Kerala TET Notification 2026 Apply Online, Exam Date, Eligibility, Syllabus
Kerala TET Notification 2026 Apply Online, Exam Date, Eligibility, Syllabus
Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan (KPB), the governing body responsible for conducting the Kerala Teacher Eligibility Test (KTET), has officially released the detailed notification for the KTET 2026 examination. This test is a mandatory requirement for candidates aspiring to become teachers in various government and private schools across Kerala. The notification provides comprehensive information regarding the application process, eligibility criteria, exam dates, syllabus, and other crucial details for prospective candidates.
The KTET 2026 application process is set to begin on 26 February 2026. Candidates who meet the prescribed eligibility standards for different categories (I, II, III, and IV) can submit their applications online through the official KPB portal. The window for registration will remain open until 07 March 2026, giving applicants approximately ten days to complete the process. This examination aims to ensure a minimum standard of teaching quality for primary, upper primary, and high school levels in the state of Kerala.
The Kerala TET 2026 examination is divided into four main categories, corresponding to different teaching levels and specializations. Category I is for teachers of Lower Primary classes (I-V), Category II is for teachers of Upper Primary classes (VI-VIII), Category III is for teachers of High School classes (IX-X), and Category IV is for language teachers and specialized subject teachers (e.g., Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Physical Education). Candidates must carefully determine which category they are eligible for based on their educational qualifications before applying. The official notification emphasizes the importance of reading the detailed guidelines thoroughly to avoid errors in the application process.
Important Dates and Application Timeline
The Kerala TET 2026 notification outlines a strict timeline for registration, fee payment, and document submission. Candidates must adhere to these dates to ensure their applications are accepted. The process starts with online registration, followed by fee payment, and finally, the submission of the application form. Given the short window between the start and end dates, applicants are advised to prepare all necessary documents in advance.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Kerala TET Notification Release Date | Not Available (Released before 25 February 2026) |
| Application Start Date | 26 February 2026 |
| Application End Date | 07 March 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 07 March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | Not Available |
| KTET Exam Date 2026 | Not Available |
Kerala TET Eligibility Criteria 2026
The eligibility criteria for the Kerala Teacher Eligibility Test 2026 vary significantly depending on the category selected by the candidate. Aspiring teachers must meet specific educational qualifications and training certifications relevant to the level they wish to teach. A candidate may be eligible to apply for multiple categories simultaneously if they satisfy the requirements for each.
Category I: Lower Primary Classes (I-V)
To apply for Category I of the Kerala TET 2026, candidates must possess the following minimum qualifications:
- Higher Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 45% marks.
- Completion of a 2-year Diploma in Education (D.Ed.) or a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (DElEd) from a recognized institute.
- Alternatively, candidates with a Higher Secondary certificate and a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.) with minimum 45% marks are also eligible.
- Candidates belonging to SC/ST categories or those with disabilities are typically granted a relaxation of 5% in the required percentage.
Category II: Upper Primary Classes (VI-VIII)
For Category II, candidates seeking to teach upper primary levels must fulfill these requirements:
- A Bachelor's Degree (BA/BSc) from a recognized university.
- Completion of a 2-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) program from a recognized institution.
- Candidates should also have secured at least 45% marks in their degree and B.Ed. qualifications.
- Relaxation in minimum percentage (usually 5%) is provided for reserved categories (SC/ST/Differently Abled).
- A 4-year B.El.Ed. or B.Ed. (Special Education) degree with a minimum of 45% marks is also accepted.
Category III: High School Classes (IX-X)
Category III eligibility focuses on specialized subject teaching at the high school level. The requirements are generally more specific:
- A Bachelor's Degree in the respective subject (e.g., BA, B.Sc) with at least 45% marks.
- A B.Ed. degree from a recognized university in the same subject area.
- For subjects where B.Ed. is not available (e.g., Fine Arts, Music), candidates require specific alternative qualifications as per the official notification.
- Candidates belonging to SC/ST/Differently Abled categories receive a 5% relaxation in marks.
