | 30 | 30 | |
| Language – 2 | 30 | 30 | |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Exam Pattern for Classes VI to VII.
| Subjects | Total no. of Questions | Maximum marks | Duration |
| Child development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 | 150 Minutes |
| Language – 1 | 30 | 30 | |
| Language – 2 | 30 | 30 | |
| Science & Mathematics OR Social Science | 60 | 60 | |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
UPTET- Introduction
UPTET is Uttar Pradesh Teaching Eligibility Test (UPTET). It is a state-level Eligibility Test conducted by Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Board (UPBEB) for different teaching posts at various Government & Government-aided schools across the state.
UPTET takes place once a year for two groups – Classes I to V (primary) and classes VI to VII (upper classes). It will take place in August this year.
UPTET Educational Qualification
Qualification for those willing to teach classes I to V- (Paper -I)
- Candidate who wants to appear for paper – I must have a bachelor degree from a recognized University. It is compulsory for the students to pursue a two-year diploma in Elementary Education (DElEd) is mandatory.
- Candidates with graduation or post-graduation with 50% are eligible to apply. Along with this, candidates should also be pursuing a Bachelor of Education (Bed).
Qualification for those willing to teach classes II to VII
- A candidate having a two-year diploma in Elementary Education is eligible to apply.
- The one with a graduation degree with 50% marks or the one appearing in a one-year Bed is eligible to apply.
- The one with graduation with at least 45 percent marks and a one-year Bed is eligible to apply.
- A candidate with 50% marks in class 12th with a four-year BElEd is eligible.
- A candidate with 50% marks with a four-year BA/ BSc Ed/ BAEd/ BSc Ed is eligible.
UPTET- Exam Pattern
Here is the exam pattern for classes I to V
| UPTET 2023 Topics | No of Questions | Marks |
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I (Hindi) | 30 | 30 |
| Language II (English/ Urdu/ Sanskrit) | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Here is the exam pattern for classes VI to VIII
| UPTET 2023 Topics | No of Questions | Marks |
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Languages I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Science and Mathematics (OR) Social Science | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Which is better – CTET or UPTET?
To conclude, both CTET and UPTET provide a range of career opportunities for individuals seeking to become teachers. There are some differences between the two, but both aim to provide a successful career. CTET exam is a national level exam, and can make you access teaching jobs anywhere across the country, whereas the UPTET exam offers you teaching post within Uttar Pradesh.
Frequently Asked Questions on Differences between CTET and UPTET
Q1- Is CTET equivalent to UPTET?
A1- The only difference between these two are that CTET is a national level exam and UPTET is state level exam. Both are teaching eligibility exam allowing selection as a teacher in various government exams.
Q2- What is the salary of a CTET teacher?
A2- A CTET teacher teaching primary classes (I to V) gets a salary around Rs 35,000 to 37,000. A CTET teacher teaching upper -primary classes (VI to VIII) gets a salary of
Rs 43,000 to 46,000. A CTET qualified PGT teacher mostly gets a pay of Rs 48,000-50,000.