Teaching Exams in India
Teaching exams in India are essential for those aspiring to pursue a career in education, whether at the school or university level. These exams assess candidates on subject knowledge, teaching aptitude, and reasoning skills, and are mandatory for securing teaching positions in government and aided institutions. Based on the teaching level and institution type, various national and state-level exams are conducted.
CTET / TET (For School Teachers)
CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) is conducted by CBSE and is required for teaching positions in central government schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS).
TET (Teacher Eligibility Test) is organized by individual state governments for recruitment in state-run schools.
These exams have two papers:
Paper I for classes I–V (Primary)
Paper II for classes VI–VIII (Upper Primary)
Subjects include Child Development & Pedagogy, Language I & II, Mathematics, and Environmental/Social Studies.
UGC NET / CSIR NET (For College/University Lecturer Roles)
UGC NET (University Grants Commission – National Eligibility Test) is conducted for humanities, social sciences, commerce, and related subjects.
CSIR NET (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – NET) focuses on science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Life Sciences, and Earth Sciences.
Qualifying these exams makes candidates eligible for the post of Assistant Professor and for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in universities and colleges across India.
The exam consists of two papers:
Paper I (General Teaching & Research Aptitude)
Paper II (Subject-Specific)
KVS / NVS / DSSSB (Central/State School Recruitment Exams)
KVS (Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan) and NVS (Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti) conduct exams to recruit teachers for central government schools across India.
DSSSB (Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board) conducts exams for various teaching posts in schools under the Delhi Government.
Positions include Primary Teacher (PRT), Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT), and Post Graduate Teacher (PGT).
The selection process usually includes a written exam followed by an interview or skill test.