Category IV: Language Teachers and Specialized Subjects
Category IV caters to specific language teachers (Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Sanskrit) and other specialized instructors. The requirements often involve a specific degree and training combination:
- For Language Teachers (Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, Sanskrit): A relevant degree or certificate (e.g., B.A. or B.Sc. in the specific language, or specific training such as HPT, KTP, APT for Hindi, Tamil, and Arabic respectively).
- For Physical Education Teachers: A specific degree like BPEd (Bachelor of Physical Education) or equivalent.
- For Art and Craft Teachers: A relevant certificate/diploma in the specific art form, along with basic educational qualifications.
It is crucial to note that candidates in their final year of the specified training courses (D.Ed/B.Ed) are also typically eligible to apply, provided they complete the course requirements before the result declaration for KTET 2026. Candidates must check the official notification for precise details on percentage requirements and specific course relaxations.
KTET Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
Understanding the Kerala TET syllabus and exam pattern is essential for effective preparation. The exam structure is designed to evaluate the candidate's understanding of child development, pedagogy, subject knowledge, and language proficiency, aligning with the teaching level they intend to pursue.
General Exam Pattern:
- Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper based).
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Total Questions: 150 questions.
- Total Marks: 150 marks.
- Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes).
- Marking Scheme: Each question carries 1 mark. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers, encouraging candidates to attempt all questions.
- Qualifying Marks: General candidates need to score 60% (90 out of 150) to pass. Relaxation in qualifying marks (5% for OBC/SC/ST/Differently Abled categories) is usually provided.
Syllabus Breakdown by Category:
Category I Syllabus (Lower Primary):
- Child Development and Pedagogy (30 MCQs): Focus on child psychology, principles of development, learning theories, and teaching methodologies appropriate for primary school children.
- Mathematics (30 MCQs): Basic mathematical concepts, numbers, geometry, measurement, and mathematical pedagogy.
- Environmental Studies (EVS) (30 MCQs): Topics related to natural environment, social studies, health, and EVS pedagogy.
- Language I (Malayalam/Tamil/Kannada) (30 MCQs): Comprehension and language pedagogy based on the chosen language.
- Language II (English/Arabic) (30 MCQs): Comprehension and pedagogical content knowledge in the chosen second language.
Category II Syllabus (Upper Primary):
- Child Development and Pedagogy (30 MCQs): Similar to Category I but focuses on developmental psychology for upper primary students.
- Mathematics and Science (60 MCQs): For candidates selecting the Mathematics/Science specialization. Covers topics from classes VI-VIII.
- Social Science (60 MCQs): For candidates selecting the Social Science specialization. Covers history, geography, economics, and political science from classes VI-VIII.
- Language I and Language II (30 MCQs each): Similar to Category I, focusing on language skills and pedagogy relevant to upper primary level teaching.
Category III Syllabus (High School):
- Child Development and Pedagogy (30 MCQs): Focus on adolescent psychology and teaching strategies for high school students.
- Subject Specific Content (80 MCQs): Detailed knowledge of the chosen subject (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Social Studies) at the high school level, including pedagogy.
- Language I (English/Malayalam/Tamil/Kannada) (30 MCQs): Comprehension and pedagogical content related to high school language teaching.
- Language II (Not applicable for Category III, combined with other sections): Note: The structure here differs; check the official notification for precise distribution. Usually, it focuses on the chosen subject and pedagogy.
Category IV Syllabus (Specialized Subjects):
- Child Development and Pedagogy (30 MCQs): Focus on specialized teaching contexts.
- Specific Subject Content (80 MCQs): Detailed knowledge of the specific subject (e.g., Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Physical Education) and related pedagogy.
- Language I and Language II (30 MCQs each): Similar to other categories, with language specific content for language teachers.
How to Apply for Kerala TET 2026 Online
The application process for the Kerala TET 2026 examination is entirely online. Candidates must visit the official website of the Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan to register and submit their applications. Follow the steps below for a successful submission:
- Registration: Navigate to the Kerala TET section on the official website. Click on the "New Registration" link for KTET 2026. Fill in basic details such as name, date of birth, contact number, and email address to create a registration ID and password.
