NCET Overview: Exam, Syllabus, Dates & ITEP Admissions
Prep NCET is built By IITians to give you clear, mobile-first guidance for NCET (National Common Entrance Test) — the gateway to the 4-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) at recognised institutions in India, including selected IITs, NITs, RIEs and Central/State Universities (as notified each year). We keep this page concise, credible, and updated when official notices change.
- What is NCET?
- Why it matters (ITEP & careers)
- Exam structure & marking scheme
- Languages & Domain subjects
- How to prepare (free plan)
- After the result: admissions & counselling
- Quick FAQs
What is NCET?
NCET is a national-level, computer-based test used by participating institutions to admit students into ITEP (a 4-year integrated B.A./B.Sc./B.Com + B.Ed track). The exam is conducted by the nationally designated testing authority as per the Information Bulletin of the year. Each admission cycle publishes the recognised list of participating institutions and programme combinations.
Important: The official list of participating colleges and any changes to pattern/dates are released each year. Always cross-check current notices before applying.
Why it matters (ITEP & careers)
- One integrated path: Four years to a professional teacher degree (instead of 3 + 2).
- Pedagogy + subject strength: You study a discipline (Arts/Science/Commerce) along with modern teaching methods.
- Institutional advantage: Recognised institutes include selected IIT/NIT campuses, RIEs (NCERT), and reputed Central/State Universities — strong labs, practicum, and placements where applicable.
- Future-ready: New-gen teacher education emphasising classroom tech, assessments, child development, and inclusive practices.
Exam structure & marking scheme
The test is MCQ-based. You select multiple sections and attempt a subset of questions in each. Typical scheme:
| Section | Choice | Questions | Attempt | Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language 1 | Pick 1 | ≈23 | 20 | +4 / −1 |
| Language 2 | Pick a different language | ≈23 | 20 | +4 / −1 |
| Teaching Aptitude | Compulsory | ≈23 | 20 | +4 / −1 |
| General Test | Compulsory | ≈28 | 25 | +4 / −1 |
| Domain Subject 1 | Pick 1 | ≈28 | 25 | +4 / −1 |
| Domain Subject 2 | Pick different from DS1 | ≈28 | 25 | +4 / −1 |
| Domain Subject 3 | Pick different from DS1/DS2 | ≈28 | 25 | +4 / −1 |
| Total | ≈181 | 160 |
Note: Exact counts, duration, and language/subject lists are confirmed by the year’s Information Bulletin and official notices.
Languages & Domain subjects
Languages: wide choice including English, Hindi and major Indian languages. You typically choose two different languages.
Domain Subjects (choose three): options commonly include Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Computer Science/Informatics Practices, Physical Education and others as notified.
General Test: GK & current affairs, mental ability, reasoning, quantitative basics, data handling.
Teaching Aptitude: child development, pedagogy, assessment, classroom processes, inclusive education.
Pro tip (IIT/NIT/RIE targeting): Pick domain subjects that match the ITEP programme you want (e.g., B.Sc. B.Ed. for Science → choose PCM/PCB aligned combos). Check each institute’s prospectus for subject prerequisites and seat matrix before freezing choices.
How to prepare (free plan)
- Map the syllabus: Start with our NCET Syllabus. Mark high-yield topics in each chosen subject.
- Learn fast with video: Use our Free Video Courses built for mobile viewers. Each video links to PYQs and sectional practice.
- Drill with mocks: Take a Free Mock to benchmark speed and accuracy. Focus review on weak topics.
- PYQ every week: Solve year-wise sets from PYQ and maintain an error log (concept, question type, time lost).
- Last 2 weeks: Only revision & timed sections. Practise General Test daily; refresh Teaching Aptitude key concepts.
After the result: admissions & counselling
NCET publishes scorecards; admissions/counselling are run by the individual institutions using NCET scores. Each institute releases schedules, eligibility clarifications, and document lists. Keep scanned copies of your ID, photos, 10+2 marksheets, category/PwBD certificates (if applicable), and any institute forms ready.
See: Counselling guide · Colleges list
Quick FAQs
Is there an age limit? Generally, the exam does not specify an age cap; institutions may set programme-wise rules. Always read the latest bulletin.
Who conducts NCET? The nationally designated testing authority, as announced for the year, conducts the computer-based test and publishes official notices.
Can I change subjects later? Limited corrections may be allowed during the correction window; subject changes are governed by that year’s rules.