Discover the full list of best NCET booms that are essential for CTET preparation which include books like Marigold, Rimjhim, Math Magic for class 1- class 5 and more here in this article.
NCERT books are the best resource to prepare for the CTET exam because one must have a clear understanding of concepts taught at the elementary level. These books are primary to the curriculum in the Indian schools and the basis of the CTET syllabus. The questions asked in CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2 are mostly on the topics that are covered in the NCERT textbooks of Classes 1-8. The reading of NCERTs not only improves your subject knowledge, but it also aids in understanding the approach of teaching that is child-centred, one that CTET promotes as well. It could be Mathematics or Environmental Studies, or even Language Pedagogy, NCERT books have all that you require in building the basics of teaching.
List of Essential NCERT Books for CTET Paper 1
The CTET Paper 1 is aimed at those who want to teach classes in 1-5. The questions in this paper are directly based on the NCERT textbooks in Classes 1-5. These books will assist you in knowing the concepts, language styles, and phrasing of questions that are applicable in the real examination.
Good conceptual clarity particularly the subjects of Child Development, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, and Languages is important. The table given below indicates the NCERT books needed for CTET paper 1.
| Subject | Classes Covered | Essential NCERT Books | Key Focus Areas |
| Child Development and Pedagogy | Class 1 to 5 | NCERT EVS & Primary Education chapters, Class 1–5 Teachers’ Handbook | Stages of child development, learning theories, and inclusive education |
| Language I (Hindi/English) | Class 1 to 5 | Marigold (English) Book 1–5 / Rimjhim (Hindi) Book 1–5 | Reading comprehension, grammar, and pedagogy of language development |
| Language II (English/Hindi) | Class 1 to 5 | Marigold (if chosen as second language) / Rimjhim (if chosen as second language) | Communication skills, vocabulary, and sentence structure |
| Mathematics | Class 1 to 5 | Math Magic Book 1–5 | Basic arithmetic, geometry, problem-solving, and logical reasoning |
| Environmental Studies (EVS) | Class 3 to 5 | Looking Around Book 3–5 | Environmental awareness, social relationships, family, plants, animals |
List of Essential NCERT Books for CTET Paper 2
The CTET Paper 2 is intended for candidates who want to teach classes between 6 and 8. The paper tests subject concept, methodology, and application of knowledge. These books of Classes 6 to 8 of the NCERT form the central study content of the paper, as most of the questions are formed directly based on the contents.
The end-of-chapter questions and activity-based exercises should be focused on because the CTET tends to give direct questions to the candidates according to these sections. The following table provides a list of the NCERT books required for the CTET Paper 2.
| Subject | Classes Covered | Essential NCERT Books | Key Focus Areas |
| Child Development and Pedagogy | Class 6 to 8 | NCERT Class 6–8 “Teachers’ Handbook” and Learning Outcomes at Elementary Stage (NCERT) | Child-centred education, learning theories, inclusive classroom, and motivation |
| Language I (English/Hindi) | Class 6 to 8 | Honeysuckle (Class 6), Honeycomb (Class 7), It So Happened (Supplementary Reader), Rimjhim (Hindi 6–8) | Grammar, comprehension, and pedagogy of language teaching |
| Language II (English/Hindi) | Class 6 to 8 | A Pact with the Sun (Supplementary English), Vasant (Hindi 6–8) | Reading comprehension, communication, and language development |
| Mathematics and Science (For Mathematics/Science teachers) | Class 6 to 8 | Mathematics Books 6–8, Science Books 6–8 | Numbers, algebra, geometry, motion, light, human body, scientific reasoning |
| Social Studies/Social Science (For SST teachers) | Class 6 to 8 | Our Past I, II, III; The Earth Our Habitat; Social and Political Life I, II, III | History, geography, civics, political systems, environment and society |
Why NCERT Books Are Important for CTET 2026 Preparation
The NCERT books are used as a foundation of CTET preparation since all the CTET syllabus directly corresponds to the NCERT curriculum in Classes 1 to 8. These books are written in simple language, they are conceptually oriented and have the precise instructional technique that CTET anticipates aspiring teachers to comprehend and implement.
The majority of the questions in the CTET Paper 1 and Paper 2 are based on what has been taught in NCERT textbooks, particularly the subjects such as Mathematics, Environmental Studies, Social Science and Languages. Studying NCERTs is the only sure way of making sure that the candidate does not simply get to know the academic content, but also learns the pedagogical processes that CBSE focuses on.
Given below are some of the most important reasons why NCERT books are essential in the preparation for CTET 2026:
- Syllabus Alignment- CTET questions will be formulated in accordance with NCERT learning objectives and themes of NCERT textbooks, which are the most pertinent study material.
- Conceptual Clarity- The books are easy to read and comprehend, and do not require memorisation in teaching young students.
