Choosing the right books for CTET 2026 is more important than studying for long hours. With a clear book list, NCERT focus, and pedagogy clarity, cracking CTET becomes systematic, not stressful.
About CTET 2026 (Quick Overview)
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is conducted by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for recruiting teachers in Classes I–VIII.
| Paper |
Teaching Level |
| Paper 1 |
Classes I–V (Primary) |
| Paper 2 |
Classes VI–VIII (Upper Primary) |
Best Books for CTET 2026 – Paper 1 (Primary Teacher)
Best CTET 2026 Books – Child Development & Pedagogy (Most Scoring Section)
| Book Name |
Publisher |
Why This Book? |
| CTET Child Development & Pedagogy |
Arihant |
Covers psychology, pedagogy, PYQs |
| Child Development & Pedagogy |
Pearson |
Excellent for concept clarity |
| CTET Previous Year Questions |
Kiran |
Real exam trend understanding |
20–25 marks can be secured from this section alone if prepared well.
Mathematics (Paper 1)
| Book Name |
Best Use |
| CTET Mathematics & Pedagogy – Arihant |
CTET-oriented practice |
| NCERT Maths (Class 1–5) |
Concept building |
| R.S. Aggarwal (Selective) |
Basic numerical strength |
Environmental Studies (EVS)
| Book Name |
Why Important |
| CTET EVS – Arihant |
Child-centric questions |
| NCERT EVS (Class 1–5) |
Direct question source |
Language I & II (Paper 1)
| Language |
Recommended Books |
| English |
Wren & Martin, Arihant CTET Language |
| Hindi |
Samanya Hindi – Arihant |
| Regional |
CTET Language Guide – Kiran |
Focus more on comprehension & pedagogy, less on rote grammar.
Best Books for CTET 2026 – Paper 2 (Upper Primary Teacher)
Best CTET 2026 Books – Child Development & Pedagogy (Paper 2)
| Book |
Special Focus |
| Arihant CDP (Paper 2) |
Adolescent psychology |
| CTET PYQ Book – Kiran |
Concept repetition |
Mathematics & Science (Paper 2)
| Subject |
Books to Follow |
| Mathematics |
Arihant Maths + NCERT (6–8) |
| Science |
Arihant Science + NCERT (6–8) |
NCERT is non-negotiable for CTET success.
Social Studies / Social Science
| Book |
Coverage |
| CTET Social Science – Arihant |
History, Civics, Geography, Eco |
| NCERT SST (Class 6–8) |
Direct & indirect questions |
Language I & II (Paper 2)
| Book |
Best For |
| Arihant / Kiran Language Guide |
Pedagogy + comprehension |
| Previous Year Papers |
Question pattern |
Best Previous Year Question Books (Paper 1 & 2)
| Book |
Publisher |
Why You Need It |
| CTET Solved Papers |
Arihant |
Concept explanation |
| CTET PYQ Book |
Kiran |
Exam trend accuracy |
One-Book-One-Subject Strategy (Highly Recommended)
| Subject |
Final Book Choice |
| CDP |
Arihant |
| Maths |
Arihant + NCERT |
| EVS |
Arihant + NCERT |
| Science |
NCERT + Arihant |
| SST |
NCERT + Arihant |
| Language |
Arihant / Kiran |
Avoid multiple books for the same subject—it reduces revision quality.
Physical Books vs PDFs vs Online Tests
| Resource |
Best Use |
| Physical Books |
Deep learning |
| PDFs |
Quick revision |
| Mock Tests |
Speed & accuracy |
Smart mix = Better results
CTET 2026 Book Publishers Comparison Table
| Publisher / Brand |
Strengths |
Best Used For |
Why Aspirants Prefer It |
Exam Readiness Score |
| Arihant Publications |
Comprehensive coverage |
All subjects (CDP, Maths, EVS, Science, SST, Language) |
In-depth theory + practice questions + pedagogy focus |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Kiran Prakashan |
Previous year papers focus |
PYQs + Trend analysis |
Excellent solved papers with explanations |
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| NCERT Textbooks |
Core concept foundation |
Maths, Science, EVS, Social Science |
Original content that CTET questions are directly based on |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pearson |
Theory and psychology clarity |
Child Development & Pedagogy |
Strong explanation of learning theories |
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Wren & Martin |
Grammar basics |
English language skills |
Excellent English grammar reference |
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| R.S. Aggarwal |
Quant basics |
Maths fundamentals |
Good for strengthening basics (selective use) |
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| Lucent’s General Knowledge |
Extra general awareness |
General awareness / environment |
Useful for EVS context, but not dedicated CTET |
⭐⭐☆☆☆ |
| MTG Editorial Board |
Quick revision guides |
Quick notes + practice sets |
Good for last-minute revision |
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
| Oswaal Books |
Exam-oriented pattern |
PYQs + mock tests |
Useful, but slightly less pedagogy focus |
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Most Important Link for CTET Examination
