Government Teaching Exams (TET/PRT/TGT)
Build a noble and secure career shaping the future in Government Schools
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Skills you'll walk away with
Jobs this leads to
- Primary Teacher (PRT)
- Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT)
- Post Graduate Teacher (PGT)
Before you start
- ✓ Bachelor's Degree
- ✓ B.Ed or D.El.Ed degree
9 missions to Government Teaching Exams
4 worlds, 9 missions. Tap any circle to open it; the glowing one is next.
Getting the mandatory degrees.
The actual job placement exams.
More about this career
About the job, pay where you live, questions people ask, and where this career can take you next.
About the job
What you’d do
- Plan lessons and organise curriculum content to meet learning objectives for every student
- Teach, assess students' learning and reflect on how well lessons worked
- Choose and use resources, including textbooks, in a meaningful way
- Run learning in classrooms, libraries, laboratories, playgrounds and on field trips
- Build trusting relationships with parents, the community and school management
- Keep developing your skills through continuous professional development
Where you’d work
- Central government schools, such as Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas and Tibetan schools
- Schools run by Union Territory administrations
- State government, local body and aided schools (which use the State TET)
- Unaided private schools that choose to accept CTET
Every step in full
The complete text of every step, to read or print. Work through them in the journey above.
Acquiring the Qualification 3 steps
Complete Mandatory Higher Education
Complete your Graduation, and enroll in a professional teaching degree — B.Ed for TGT/PGT roles, or D.El.Ed for PRT (Primary Teacher) roles.
Real-world task: Verify the NCTE recognition status of your desired B.Ed/D.El.Ed college online before taking admission.
Why it matters: Without proper NCTE-recognized qualifications, you are permanently disqualified from any government teaching job, regardless of your exam scores.
Checklist
- Determine your target level: Primary (Class 1-5), Upper Primary (6-8), or Senior (9-12)
- Secure admission into a recognized B.Ed or D.El.Ed program
- Maintain strong academic scores in your graduation (often calculated in final merit lists)
- Ensure the institute is recognized by the NCTE (National Council for Teacher Education)
Master Child Development & Pedagogy (CDP)
Focus heavily on Child Development and Pedagogy during your training, as it forms the psychological foundation of all teaching exams.
Real-world task: Write a comparative analysis of Piaget’s cognitive development theory vs Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory.
Why it matters: CDP guarantees at least 30 easy marks in every TET exam ever conducted. Mastering it early reduces the burden later.
Checklist
- Study foundational theorists: Piaget, Vygotsky, Kohlberg, and Gardner
- Understand inclusive education and learning disabilities
- Learn modern teaching methodologies and the National Education Policy (NEP 2020)
- Take copious notes during your core B.Ed psychology lectures
Excel in the Teaching Internship
Undertake the mandatory school teaching internship seriously to build real classroom management skills.
Real-world task: Deliver a 40-minute mathematics or language lesson using at least two physical, non-digital teaching aids.
Why it matters: The internship prepares you for the high-pressure demo teaching rounds in interviews for premier institutions like KVS and NVS.
Checklist
- Create detailed, effective daily lesson plans
- Practice board-writing skills (managing spacing and legibility)
- Develop creative Teaching Learning Materials (TLMs)
- Learn to manage chaotic classrooms without resorting to punitive measures
Eligibility Tests (CTET / State TET) 2 steps
Clear CTET or State TET
Apply for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) or your respective State TET and reach the qualifying mark set in the current information bulletin (relaxations apply to reserved categories as the bulletin states).
Real-world task: Solve a complete CTET PYQ paper and score 100+ to ensure a safe buffer above the passing mark.
Why it matters: TET is a mandatory gatekeeper. You cannot even fill out the form for recruitment exams without a valid TET certificate. It is qualifying, not competitive.
Checklist
- Understand the syllabus distinction between Paper 1 (PRT) and Paper 2 (TGT)
- Do not aim for 150/150; strategize to comfortably cross the 90-mark threshold
- Focus extensively on pedagogical questions applied to subjects (e.g., 'Math Pedagogy')
- Practice previous years' CTET question papers rigorously
Master NCERT Books for Subject Sections
Revise NCERT books thoroughly for the Environmental Studies (EVS), Mathematics, Science, and Social Science sections of the TET.
Real-world task: Create flashcards for the flora, fauna, and cultural data points mentioned across Class 3-5 EVS NCERTs.
