TET Eligibility Checker 2026

Comprehensive Guide to TET Eligibility 2026

The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is the benchmark examination for aspiring teachers in India. Whether you are aiming for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) conducted by CBSE or various State TETs (like UPTET, REET, TNTET), understanding the strict eligibility criteria set by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) is crucial before applying. This guide covers all the updated rules for 2026.

What is the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET)?

TET is a mandatory qualification for becoming a teacher in government and aided schools in India for Classes 1 to 8. The exam is divided into two parts:

Paper 1: For candidates intending to teach Classes 1 to 5 (Primary Stage).
Paper 2: For candidates intending to teach Classes 6 to 8 (Elementary Stage).

Candidates wishing to teach both levels must appear for both papers.

            🚀 2026 Update on B.Ed Eligibility: Following the Supreme Court verdict, B.Ed degree holders are no longer eligible for the Primary Teacher (Paper 1) post. Only D.El.Ed/BTC candidates are eligible for Class 1-5. B.Ed is now exclusively for Upper Primary (Class 6-8) and above.
        

CTET & TET Eligibility Criteria 2026 (Detailed)

1. Eligibility for Paper 1 (Primary Teacher - Class 1 to 5)

To become a primary teacher, you must hold a diploma in elementary education. The B.Ed degree is not valid for this level anymore.

Qualification Code	Educational Requirement
Code 1	Senior Secondary (12th) with at least 50% marks + Passed or Appearing in final year of 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed / BTC).
Code 2	Senior Secondary (12th) with at least 50% marks + Passed or Appearing in final year of 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed).
Code 3	Senior Secondary (12th) with at least 50% marks + Passed or Appearing in final year of 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education).

2. Eligibility for Paper 2 (Upper Primary Teacher - Class 6 to 8)

For upper primary classes, candidates can possess either a graduation degree combined with a diploma or a B.Ed degree.

Qualification Code	Educational Requirement
Code 1	Graduation and passed or appearing in final year of 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
Code 2	Graduation with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in 1-year Bachelor in Education (B.Ed).
Code 3	Graduation with at least 45% marks and passed or appearing in 1-year B.Ed, in accordance with the NCTE Regulations.
Code 4	Senior Secondary (12th) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in final year of 4-year B.El.Ed.

Age Limit and Relaxations

One of the unique aspects of TET exams, especially CTET, is the age limit.

Minimum Age: The candidate must be at least 18 years old (some states require 21 years for recruitment).
Maximum Age: There is no upper age limit for appearing in the TET exam itself. However, actual recruitment exams (like KVS, DSSSB, Super TET) have age caps (usually 30-40 years).

Qualifying Marks & Certificate Validity

To clear the TET exam, a candidate must score a minimum of 60% marks (90 out of 150).

General Category: 60% Marks.
OBC/SC/ST/PwD: 55% Marks (82 out of 150) in most states and CTET.

Validity: The TET Qualifying Certificate is now valid for a Lifetime. You do not need to renew it every 7 years as per previous rules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is B.Ed degree valid for Primary Teacher (Paper 1) in 2026?

No. As per the recent Supreme Court judgment and updated NCTE guidelines, B.Ed candidates are generally NOT eligible for Primary Teacher (Class 1-5) posts. Candidates must possess a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed/BTC) to apply for Paper 1.

Can final year appearing students apply for CTET or TET?

Yes, candidates who have taken admission and are appearing in the final year/semester of their Teacher Training Course (B.Ed/D.El.Ed) are eligible to apply for TET exams provisionally.

What is the minimum age limit for TET exams in India?

The minimum age limit for appearing in CTET is 18 years. However, for specific recruitment exams (like KVS, DSSSB, Super TET), the minimum age requirement is usually 21 years.

What is the validity period of the TET Certificate?

The Ministry of Education has extended the validity of the TET (Teacher Eligibility Test) qualifying certificate from 7 years to Lifetime. Once you clear the exam, your certificate is valid forever.

Is there any limit on the number of attempts for TET?

No, there is no restriction on the number of attempts a person can take for acquiring a CTET or TET certificate. You can appear as many times as you want to improve your score.

How much percentage is required in 12th or Graduation for TET?

Generally, candidates require at least 50% marks in Senior Secondary (for Primary) or Graduation (for Upper Primary). However, a relaxation of 5% is often given to SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates.

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