- Login: Use the generated registration ID and password to log in to the candidate portal.
- Application Form Filling: Complete the detailed application form. This includes entering personal information, educational qualifications, preferred examination center, and selecting the relevant categories (I, II, III, IV) for which you are applying. Ensure all details are accurate, as changes after submission may not be permitted.
- Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of essential documents, including recent passport-sized photographs and signatures. Ensure these documents meet the specifications for size and format mentioned in the official notification.
- Fee Payment: Pay the application fee through the designated online payment gateway. The fee varies depending on the candidate category (General/Reserved) and the number of categories applied for. Keep the payment receipt for future reference.
- Final Submission: Review the entire application form carefully before final submission. After submission, take a printout of the confirmation page for your records.
Candidates are strongly advised to complete the application process well before the last date (07 March 2026) to avoid potential server issues due to high traffic near the deadline.
KTET Admit Card and Results
The KTET Admit Card 2026 will be released by the KPB on its official website approximately two weeks before the examination date. Candidates will be required to download their admit cards using their application number and date of birth. The admit card is a crucial document that must be carried to the examination hall along with a valid photo ID proof. No candidate will be allowed to sit for the exam without a valid admit card.
The results for KTET 2026 will be announced on the official website following the completion of the examination and evaluation process. Successful candidates will be issued a KTET certificate, which holds a lifetime validity. The certification is essential for securing teaching positions in schools under the Government of Kerala. For detailed updates on the result declaration and certificate validity, candidates should refer to the official KPB portal regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Kerala TET (KTET)?
The Kerala Teacher Eligibility Test (KTET) is a state-level examination conducted by the Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan to determine the eligibility of candidates for teaching posts in government and private schools in Kerala. It is based on the guidelines laid down by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).
Who is eligible to apply for the Kerala TET 2026?
Eligibility for KTET 2026 depends on the category (I, II, III, IV) applied for. Generally, candidates must possess specific educational qualifications, such as a Bachelor's Degree (BA/BSc) coupled with a B.Ed., or Higher Secondary education with a DElEd/D.Ed. certificate. Detailed eligibility requirements for each category are provided in the official notification.
When will the KTET 2026 application process start?
The online application process for KTET 2026 starts on 26 February 2026 and concludes on 07 March 2026. Candidates must complete their registration and fee payment within this short window.
Is there negative marking in the KTET 2026 examination?
No, there is typically no negative marking for incorrect answers in the Kerala TET examination. This encourages candidates to attempt all 150 questions without fear of penalty.
What is the qualifying score for the Kerala TET?
To qualify for the Kerala TET certificate, general category candidates must score a minimum of 60% marks (90 out of 150). Candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/Differently Abled) receive a 5% relaxation in the qualifying score, meaning they generally need to score 55%.
How long is the KTET certificate valid?
As per the revised guidelines from the NCTE, the KTET certificate has a lifetime validity. Once a candidate qualifies for the exam, they do not need to appear for it again to secure a teaching position in Kerala schools.
Can I apply for multiple categories of KTET?
Yes, candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for multiple categories (e.g., Category I and Category II) can apply for them simultaneously by paying the corresponding application fees for each category. It is essential to ensure you meet all specific requirements for each category.
Where can I find the official syllabus for KTET 2026?
The detailed syllabus for all four categories of KTET 2026 can be downloaded from the official website of the Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan. Candidates are advised to download the syllabus specific to their chosen categories to prepare effectively for the exam.
What documents are required for the online application?
Candidates need to have scanned copies of their educational certificates, passport-sized photograph, and signature ready before starting the online application process. The size and format requirements for these documents are specified in the official notification.
What is the next step after qualifying the KTET examination?
After successfully qualifying for the Kerala TET, candidates receive a certificate. This certificate makes them eligible to apply for teaching vacancies in government and private schools in Kerala. They must then apply for specific job notifications released by various school managements or state recruitment agencies (like Kerala PSC).