How to Start Your TET Preparation from Scratch

Teaching is one of the most respected professions, and to become a teacher in India, qualifying for the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is essential. Exams like CTET, UPTET, REET, Bihar STET, and other state-level TETs assess candidates’ teaching aptitude, subject knowledge, and understanding of child pedagogy. If you’re planning to appear for TET and don’t know where to begin, this guide will help you start from scratch and prepare effectively.

Understanding the TET Exam Structure

Before you start preparing, it’s crucial to understand the exam pattern and syllabus. Most TET exams follow a similar structure, consisting of two papers:

• Paper 1: For candidates aspiring to teach Classes 1 to 5 (Primary Level)
• Paper 2: For candidates aspiring to teach Classes 6 to 8 (Upper Primary Level)

Each paper typically includes the following sections:

1. Child Development & Pedagogy – Understanding the psychology of children and teaching methodologies.
2. Language I – Choice of regional language (Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, etc.)
3. Language II – English (Compulsory in most states)
4. Mathematics – Basic numerical and problem-solving ability
5. Environmental Studies (EVS) – For Paper 1
6. Science & Social Studies – For Paper 2 (Candidates need to choose based on their subject preference)

Now that you know the exam structure, let’s go step by step on how to begin your preparation.

Step 1: Get Familiar with the Syllabus

Start by downloading the official syllabus for the specific TET exam you are appearing for. You can find this on the respective state education board’s website. Understanding the syllabus helps in setting the right direction for preparation and avoiding unnecessary topics.

Step 2: Gather Study Materials

Once you have a clear understanding of the syllabus, the next step is to collect reliable study materials. Focus on:

• NCERT Books (Class 1-8) – Best for subject clarity
• Previous Year Question Papers – Helps understand question patterns
• TET Preparation Books – Choose standard publications that align with the syllabus

Online Study Resources – PDFs, mock tests, and online quizzes to practice regularly

Step 3: Create a Study Plan

Without a proper study plan, preparation can feel overwhelming. Follow these tips to create an effective study routine:

1. Set Daily Study Goals – Allocate specific time for each subject.
2. Start with the Basics – Focus on foundational topics first.
3. Revise Regularly – Keep time for revision to strengthen concepts.
4. Practice Mock Tests – Take online and offline mock tests to track progress.

Allocate Time for Weak Subjects – Spend extra time on subjects you find difficult.

Step 4: Focus on Child Development & Pedagogy

This is a crucial section in both Paper 1 and Paper 2, and it requires a deep understanding of teaching methodologies, child psychology, and learning techniques. Tips to prepare for this section:

• Read about major educational theories like Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory, Vygotsky’s Social Development Theory, and Kohlberg’s Moral Development Theory.
• Understand different teaching methodologies and assessment techniques.

Solve case-based questions to get practical insights into child psychology.

Step 5: Strengthen Your Language Skills

For Language I and Language II sections, you need to have good command over comprehension, grammar, and writing skills.

• Read newspapers and articles to improve reading comprehension.
• Practice grammar exercises to avoid mistakes in sentence formation.

Solve previous year papers to understand the question format.

Step 6: Master Mathematics & EVS/Science/Social Studies

For Mathematics:

• Focus on basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number system.
• Learn shortcut methods for faster calculations.

Solve at least 20-30 questions daily to build speed and accuracy.

For Environmental Studies (EVS):

• Read NCERT Class 1-5 EVS books.
• Focus on ecological concepts, pollution, and human-environment interactions.

For Science & Social Studies (Paper 2):

• Science aspirants should focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology topics from Class 6-8 NCERT books.

Social Studies aspirants should study History, Geography, and Civics concepts thoroughly.

Step 7: Solve Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests

Practicing previous year TET question papers is a must. It helps you:

• Understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.
• Identify frequently asked questions and important topics.
• Improve time management and accuracy.

Take at least one mock test per week and analyze your performance.

Step 8: Time Management & Exam Strategy

Many candidates fail to complete their exam on time. Follow these exam strategies:

• Solve easy questions first to gain confidence and save time.
• Allocate specific time for each section and avoid spending too much time on one question.

Read questions carefully before answering, especially in pedagogy-related scenarios.

Step 9: Stay Motivated & Avoid Stress

TET preparation requires consistent effort, but staying motivated is equally important. Here’s how you can keep yourself stress-free:

• Take short breaks to avoid burnout.
• Follow a healthy routine – eat well, exercise, and sleep properly.
• Stay positive – self-belief and a confident mindset are key to success.

Join study groups or online forums to discuss doubts and share knowledge.

Conclusion

Starting your TET preparation from scratch might seem overwhelming, but with the right approach, it becomes manageable. Understand the syllabus, create a study plan, gather the right resources, and practice consistently. Remember, consistent effort and smart preparation will lead you to success.