List of Teaching Entrance Exams for Government Jobs in India: Every year, various teaching entrance exams are conducted at the national and state levels for government jobs. With the huge demand for government jobs, especially in the education sector, a huge number of aspirants appear for the teaching entrance exams increasing the competition level significantly. Lucrative salary packages, job security, and job satisfaction are some of the reasons why government teaching jobs are and always have been so much in demand.

There is no doubt about the fact that teaching entrance exams have a cut-throat level of competition and only a select number of students are able to qualify for the same. That being said, candidates will have to meet the eligibility criteria for teaching entrance exams before they can apply for any such tests. Each of these exams has a specific set of eligibility criteria that must be met by candidates. Only after meeting the eligibility criteria and qualifying for the exam, candidates will be considered for government teaching jobs and earn decent pay packages. In this article, we have mentioned all the important details for some of the most popular teaching entrance exams for government jobs in India.

Also Read: Top 10 Teacher Training Courses in India

Teaching Entrance Exams for Government Jobs in India Highlights

Before diving into the detailed description of the most popular teaching entrance exams in India let's take a look at some of the major highlights of these teaching entrances exam mentioned in the table:

Central Teacher Eligibility Test CTET 

Central Teacher Eligibility Test or CTET is conducted by the CBSE. It tests the eligibility of candidates if they can teach in the schools of the Central Government in India. Candidates with a CTET certificate can apply for jobs in the Central Government schools (NVS, KVS, Central Tibetan Schools, and more). In addition, they are also eligible to apply for jobs in schools under the administrative control of UTs including Chandigarh, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and NCT of Delhi). The CTET certificate is also applicable to unaided private schools.

Eligibility - Candidates who pass the 12th standard with at least 45% marks can appear for Paper 1. The candidates who scored 50% marks in graduation are eligible to sit for Paper 2, and candidates with a B.Ed can appear for Paper 1 and Paper 2. 

Also Read:List of Documents Required to Fill CTET 2023 Application Form

State TETs

Apart from the CTET exam, the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is conducted by state governments as well. The state TETS are conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for Class 1 to 8 teaching positions. Eligibility for teaching positions for Class 9 to 12 and teaching positions for language subjects are also determined by the state TET exams. Find out more about some of the most popular state TET exams and their eligibility criteria.

MAHA TET - Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test

The MAHA TET or the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test is a state-level entrance exam conducted for determining the eligibility of candidates who wish to apply for teaching positions in the schools of Maharashtra. It is conducted by the Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) in offline mode. There are two levels of the MAHA TET exam namely Primary (Paper 1) and Upper Primary (Paper 2). Aspirants who wish to teach classes 1 to 5 must appear for Paper 1 and those who wish to teach Classes 6 to 8 must appear for Paper 2. Aspirants who wish to be eligible for teaching Classes 1 to 8 must appear for both papers.

Eligibility - Candidates who wish to appear for the MAHA TET exam must have completed their Class 12 and Graduation. Candidates must also possess a Diploma in Education or a Bachelor of Education degree.

Also Read:MAHA TET 2023

MP TET - Madhya Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test

The Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board (MPPEB) administers the Madhya Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test (MP TET) to candidates seeking employment as primary, middle, and high school teachers in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The MP TET exam is divided into three level, Primary School, Middle School, and High School. Candidates applying for teaching positions for Classes 1 to 5 must take the MP Primary School TET exam. Aspirants planning to apply for teaching positions in Classes 6 to 8 must take the MP Middle School TET exam. Candidates who wish to teach Classes 9 to 12 must take the MP High School TET exam. The MP TET exam is conducted in online mode and the questions asked in the exam are MCQs.

Eligibility - Candidates who wish to apply for the MP TET exam must have completed their Class 12 with at least 50% aggregate marks. Candidates must also possess a two-year Diploma in Elementary Education or a B.Ed degree with at least 50% aggregate marks or a Diploma in Special Education or a Bachelor of Elementary Education degree. 

Also Read:MP TET 2023

KARTET - Karnataka Teacher Eligibility Test

The Centralised Admission Cell (CAC), Office of the Commissioner of Public Instruction, Bangalore, Karnataka, administers the Karnataka Teacher Eligibility Test (KARTET). The KARTET exam is conducted to ascertain a candidate's eligibility to teach classes 1 through 8 in Karnataka's public schools. The Karnataka Teacher Eligibility Test has two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 2 of the KARTET is for candidates who want to teach upper primary (Classes 6 to 8), while Paper 1 is for candidates who want to teach lower primary (Classes 1 to 5). Candidates who successfully complete the Karnataka Teacher Eligibility Test are given a certificate of eligibility, which is valid for life.

