How many times can a candidate apply for the CTET exam?

Yes, according to the criteria of CTET, You can apply for this exam if you got more than 50% in your graduation it is eligible for both papers of CTET.

CTET full form is Central Teacher Eligibility Test. It is a national-level exam conducted every year to determine the eligibility of candidates to teach Classes 1 to 8 in central government schools such as KVS, NVS, etc. Passing the CTET exam is compulsory for aspirants who want to apply for teacher recruitment in government schools for Classes 1 to 8. 

Yes, you can apply for CTET Paper 1 only if you make sure that you meet the minimum teacher education requirement for Classes 1 to 5.

If we talk about Paper 1, CTET generally requires passing of Class 12 with 50% marks and also a 2-year D.El.Ed, or any certain equivalent teacher training qualifications.

But, since you have B.Ed, you are eligible for Paper 2 (Classes 6–8). But, the CTET notification also allows B.Ed grads to appear for Paper 1 only if they have undergone a short bridge course in elementary education after appointment.

The major difference between CTET and UPTET is that when candidates clear the CTET exam, it provides a national-level eligibility certificate that can be used across India, whereas clearing the UPTET exam provides a state-level eligibility certificate that is only valid within Uttar Pradesh state.

You can start preparing in the second year of D.El.Ed. itself!

You already study pedagogy, child development, and subject methods during the course, which are the core parts of CTET/TET. Preparing side-by-side will make your concepts stronger, and you'll save time after finishing the diploma.

There are many CTET guides, mock tests, and online classes available even free YouTube channels. You can find it on shiksha.com also.