Why it matters: CBSE conducts CTET, and their questions are lifted verbatim, word-for-word, from NCERT textbooks.
Checklist
- Read Class 1 to 5 NCERT EVS books cover to cover for Paper 1
- Read Class 6 to 8 NCERT Science/Social Science books for Paper 2
- Make condensed factual notes from NCERT boxes and summaries
- Avoid reading high-level graduation books for this basic eligibility test
Recruitment Exams (DSSSB/KVS/State) 2 steps
Prepare for the Competitive Recruitment Exam
Prepare for the heavy competition by focusing on General Awareness, Reasoning, and Language (Hindi & English), as well as subject-specific knowledge.
Real-world task: Attempt a DSSSB PRT part-A mock test and secure at least 70/100 to prove competitive readiness.
Why it matters: TET is easy and qualifying; recruitment exams are brutal and competitive. Your rank here dictates whether you get the job or wait for years.
Checklist
- Shift mindset from 'Qualifying' (TET) to 'Highly Competitive' (Selection Exam)
- Build speed in reasoning and basic quantitative aptitude
- Master Hindi and English grammar to secure high scores in language sections
- Map out the exact syllabus provided by DSSSB, KVS, or your state board
Deep Dive into Subject Expertise (TGT/PGT)
For TGT and PGT candidates, dive extremely deep into your specific subject (e.g., Mathematics, History, Physics) up to the Graduation or Post-Graduation level.
Real-world task: Solve the 100-mark subject-specific section of a previous year KVS PGT paper for your respective subject.
Why it matters: General sections are scoring, but the subject-specific section carries immense weightage and weeds out candidates with shallow knowledge.
Checklist
- Solve standard competitive books for your core subject (e.g., JEE Mains level for PGT Physics)
- Revise all core formulas, historical dates, or literary eras relevant to your subject
- Focus on subject pedagogy (how to teach complex subjects simply)
- Do extensive PYQ practice of KVS/NVS/DSSSB subject papers
Interview & Demo Teaching 2 steps
Prepare for the Personal Interview
If clearing exams like KVS/NVS, prepare for the interview round by anticipating questions on educational psychology, the NEP 2020, and situational classroom challenges.
Real-world task: Conduct a mock interview answering situational questions about handling an uncooperative, disruptive student.
Why it matters: Interviews assess whether you are emotionally mature enough to handle children safely and constructively.
Checklist
- Read the entire National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 summary
- Prepare answers for behavioral challenges (e.g., handling a bullied child, angry parents)
- Formulate a strong answer for 'Why do you want to be a teacher?'
- Maintain a polite, positive, and strictly non-punitive mindset in all responses
Master the Demo Teaching Round
Prepare 2-3 excellent mock lessons (Demo Teaching) using creative props, poems, or impeccable whiteboarding skills.
Real-world task: Record a 5-minute video of yourself teaching a mock class at a whiteboard, evaluating your eye contact and board usage.
Why it matters: The panel wants to see the teacher in you come alive. Demo teaching often carries 50% of the entire interview weightage.
Checklist
- Prepare one poetry recitation (with actions) for PRT
- Prepare one complex concept explanation for TGT/PGT
- Practice writing cleanly on the board while simultaneously engaging the 'students'
- Use easily available props or craft engaging introductory hooks
Questions people ask about Government Teaching Exams (TET/PRT/TGT)
Clear answers regarding timelines, prerequisites, salaries, and study strategies.
How long does it take to become a Government Teaching Exams (TET/PRT/TGT)?
This roadmap estimates 1–2 years preparation. It has 4 phases and 9 steps, from “Acquiring the Qualification” to “Interview & Demo Teaching”.
How do I become a Government Teaching Exams (TET/PRT/TGT) in India?
Follow the 4 phases in order, starting with Phase 1, “Acquiring the Qualification”. Your first task: Verify the NCTE recognition status of your desired B.Ed/D.El.Ed college online before taking admission.
How much does a Government Teaching Exams (TET/PRT/TGT) earn?
DraftMyCareer estimates ₹4.5L - ₹12L+ a year in India, from entry level to senior. It is an estimate, not an official figure; our methodology page explains how it is worked out.
What do I need before starting?
This roadmap lists: Bachelor's Degree; B.Ed or D.El.Ed degree.
What skills does a Government Teaching Exams (TET/PRT/TGT) need?
This roadmap covers: Child Development & Pedagogy, Subject Expertise, Classroom Management, Lesson Planning, Communication.