Eligibility - Candidates who wish to apply for the Paper 1 of the KARTET exam must have completed their Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% aggregate marks and KARTET Paper 2 aspirants must have completed their graduation with at least 50% aggregate marks. Candidates must have passed or must be appearing in the final year of a Diploma in Elementary Education or Diploma in Special Education or a Bachelor of Elementary Education degree.

Also Read:Karnataka TET 2023 Answer Key, Result, Cut off, Selection Process

HTET – Haryana Teaching Entrance Test

HTET is a state-level Haryana Teacher Eligibility Test. The exam is organized by the Board of Secondary Education Haryana (BSEH). The exam is conducted to shortlist candidates for the post of private and government schools. There are three different papers conducted in the offline mode. The exam is for 150 marks and candidates are given 2.5 hours to solve the paper. 

• Candidates appearing for Paper-1 exam will be selected to teach students of Classes I to V. 
• Candidates selected through Paper-2 will be appointed as teachers for Classes VI to VIII.
• After qualifying Paper-3, candidates will be selected as PGTs (Post Graduate Teacher) for classes IX-X. 

Eligibility - Candidates scoring 50% and above in 12th in addition to a B.Ed or diploma in education can appear for the exam.

UPTET - Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test

Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Board (UPBEB) conducts Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test (UPTET). It is a state eligibility test organized to select suitable candidates for teaching positions at different levels. The candidates who qualify the exam will be appointed as teachers in Government & Government-aided schools in Uttar Pradesh. The state-level UPTET examination is conducted each year to recruit candidates for different levels. To become a government school teacher, it is necessary for candidates to qualify for UPTET, which is the minimum qualification required in Uttar Pradesh for individuals to get an appointment as teachers. The eligible candidates can work as teachers for the primary (classes I to V) and upper primary (classes VI to VIII) classes. The applicants can appear for both UPTET Paper 1 and Paper 2. The candidates who qualify Paper 1 will become teachers for Class I to Class V. After clearing Paper 2, candidates will be selected as teachers for Class VI to Class VIII. Each of the papers includes 150 questions for 1 mark each. Candidates get 2.5 hours to solve each of the papers.

Eligibility - Candidates scoring 50% marks in B.Ed or 45% marks in D.Ed are eligible for the exam.

TSTET - Telangana State Teacher Eligibility Test 

The Department of School Education, Government of Telangana conducts the Telangana State Teachers Eligibility Test once in a year. TS TET is conducted in two levels (level 1 and level 2). After qualifying for the TSTET Level 1 exam, candidates will be recruited as primary teachers. They will be responsible for students of Classes 1 to 5. The candidates who qualify for the TSTET Level 2 exam will be recruited as upper primary teachers. They will get appointed as teachers for classes 6 to 8 in the private or government schools of Telangana.  

Both Paper 1 and 2 include 150 questions for 1 mark each. The candidates will get 150 minutes to solve each of the papers.

Eligibility - Candidates with 50% in aggregate in bachelor’s degree can appear for the examination. The candidates from reserved categories have a rebate of 5%. With a score of 45% marks in bachelor’s degree, they can sit for the exam.

Also Read:TS TET 2023

OTET - Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test

Candidates interested in working as Government teachers can appear for Odisha State Teacher Eligibility Test (Odisha TET). It is a state-level exam that enables selected candidates to work as teachers. After completing B.Ed. degree, candidates can appear for Odisha TET. Paper 1 is for a total of 150 marks and Paper 2 is for 90 marks. For both papers, candidates will get 2 hours and 30 minutes to solve the paper. 

The exam prepares candidates to work as government or private school teachers. The candidates who are able to crack the exam and score high marks can easily find teaching jobs. To qualify the exam, candidates must go through the exam pattern for both papers. The candidates who pass both papers will be given the teaching certificate.

Eligibility - With 50% marks in Class 12 and a relevant bachelor’s degree, candidates can appear for the OTET.

RTET - Rajasthan Teacher Eligibility Test

Rajasthan Teacher Eligibility Test (RTET) or Rajasthan Eligibility Examination for Teachers (REET) is conducted to test the knowledge of candidates wishing to become teachers. Through this exam, candidates can work as teachers for primary and upper primary classes. It is mandatory for all aspirants to qualify for the RTET or REET to become a teacher in the state of Rajasthan. 

RTET/REET is conducted each year by the Rajasthan Board of secondary education. The exam takes place in two stages. Candidates who qualify for RTET Stage I can become teachers for the primary classes. In addition, aspirants qualifying for RTET Stage II are selected to teach students for upper primary classes. Both the papers will be of 150 marks each and there will be no negative marking. According to the choices of students, applicants can appear for either paper I, paper II, or both. After the exam is conducted, a list of cut-off marks is released. Candidates can check the list on the website and check if their scores match. If they qualify, they will get a RTET certificate.

Eligibility - Candidates with 50% marks in graduation and passed or appearing in the final year of their diploma can appear for RTET.

