Is CTET Valid in Rajasthan? REET vs CTET Differences
Last updated: July 2026 · Both tests compared on 15 dimensions
Quick answer
Rajasthan CET is not required for REET. In its official exam calendar, RSSB lists primary and upper-primary teacher recruitment as REET-based, not CET-based. CTET may be accepted for posts in centrally run schools located in Rajasthan, such as KVS and NVS, but CTET alone does not replace REET for Rajasthan state government teacher posts. REET and CTET are both teacher eligibility tests: REET is linked to Rajasthan state teacher recruitment, while CTET applies to schools and organisations within the central framework. Both papers have 150 questions, 150 marks and 150 minutes; REET also covers Rajasthan-specific Social Studies and EVS topics. Both eligibility certificates are valid for life, but appointments remain subject to each recruitment's rules.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | REET | CTET |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting body | RBSE (Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education) | CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) |
| Scope | Rajasthan state government schools | Central government schools (such as KVS/NVS) and organisations that accept CTET |
| Levels | Level 1 (Classes I-V), Level 2 (Classes VI-VIII) | Paper 1 (Classes I-V), Paper 2 (Classes VI-VIII) |
| Frequency | Cycle-based; check the official RBSE notice for dates | Check the official CBSE notice for each cycle's dates |
| Question count | 150 MCQs (each level) | 150 MCQs (each paper) |
| Total marks | 150 | 150 |
| Duration | 150 minutes | 150 minutes |
| Negative marking | REET-2024 deducts 1/3 mark if no option is selected | None |
| Qualifying marks | 60% for General; 55%, 50%, 40% or 36% by category or area | 60%; relaxation follows the recruiting organisation's reservation policy |
| Eligibility | Qualifications listed in the REET-2024 notice; no separate domicile condition in the notice | NCTE minimum qualifications and the recruiting organisation's rules |
| Certificate validity | Lifetime (under current Rajasthan policy) | Lifetime |
| Rajasthan-specific content | Yes — Social Studies & EVS include Rajasthan history, geography, civics | NCERT-based subjects; no separate Rajasthan-specific section |
| Subject group at Level 2 | Math & Science OR Social Studies (60 questions) | Math & Science OR Social Studies (60 questions) |
| Salary at recruitment | A REET certificate does not set pay; the post's recruitment and pay rules apply | A CTET certificate does not set pay; the institution and vacancy notice apply |
| Transferability | According to the appointing department's transfer policy | According to the relevant KVS, NVS or other appointing organisation's policy |
Which one should you take?
Take REET if
- You want to teach in Rajasthan government schools
- You meet the Rajasthan-specific reservation conditions in the relevant recruitment
- You prefer Hindi as the test medium and lifetime certificate validity
Take CTET if
- You want to apply to KVS, NVS or DSSSB schools
- You want options in KVS, NVS or other recruitments that accept CTET
- You are open to relocating outside Rajasthan
Take both if
You want to keep as many options open as possible. Because large parts of the two syllabuses are shared, adding CTET to REET takes limited extra preparation. CTET also opens central-school options while you wait for the next Rajasthan recruitment cycle.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare for REET and CTET simultaneously?
Yes. Many candidates prepare for both. A large part of the syllabus is shared: Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, and most Mathematics, EVS and Social Studies topics. REET adds Rajasthan-specific material, especially in Social Studies and EVS. CTET is based on NCERT subjects and offers more language options.
Is CTET valid for Rajasthan teacher recruitment?
CTET may be accepted for posts in centrally run schools located in Rajasthan, such as KVS and NVS. But in REET-based recruitment for Rajasthan state government primary and upper-primary teacher posts, CTET alone does not replace REET. A CTET-qualified candidate may apply only if they also meet every condition of that recruitment, including REET where required.
Which exam should I attempt first — REET or CTET?
If you want to teach in Rajasthan government schools, attempt REET first — it is the state-specific eligibility. If you are open to central government school postings (KVS, NVS) or planning to relocate, CTET is the broader option. Many candidates take both: REET for state options and CTET for central / outside-Rajasthan options.
Is REET easier than CTET?
No official body has declared either REET or CTET easier. REET requires separate preparation for Rajasthan-specific Social Studies and EVS topics, while CTET is based on the NCERT syllabus. Difficulty depends on your command of the subjects and the paper you choose, so select the test that matches your teaching goal.
Are CTET marks counted in Rajasthan teacher recruitment?
No. The RSSB Grade-3 / "REET Mains" recruitment paper is the basis for Rajasthan teacher selection. Even if you have a CTET pass, you cannot use those marks in the Rajasthan recruitment merit list. You must clear REET separately and then appear for the RSSB Grade-3 paper.
How long is the REET certificate valid compared to CTET?
Both CTET and REET eligibility certificates are valid for life. In its official notice dated 21 June 2021, CBSE replaced CTET's old 7-year limit with lifetime validity. Lifetime validity does not guarantee an appointment; you must still meet every condition of the recruitment when you apply.
Which exam has higher salary at the recruitment stage?
Neither a CTET nor a REET certificate sets a salary by itself. Teacher recruitments in KVS, NVS, Delhi and Rajasthan have their own posts, pay levels, allowances, probation terms and deductions under the relevant vacancy notice and service rules. A fixed take-home comparison based only on the eligibility test is therefore misleading; check the official pay information for the post you are applying for.
Can I appear for REET if I am from outside Rajasthan?
The official REET-2024 notice does not state a separate Rajasthan domicile condition for taking the test. Category, reservation and document rules for a later RSSB recruitment are set in that recruitment's own notice, so candidates from other states should check the conditions that apply to them there.