Overview
Organization: Punjab State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT)
Exam Name: Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test (PSTET 2026)
Post Type: Teacher Eligibility Test (Not a Direct Recruitment)
Job Type: Eligibility Certificate for Teaching Positions (Classes 1-5 and 6-8)
Application Mode: Online only
Official Website: pstet2025.org
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 6 February 2026 |
| Start of Online Application | 6 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 20 February 2026 |
| Application Form Correction Window | 21 – 23 February 2026 |
| Admit Card Download | 21 – 23 February 2026 |
| PSTET 2026 Exam Date | 15 March 2026 (Sunday) |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | 16 March 2026 |
| Objection Submission Period | 17 – 21 March 2026 |
| Final Answer Key | 28 March 2026 |
| Result Declaration | 2 April 2026 |
📍 Exam Details
PSTET 2026 is conducted in two papers:
- Paper 1: For candidates aspiring to teach Classes 1 to 5 (Primary Level)
- Paper 2: For candidates aspiring to teach Classes 6 to 8 (Upper Primary Level)
Candidates can apply for either Paper 1, Paper 2, or both, depending on their eligibility and career goals.
Exam Mode: Offline (OMR-based pen-and-paper test)
Exam Duration: 2.5 hours per paper
Total Questions: 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) per paper
Total Marks: 150 marks per paper (1 mark per question)
Negative Marking: No negative marking
🎓 Educational Qualifications
For Paper 1 (Primary Teacher – Classes 1 to 5)
Candidates must possess any one of the following combinations:
- Senior Secondary (10+2) with at least 50% marks + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) or equivalent (completed or final year appearing)
- Senior Secondary with 45-50% marks + 2-year D.El.Ed (as per NCTE norms)
- Graduation + 2-year D.El.Ed or Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)
For Paper 2 (Upper Primary Teacher – Classes 6 to 8)
Candidates must possess any one of the following:
- Graduation + 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed)
- Graduation with at least 50% marks + 1-year Bachelor in Education (B.Ed)
- 4-year Integrated B.El.Ed / B.A.B.Ed / B.Sc.B.Ed or equivalent (as specified by NCTE)
Note: Candidates are advised to read the official PSTET 2026 notification carefully for complete qualification details, subject combinations, and relaxations applicable to reserved categories.
💰 Application Fee
| Category | Paper 1 Only | Paper 2 Only | Both Papers |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / Other States | ₹1,100 | ₹1,100 | ₹2,200 |
| SC / ST / PH | ₹550 | ₹550 | ₹1,100 |
| Ex-Servicemen | Exempted | Exempted | Exempted |
Payment Mode: Online (Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking)
Note: The application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
🎯 Selection Process
PSTET is an eligibility test and not a recruitment exam. The selection process involves:
- Written Examination: Offline OMR-based test
- Answer Key Release: Provisional and Final Answer Keys published
- Result Declaration: Pass/Fail based on qualifying marks
- Certificate Issuance: Eligibility certificate valid for 7 years
Qualifying PSTET does not guarantee a teaching job. It makes candidates eligible to apply for teacher recruitment drives conducted by the Punjab Education Department and aided schools.
⏳ Age Limit
There is no minimum or maximum age limit to appear in PSTET 2026.
📋 Exam Pattern
Paper 1 (Classes 1-5)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Paper 2 (Classes 6-8)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics & Science / Social Studies | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Note: In Paper 2, candidates must choose either Mathematics & Science or Social Studies based on the subject they wish to teach.
📝 Qualifying Marks
To pass PSTET 2026, candidates must secure the following minimum marks:
| Category | Minimum Marks Required | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| General | 90 out of 150 | 60% |
| OBC / SC / ST | 82 out of 150 | 55% |
✅ Certificate Validity
The PSTET qualifying certificate is valid for 7 years from the date of result declaration for all categories.
📑 How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for PSTET 2026:
- Visit the official website: pstet2025.org
- Click on “PSTET 2026 Online Application” or “New Registration”
- Enter your Email ID and Mobile Number to receive OTP
- Verify OTP and create login credentials (username and password)
- Login using your credentials and fill in the application form with:
- Personal details
- Educational qualifications
- Choice of Paper (Paper 1, Paper 2, or Both)
- Exam center preference
- Upload scanned documents:
- Recent passport-size photograph (JPEG format, max 50 KB)
- Signature (JPEG format, max 20 KB)
- Pay the application fee online
- Submit the form and download/print the confirmation page for future reference
Correction Window: Candidates can edit limited fields (name, DOB, photo, signature, contact details) between 21-23 February 2026.
⚙️ Key Documents Required
- Recent passport-size color photograph (JPEG, max 50 KB)
- Scanned signature (JPEG, max 20 KB)
- Valid Email ID
- Active Mobile Number
- Educational qualification certificates (for verification)
- Category certificate (if applicable)
📘 Important Links
- Official Website: https://pstet2025.org/
- Register & Apply Online: Click Here
- Official Notification PDF: Download Here
- Syllabus & Exam Pattern: Available on official website
- Previous Year Papers: Check official website
📚 PSTET 2026 Syllabus (Brief Overview)
Common for Both Papers:
- Child Development & Pedagogy: Learning theories, child psychology, inclusive education, special needs education, teaching-learning processes
Paper 1 Specific:
- Language I & II: Comprehension, grammar, pedagogy of language development
- Mathematics: Numbers, operations, geometry, measurement, data handling, pedagogy
- Environmental Studies: Family, food, shelter, water, travel, animals, plants, pedagogy
Paper 2 Specific:
- Mathematics & Science: Advanced concepts in maths and science with teaching methodology
- Social Studies: History, geography, political science, economics with pedagogy
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is PSTET 2026?
PSTET is the Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test, mandatory for candidates wishing to become teachers for Classes 1-8 in Punjab government and aided schools.
Q2. When is the PSTET 2026 exam?
The exam is scheduled for 15 March 2026 (Sunday).
Q3. Can I apply for both Paper 1 and Paper 2?
Yes, eligible candidates can apply for both papers by paying the combined application fee.
Q4. Is there any age limit for PSTET?
No, there is no minimum or maximum age limit to appear in PSTET 2026.
Q5. What is the validity of the PSTET certificate?
The PSTET qualifying certificate is valid for 7 years from the date of result declaration.
Q6. Does PSTET qualify me for a teaching job?
No, PSTET only makes you eligible to apply for teaching positions. It is not a direct recruitment exam.
Q7. What are the qualifying marks?
General category: 60% (90/150); Reserved categories: 55% (82/150).
Q8. Can I edit my application after submission?
Yes, during the correction window (21-23 February 2026), you can edit limited fields.
Note: Candidates are strongly advised to regularly visit the official PSTET website for the latest updates, notifications, and announcements regarding the exam.