TNTET - Tamil Nadu Teachers Eligibility Test 

Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test (TNTET) conducted by the Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB) is the state-level exam. The candidates who qualify for the exam are appointed as teachers for the elementary and primary levels in Tamil Nadu. Every year, the TNTET exam is conducted in offline mode. TNTET is divided into 2 papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2. There are 150 questions in each paper and students have a duration of 3 hours to solve each paper. The candidates qualifying for Paper 1 are appointed as teachers for Primary Classes (Class I to V). The candidates qualifying for Paper 2 are recruited as Upper Primary Teachers (Class VI to VIII). Before the exam date, candidates are allotted a schedule including the details of the exam center. After qualifying for the TNTET, candidates can get a teaching certificate that is valid for a lifetime.

Eligibility - Candidates with at least 50% marks in addition to Diploma in Elementary Education. Even the candidates in the final year of diploma can appear for the exam.

KTET - Kerala Teacher Eligibility Test

KTET or Kerala Teacher Eligibility Test is a state-level eligibility test conducted to recruit candidates for teaching posts. The exam is conducted by the Kerala State Education Board (KSEB) twice a year. Through the KTET exam, the eligibility of aspirants is tested for Lower Primary, Upper Primary, and High School classes. The candidates who qualify for the exam are recruited to teach classes 1 to 12. According to the exam, individuals are recruited for Primary classes, Upper primary classes, and secondary classes. The candidates will have to crack Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3 respectively. Each paper is worth 150 marks and candidates have to solve them in 2.5 hours.

Eligibility - Candidates must have scored 45% marks in senior secondary in addition to 2 year Diploma in Elementary Education or a Trained Teachers’ Certificate. 

SET – State Level Eligibility Test or State Eligibility Test

The State Level Eligibility Test is conducted across the nation in English. The states are responsible for conducting their own test for lectureships. Candidates who qualify for the SET will get a pass certificate that will be valid for a lifetime. The candidates scoring above 55% marks in the master’s degree will be eligible to appear for the SET. However, SC/ST candidates can sit for the exam after securing 50%. The eligibility requirements may vary from state to state. After qualifying for SET, candidates will be able to get a reputed teaching job. They can join leading organizations as Assistant Professor, Lecturers, University Professors, Research Assistants, Head Professors, and more. 

Eligibility - Candidates who wish to appear for any of the SET exams must have completed their Master’s degree or equivalent with at least 55% aggregate marks (50% for Reserved Category candidates) in any of the subjects offered by SET from a university recognized by the UGC or Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

MH SET - Maharashtra State Eligibility Test

The Maharashtra State Eligibility Test (MH SET) test is administered by the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) in order to choose applicants for assistant professor positions in Maharashtra and Goa's colleges and universities. The MH SET exam is conducted for 32 subjects offered by the faculties of Arts, Commerce, Science, Management, Law, Mental, Moral, and Social Sciences, Education, and Physical Education. Candidates for the MH SET must appear for any one of the subjects, ideally, the one in which they have pursued post-graduate study. According to the official website, candidates whose post-graduate subject is not included in the list of subjects should choose a similar subject instead. Candidates who have already qualified in one subject will not be permitted to take the same subject again in the SET exam.

APSET - Andhra Pradesh State Eligibility Test

The Andhra University in Vishakhapatnam administers the Andhra Pradesh State Eligibility Test (APSET) on behalf of the Government of Andhra Pradesh to ascertain a candidate's eligibility for the position of Assistant Professor or Lecturer in the state's colleges and universities. Totaling 30 subjects across different streams, the exam is administered. APSET is conducted for a total of 30 subjects covering a variety of streams. The exam is conducted in offline mode and is divided into Paper 1 and Paper 2. Each paper of the APSET exam has a different duration and number of questions. 

Kerala SET - Kerala State Eligibility Test

The LBS Centre for Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, administers the Kerala State Eligibility Test for applicants seeking positions as non-vocational teachers in VHSE and teachers of higher secondary schools. Candidates must meet the prescribed requirements in order to be appointed as Higher Secondary School Teachers in the State, which includes qualifying for the Kerala SET. The Kerala SET exam lasts for four hours in total. Aspirants must complete two papers as part of the Kerala SET test. Paper 2 includes questions from the candidate's area of post-graduate specialization, while Paper 1 is the same for all candidates. 31 subjects are available for candidates to choose from when taking the Kerala SET Paper 2 test.

TS SET - Telangana State Eligibility Test

TS SET or the Telangana State Eligibility Test is a teaching eligibility test conducted at the  state-level for ascertaining the eligibility of students for the position of Assistant Professor and Lecturer in universities and colleges located in the state of Telangana. Osmania University conducts the TS SET on behalf of the Telangana State Government every year in online mode as Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 is focused on General Studies and the subject for Paper 2 can be chosen out of the 29 subjects offered by TS SET. Candidates need to appear for both papers in order to qualify for the TS SET exam. Only TS SET-qualified candidates are awarded the eligibility certificates.

