Teaching is one of the most respected professions in India, and to maintain high teaching
standards, various states and central bodies conduct Teacher Eligibility Tests (TET) to
assess candidates' competency. These exams serve as a mandatory requirement for teaching
positions in government and certain private schools across the country.
If you're aspiring to become a teacher, understanding the various TET exams in India is
crucial. This article provides a comprehensive list of these exams, eligibility criteria,
and other essential details.
Understanding the Teacher Eligibility Test in India
The Teacher
Eligibility Test in India is a standardized exam that ensures teachers possess the
necessary qualifications and skills to educate students effectively. Conducted at both state
and national levels, these exams typically assess a candidate’s proficiency in child
development, pedagogy, subject knowledge, and teaching methodologies.
Most TET exams in India have two papers:
- Paper I: For candidates aspiring to teach classes 1 to 5 (Primary
Level)
- Paper II: For candidates aspiring to teach classes 6 to 8 (Upper
Primary Level)
Some states also have additional papers or criteria for higher classes. Candidates who pass
the TET become eligible to apply for teaching positions in government and aided schools.
Why Take the TET Exam?
- Mandatory Requirement – As per the Right to Education Act,
passing the TET is essential to secure a teaching position in government and most
private schools.
- Better Job Opportunities – Clearing TET enhances job prospects by
making candidates eligible for various teaching roles across India.
- Improved Teaching Skills – The exam tests candidates’
pedagogical skills and subject knowledge, ensuring they are well-equipped for the
profession.
- Eligibility for Higher Studies – Candidates who clear TET and
pursue a Bachelor
of Education course or Master
of Education course can further improve their credentials and career
opportunities in the teaching sector.
- Job Stability and Salary Benefits – Teaching jobs secured through
TET are often government-backed, providing financial stability, pensions, and job
security.
List of TET Exams in India
1. Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET)
- Conducted by: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
- Frequency: Twice a year
- Eligibility: Candidates with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or a
Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.)
- Exam Pattern: Multiple-choice questions covering Child Development,
Language, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, and Subject-Specific Content
- Scope: Qualifying CTET enables candidates to apply for teaching
positions in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs), and other
CBSE-affiliated schools across India.
- Official Link: https://ctet.nic.in/
2. State Teacher Eligibility Tests (State TETs)
Many states conduct their own TET exams for recruiting teachers in government schools. Below
are some major state-level TET exams:
a) UPTET (Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test)
- Conducted by: Uttar Pradesh Exam Regulatory Authority
- Eligibility:Ed., D.El.Ed., or BTC (Basic Training Certificate) holders
- Scope: Mandatory for teaching positions in UP government schools
- Official Link: https://updeled.gov.in
b) HTET (Haryana Teacher Eligibility Test)
- Conducted by: Board of School Education Haryana (BSEH)
- Eligibility:Ed. or M.Ed. (Master of Education) for higher-level
teaching posts
- Additional Levels: PGT (Post Graduate Teacher) eligibility included
- Official Link: https://bseh.org.in/home
c) MAHA TET (Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test)
- Conducted by: Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE)
- Eligibility: Candidates with B.Ed. or D.El.Ed.
- Scope: Required for primary and secondary school teaching positions in
Maharashtra
- Official Link: https://www.mahatet.in/
d) REET (Rajasthan Eligibility Examination for Teachers)
- Conducted by: Board of Secondary Education Rajasthan (BSER)
- Eligibility:Ed. or BSTC (Basic School Teaching Certificate)
- Additional Requirement: Candidates must score at least 60% to qualify
- Official Link: https://reet2024.co.in/
e) TNTET (Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test)
- Conducted by: Tamil Nadu Teachers Recruitment Board (TN TRB)
- Eligibility:Ed. or D.El.Ed.
- Scope: Qualification is necessary for government school teaching jobs
in Tamil Nadu
- Official Link: https://trb.tn.gov.in/
f) WBTET (West Bengal Teacher Eligibility Test)
- Conducted by: West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE)
- Eligibility:Ed. or D.El.Ed.
- Scope: Teaching positions in West Bengal government schools
- Official Link: https://wbbprimaryeducation.org
g) KARTET (Karnataka Teacher Eligibility Test)
- Conducted by: Karnataka School Education Board
- Eligibility: Candidates with a B.Ed. or D.El.Ed. degree
- Scope: Qualification required for government school teaching positions
in Karnataka
- Official Link: https://sts.karnataka.gov.in/TET/
3. Super TET
- Conducted by: Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Board (UPBEB)
- Eligibility: Candidates who have already passed UPTET or CTET
- Scope: It is an advanced-level recruitment exam for assistant teachers
and headmasters in UP government schools
- Official Link: https://updeled.gov.in
4. OTET (Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test)
- Conducted by: Board of Secondary Education, Odisha
- Eligibility: Candidates with B.Ed. or D.El.Ed.
- Scope: Mandatory for teaching in Odisha government schools
- Official Link: https://bseodisha.ac.in
5. TSTET (Telangana State Teacher Eligibility Test)
- Conducted by: Department of School Education, Telangana
- Eligibility: Candidates with B.Ed. or D.El.Ed.
- Scope: Required for teacher recruitment in Telangana government schools
- Official Link: https://tstet.cgg.gov.in
6. AP TET (Andhra Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test)
- Conducted by: Department of School Education, Andhra Pradesh
- Eligibility: Candidates with B.Ed. or D.El.Ed.
- Scope: Necessary for teaching in Andhra Pradesh government schools
- Official Link: https://aptet.apcfss.in
7. Assam TET
- Conducted by: Department of Elementary Education, Assam
- Eligibility: Candidates with B.Ed. or D.El.Ed.
- Scope: Recruitment of teachers in Assam government schools
- Official Link: https://ssa.assam.gov.in/
8. Punjab TET (PSTET)
- Conducted by: Punjab School Education Board (PSEB)
- Eligibility:Ed. or D.El.Ed.
- Scope: Mandatory for teaching jobs in Punjab government schools
- Official Link: https://pstet.pseb.ac.in/
Eligibility Criteria for TET Exams
The eligibility criteria for various TET exams vary slightly, but the general requirements
include:
- Educational Qualification – Candidates must have completed a
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.) from a
recognized institution.
- Age Limit – Most exams have no upper age limit, but candidates
must be at least 18 years old.
- Nationality – Candidates must be Indian citizens.
To apply for TET exams, candidates must meet specific educational requirements:
- Primary Level (Class 1-5): Must have completed D.El.Ed. or equivalent
- Upper Primary Level (Class 6-8): Must have completed Bachelor of Education or equivalent
- PGT (for some exams like HTET): Requires Master of Education (M.Ed.) along with
subject-specific postgraduate degrees
Conclusion
The Teacher
Eligibility Test in India plays a crucial role in ensuring that only qualified
individuals enter the teaching profession. Whether at the central or state level, clearing
TET is an essential milestone for aspiring educators. If you're passionate about teaching,
selecting the right TET exam based on your state and qualification can be the first step
toward a fulfilling career in education.
Understanding the eligibility, syllabus, and exam pattern for these tests is crucial for
better preparation. With proper planning and dedication, you can successfully clear the TET
and contribute to shaping the future of education in India.