These Top Tips Will Help You Crack the CTET Exams for Teaching

June 23, 20202 Minutes Read
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Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for teaching positions from classes 1 to 8. CBSE includes Central Government Schools such as Kendriya Vidyalaya, Central Tibetan Schools, and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya along with schools under the administrative control of Union Territories. CTET exams are conducted twice a year. The CBSE releases notification on its website and newspapers before the exams. It is important that you stay updated to avoid last-minute panic and stress.

If you want a career in teaching, you must take the CTET exam. The teaching position in a CBSE school has many perks. However, it is a very competitive exam and difficult to crack in the first attempt. To start with, you need to plan an effective preparation strategy. It is advisable for you to start preparing and planning at least a year in advance. It will give you confidence and help secure good marks in the CTET exam.

Here are some useful tips to crack the CTET exam:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Pattern

There are two sets of papers in the CTET exam: Paper I and Paper II. Paper I is for those who want to teach class 1 to Class V. Paper II is for those who want to teach class VI to class VIII. Candidates who want to teach at both levels will have to take both the papers. Each paper contains questions from 5 subjects, and the candidate will be given two and a half hours to complete the test. There is no negative marking.

2. Familiarize Yourself with the Syllabus

The CBSE puts up a detailed syllabus of the CTET exam on its website. Read and understand it carefully. Compare the syllabus with the previous year's question papers to understand the weightage carried by each of the topics.

3. Understand the Question Format

The CBSE publishes a detailed note on how the questions appearing in the CTET exam will be designed and structured. Read and ensure that you understand each point clearly.

4. Take CTET Mock Tests

This is one of the key tips on how to prepare for CTET exams. It is highly recommended that you take the online mock tests at regular intervals to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Taking a test is the best way to judge your mastery in a subject. It will also help you work on managing time during the actual exam. The CTET consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). You are expected to answer one question in one minute. The only way to increase your speed is through practice. There are some theoretical questions too. You must aim to attempt all questions within the given time, as there is no negative marking. For a clearer idea, head to Fair and Lovely Career Foundation's website which has a test section full of such practice tests that are sure to help with your preparation.

5. Prepare a Schedule

Make a detailed schedule to cover all the subjects. Take into account the time needed for taking mock tests and doing revisions. Break up difficult subjects into sections and topics to avoid getting overwhelmed. Be disciplined and stick to your schedule. Ensure that it also has sufficient time for you to take breaks and refresh your mind. It is important to not get overwhelmed during your preparation.

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July 1, 20223 Minutes Read

With The Help Of The Glow & Lovely Careers Scholarship, Niharika Never Compromised On Her Dreams

Niharika is currently pursuing her master's in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science (DACSS) in the U.S.A. Her journey to get there wasn't an easy one. But with the support of her mother, a few colleagues and a Glow & Lovely Careers Scholarship, she fulfilled all her dreams. Here's her success story:

As Niharika would say, her entire life has been a journey filled with obstacles. She was born into a financially struggling family with an alcoholic, abusive father. By the 5th grade, Niharika was forced to join a Telugu-medium school as her mother could no longer afford the fees. Luckily for her, the government had passed a law stating that classes from 6th grade onward would be taught in English. She mentioned that joining a Government School was a huge turning point in her life. She was provided with many opportunities to learn and grow. Niharika excelled in school - She participated in various competitions, was a state-level hockey player and was awarded the best cadet in the NCC. In 9th grade, her father succumbed to a heart attack. Instead of getting her married or forcing her to leave her studies and work, her mother became the driving force in her life.

Her brilliant marks (9.7/10 CGPA) and all-rounder skills paved the way for her to join the Electronics and Communications Engineering at the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Basar, Telangana, under government scholarship. She submitted two projects to NASA in her first year, receiving honourary mentions. But her scholarship fell through, and she was threatened with expulsion if she couldn't come up with the fees (INR50K). When nothing else seemed to work, she came across the Buddy4Study Scholarship network, a Glow & Lovely Careers partner. After listening to her story and achievements, Glow & Lovely Careers knew she deserved to let her light shine. Such talent needed to be given a chance to grow. She was awarded the Glow & Lovely Scholarship, which helped her pay her fees and continue her education.

As a kid, Niharika was inspired by the 'Road Not Taken', So even when nothing seemed to go her way, she persevered to make her dreams come true. It did not matter to her what others would think - which is why she chose a career completely different from her stream - arithmetic and logical reasoning trainer, she helped many undergrad students become placement ready. In addition, Niharika always wanted to give back to society and decided to help make India a better place for girls like her. Hence, she joined the innovation fellowship of Telangana State Innovation Cell, which works toward creating a culture of innovation in the state from all backgrounds. Niharika considers TSIC as her second family; they helped her apply to the University of Massachusetts to pursue her master's after her mother's demise. She is deeply grateful to Dr Shanta Thoutam, the Chief Innovation Officer of TSIC, for her support.. Niharika has won the student elections and was recently announced as a Graduate Student Senate officer (Treasurer) and also works as her department's communications manager.

Her mother, unfortunately, passed away during the second covid wave but her memories and advice remain. Niharika wishes to pass on her favourite saying from her mother to all aspiring girls out there: "Dream Big and Never Give up" When asked if there was anything that inspired her, Niharika excitedly shared her screen to show her favourite quote, "Dreams don't work unless you do!" She wishes that girls nowadays work towards their dreams and not compromise on them. When you work towards something, the universe will find a way to give you the help you require when you need it the most. If you're looking for a scholarship to further your education, apply for Glow & Lovely Careers Scholarship here.