JK SET - Jammu & Kashmir State Eligibility Test

The Jammu & Kashmir State Eligibility Test (JK SET)/ Ladakh State Eligibility Test (LASET) is a state-level test used to assess candidates' qualifications for assistant professor positions in the universities and colleges of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Union Territories. The University of Jammu conducts the examination once a year in 38 different subjects from various streams. The test is administered offline and is split into Paper 1 and Paper 2, each of which has a different exam length and amount of questions. The subject for Paper 2 can be chosen from a list of 38 disciplines, with Paper 1 testing general knowledge and teaching aptitude.

WB SET - West Bengal State Eligibility Test

The West Bengal College Service Commission (WBCSC) administers the West Bengal State Eligibility Test (WB SET) to individuals applying for assistant professor positions in West Bengal's universities and colleges. The test is administered by WBCSC in two sessions for Papers 1 and 2. Subjects in Paper 1 are common for all applicants whereas Paper 2 is conducted for any of the 33 subjects offered. To qualify for the Assistant Professor position, candidates must receive the required minimum scores on both Papers of WB SET combined. Candidates who pass the exam will be subject to all state laws and norms governing the hiring of assistant professors.

SET Eligibility

Candidates who wish to appear for any of the SET exams must have completed their Master’s degree or equivalent with at least 55% aggregate marks (50% for Reserved Category candidates) in any of the subjects offered by SET from a university recognized by the UGC or Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

KVS Exam- Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan

Through the KVS exam, candidates are selected as government teachers for schools across the nation. The candidates are selected for various teaching positions such as PRTs, TGTs, and PGTs. The recruitment is also done for other job posts including Librarian, Vice Principal, and Principal. After qualifying the KVS exam, candidates get job postings in KVS schools throughout the country. Each paper consists of 180 questions for which candidates get 180 minutes to solve the paper.

It is a central-level exam consisting of two stages (a written exam and an interview). The written exam has different exam patterns according to the job post. Even the eligibility criteria are set according to the job position. The written exam is conducted in the offline mode. The candidates must go through the eligibility conditions before applying for the exam.

Eligibility - Candidates with 50% marks in Senior Secondary in addition to a diploma in elementary education or B.Ed from a recognized university.

NET - National Eligibility Test

The National Eligibility Test or NET as it is popularly known is conducted to ascertain a candidate's eligibility for the position of Assistant Professor and/or the award of a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). Candidates who pass the NET exam are qualified to apply for government jobs as lecturers or assistant professors in Indian institutions and colleges. Candidates who pass the NET exam for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) are qualified to conduct research in their chosen field at Indian universities and colleges.  

The National Testing Agency (NTA) administers two NET tests in India. These tests are known as CSIR NET and UGC NET, and both of these exams are conducted at the national level. Check out the detailed description for both the NET exams mentioned below.

UGC NET - University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test

The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) or NTA UGC NET is conducted to select candidates for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities and colleges. There are 83 subjects in total for which the UGC NET is offered. The University Grants Commission itself sets the requirements for the UGC NET syllabus, which varies for each of the 83 disciplines. Up till June 2018, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) handled NET exam administration on behalf of UGC. But starting in December 2018, the National Testing Agency (NTA) began administering the UGC NET exam.

Eligibility - Candidates who wish to apply for UGC NET must have completed their postgraduate degree with at least 55% aggregate marks (50% for Reserved Category candidates) from a UGC-recognized college or university. Candidates must not be older than 30 years for the Junior Research Fellowship post however there is no age limit for the Assistant Professor positions. 

Also Read:UGC NET 2023 Exam Day Guidelines

CSIR NET - Council of Scientific and Industrial Research NET

The National Testing Agency (NTA) administers the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) National Eligibility Test (NET), also known as the CSIR UGC NET, to determine candidates' eligibility for Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) and Lectureships (LS)/Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities and colleges. Only candidates who pass the CSIR NET exam are eligible to work as lecturers in the faculty of science and technology. The subjects for which CSIR NET is conducted are Chemical Sciences, Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.

Eligibility - Candidates must hold a BTech, BE, BPharm, MBBS, or Integrated BS-MS/MSc degree with a minimum 55% score for General (UR), General-EWS, and OBC (and 50% for Reserved Category). Candidates must not be older than 28 years of age for the Junior Research Fellowship positon (5 years relaxation for Reserved Category and 3 years relaxation for OBC-NCL candidates). There is no upper age limit to apply for the post of Lectureship (LS)/ Assistant Professor

Candidates can also check out the articles mentioned below to know about different teaching entrance exams for government jobs in India!

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