- Pedagogical Approach- Child-centered and activity-based teaching combination is represented by NCERTs, which is consistent with the teaching pedagogy questions of CTET.
- Language Simplicity- The simple and straightforward nature of NCERT books can guarantee that candidates understand concepts quickly and can respond to comprehension-based tests effectively.
- Reliable Source- Most of the material provided has been released by the same organization (NCERT/NCF) that develops the school education structures that are utilized in CTET, hence the content is 100 per cent genuine and reliable.
Related CTET Preparation Article Links
How to Study NCERT Books for CTET Effectively
The preparation for the CTET 2026 can effectively be done by studying the NCERT books in the right way. In the exam, understanding of the subject and aptitude in teaching will be assessed, hence you must have a methodical strategy towards extracting the best out of your NCERT reading. It is not sufficient to read the chapters once, but the process of understanding, application, and revision should be prioritized. The following is the best way to study NCERT books for CTET:
- Start with the CTET Syllabus- Ensure you first have the official CTET syllabus. Then mark the chapters in your NCERT books which are important. This makes you not just read everything, but only important topics.
- Understand the Concepts Don't just Memorize- The conceptual understanding and reasoning are assessed by the CTET exam. Read through the NCERT books and ensure that you know the concept as well as practical applications of the concepts.
- Highlight Pedagogical Points- Teaching techniques, classroom organization, and learning psychology are the premises of many of the questions in CTET. The part of the NCERTs that detail the way children learn or the way, according to teachers, they should learn, should be highlighted.
- Make Short Notes- Write a short note on each chapter, important ideas, illustrations and definitions. This will assist in revising quickly before the exam.
- Answer End-of-Chapter Problems- NCERTs are usually associated with the patterns of questions included in the CTET. Find solutions to them and redo those questions you find difficult.
- Revise Regularly- Continue to revise your notes as well as your marked sections once a week. Regular revision is used to memorize the facts, as well as to understand the CTET-style questions.
- Link Theory with Practice- Try to think like a teacher. Reading something and imagine what you would say to a student in the classroom. This renders learning practical and it goes hand in hand with the teaching nature of the CTET.
These steps will not only help you to master the NCERT content but will also develop your capability of using the concepts of education, that is, an essential skill that examiners of CTET are looking at.
Additional Reference Books Along with NCERT for CTET 2026
Though NCERT books are considered the foundation of preparation for the CTET, they might not suffice to deal with the different question patterns contained in the exam, particularly the pedagogy and practice-based areas. You should then supplement your NCERT study by using some of the reliable reference books which will provide you with chapter-based practice questions, past year papers, and at the same time practise aptitude tests suggested by teachers. These are the resources that are useful in closing the gap between theory and practice. This list of reference books can be used with NCERT books for the CTET preparation.
| CTET Book Name | Publisher |
| Child Development and Pedagogy for CTET & TETs (Paper I & II) | Arihant Publication |
| Success Master CTET Paper I (Class I-V) | Arihant Publication |
| CTET & TETs Bhasha Hindi Paper I & II | Arihant Publication |
| CTET and TETs English Language and Pedagogy (Paper I & II) | Arihant Publication |
| A Complete Resource for CTET (Language I): English and Pedagogy | Geeta Sahni (Author), Pearson Publication |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations, Edition 7 | R S Aggarwal |
| Mathematics Exam Goalpost for CTET & TETs | Wiley Publication |
| Environmental Studies (EVS) Exam Goalpost for CTET & TETs, Class I-V | Wiley Publication |
CTET Books for Paper 2
The table below shows the list of CTET books for Paper 2.
| CTET Book Name | Publisher |
| Child Development and Pedagogy for CTET & TETs (Paper I & II) | Arihant Publication |
| Study Guide for CTET Paper 2 (Class 6 - 8 Teachers) Social Studies/ Social Science with Past Questions 4th Edition | Disha Publication |
| CTET & TETs Bhasha Hindi Paper I & II | Arihant Publication |
| CTET and TETs English Language and Pedagogy (Paper I & II) | Arihant Publication |
| Success Master CTET (Social Science /Studies) Paper 2 for Class VI-VIII | Arihant Publication |
Conclusion
The best source of preparation forthe CTET exam is the NCERT books. They assist you in comprehending fundamental topics in a basic, organized manner besides being aligned with the CTET syllabus. The most important thing, though, is their strategic study, which emphasizes understanding, use, and pedagogy instead of just memorization. After going through the NCERTs, you may also improve your preparation by using mock tests and preparation guides. To conclude, NCERTs are the most useful tools for achieving the desired score on CTET.
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NCERTs are foundation for CTET Paper 1 (Cl 1-5) & Paper 2 (Cl 6-8). -
Most CTET questions are based on NCERT topics Classes 1-8. -
They promote child-centered teaching, crucial for CTET pedagogy. -
Syllabus alignment, clarity, and reliability are key benefits.
