The official BPSC TRE 4.0 Notification 2026 has been released for 32,388 Bihar teacher vacancies. The online registration process starts on September 21, 2026. Discover crucial updates on eligibility, vacancies, exam patterns, and age criteria below.
BPSC TRE 4.0 Notification 2026 Released
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has published the official TRE 4.0 recruitment notification under Advertisement No. 14/2026, announcing 32,388 school teacher vacancies within the Bihar Education Department. According to the revised schedule, qualified candidates can submit their online applications beginning September 21, 2026.
BPSC TRE 4.0 Notification 2026: Quick Overview
| Events | Particulars |
|---|---|
| Name of Exam | Bihar Teacher Recruitment Exam (TRE 4.0) 2026 |
| Advertisement No. | 14/2026 |
| Conducting Body | Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) |
| Total Vacancies | 32,388 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Application Start Date | 21 September 2026 |
| Posts | PRT, TGT, PGT |
| Job Location | Bihar |
| Official Website | www.bpsc.bihar.gov.in |
BPSC TRE 4.0 Written Exam Date 2026
The BPSC TRE 4.0 written exam is tentatively expected to take place between December 2026 and January 2027. Aspirants are advised to treat this timeframe as provisional and keep checking the official BPSC portal (bpsc.bihar.gov.in) for the finalized exam schedule. We will update the exact official dates here as soon as BPSC releases them.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Exam Date Announcement | Mid-October 2026 |
| Expected Exam Conduct Period | December 2026 – January 2027 |
| Exam Dates (if applications below 5 lakh) | 3 separate dates (Class 1–5, 6–8, and 9–12 held separately) |
| Exam Dates (if applications above 5 lakh) | 6 separate dates (Class 1–5, 6–8, and 9–12 held separately) |
BPSC TRE 4.0 Vacancy Details 2026
बिहार लोक सेवा आयोग (BPSC) ने अपनी आधिकारिक अधिसूचना में चारों शिक्षक स्तरों के लिए श्रेणी-वार और विषय-वार रिक्तियों का विस्तृत विवरण प्रस्तुत किया है। पीजीटी (कक्षा 11-12, उच्च माध्यमिक) वर्ग में सर्वाधिक 16,101 पद घोषित किए गए हैं, जबकि मध्य विद्यालय (कक्षा 6-8) के लिए 8,563 पद आवंटित हैं। प्राथमिक शिक्षक पदों की रिक्तियों को माध्यम (सामान्य, उर्दू और बांग्ला) के आधार पर विभाजित किया गया है, वहीं शेष श्रेणियों की रिक्तियां पूर्णतः विषय-वार निर्धारित की गई हैं।
| Posts (Classes) | Vacancy |
| Primary Teachers (Classes 1 to 5) | 3847 |
| Middle School Teachers (Classes 6 to 8) | 8563 |
| Secondary Teachers (Classes 9-10) | 387 |
| Senior Secondary Teachers (Classes 11-12) | 16101 |
| Total | 32388 |
Bihar Primary School Teacher (Classes 1-5) Vacancy
| Subject | Unreserved (UR) | EWS | BC | EBC | SC | ST | BCL | Total Vacancies | Reserved for Women (50%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General (Samanya) | 1,224 | 239 | 303 | 323 | 819 | 43 | 114 | 3,065 | 1,310 |
| Urdu | 108 | 22 | 89 | 45 | 397 | 22 | 48 | 757 | 180 |
| Bangla | 03 | 00 | 03 | 07 | 09 | 00 | 03 | 25 | 01 |
| Total | 1,335 | 261 | 395 | 401 | 1,225 | 65 | 165 | 3,847 | 1,491 |
Bihar Middle School Teacher (Classes 6-8) Vacancy
| Subject | Unreserved (UR) | EWS | BC | EBC | SC | ST | BCL | Total Vacancies | Reserved for Women (50%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Math & Science | 752 | 140 | 383 | 260 | 478 | 54 | 121 | 2,188 | 793 |
| Social Science | 530 | 76 | 173 | 110 | 199 | 22 | 80 | 1,190 | 470 |
| Hindi | 274 | 71 | 257 | 143 | 277 | 22 | 52 | 1,096 | 298 |
| English | 513 | 122 | 382 | 228 | 584 | 33 | 67 | 1,929 | 574 |
| Sanskrit | 200 | 48 | 351 | 144 | 383 | 23 | 76 | 1,225 | 192 |
| Urdu | 243 | 47 | 143 | 97 | 353 | 21 | 31 | 935 | 242 |
| Total | 2,512 | 504 | 1,689 | 982 | 2,274 | 175 | 427 | 8,563 | 2,569 |
Bihar Secondary School Teacher (Classes 9-10) Vacancy
| Subject | UR | EWS | BC | EBC | SC | ST | BCL | Total Vacancies | Reserved for Women (35%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hindi | 138 | 22 | 31 | 31 | 84 | 11 | 21 | 361 | 105 |
| English | 223 | 30 | 31 | 44 | 213 | 08 | 09 | 696 | 178 |
| Science | 206 | 33 | 24 | 55 | 76 | 06 | 32 | 463 | 124 |
| Math | 235 | 39 | 61 | 68 | 73 | 09 | 43 | 570 | 154 |
| Social Science | 308 | 58 | 53 | 100 | 152 | 05 | 44 | 756 | 223 |
| Sanskrit | 61 | 10 | 14 | 26 | 28 | 02 | 05 | 322 | 40 |
| Urdu | 124 | 24 | 49 | 29 | 133 | 07 | 07 | 660 | 103 |
| Physical Education | 21 | 02 | 04 | 07 | 07 | 02 | 01 | 47 | 05 |
| Music | 00 | 00 | 00 | 02 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 02 | 00 |
| Total | 1,316 | 218 | 354 | 497 | 1,203 | 85 | 204 | 3,877 | 932 |
Bihar Senior Secondary Teacher (Classes 11-12) Vacancy
| Subject | UR | EWS | BC | EBC | SC | ST | BCL | Total Vacancies | Women Reserved (35%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoology | 124 | 32 | 52 | 33 | 96 | 11 | 24 | 449 | 97 |
| Botany | 185 | 46 | 89 | 29 | 102 | 08 | 16 | 1,078 | 125 |
| Chemistry | 800 | 183 | 371 | 217 | 361 | 20 | 63 | 3,695 | 658 |
| Math | 151 | 27 | 31 | 18 | 186 | 11 | 21 | 657 | 120 |
| Physics | 287 | 62 | 152 | 49 | 183 | 11 | 36 | 1,758 | 223 |
| Economics | 58 | 10 | 21 | 14 | 18 | 01 | 10 | 138 | 20 |
| Geography | 72 | 15 | 17 | 10 | 24 | 02 | 12 | 176 | 23 |
| History | 274 | 52 | 67 | 27 | 79 | 08 | 50 | 608 | 156 |
| Home Science | 103 | 16 | 41 | 18 | 67 | 02 | 11 | 418 | 58 |
| Music | 175 | 27 | 70 | 32 | 73 | 11 | 18 | 736 | 103 |
| Philosophy | 13 | 01 | 00 | 02 | 14 | 00 | 01 | 80 | 01 |
| Political Science | 228 | 42 | 34 | 15 | 139 | 11 | 39 | 665 | 139 |
| Psychology | 160 | 33 | 72 | 34 | 85 | 07 | 19 | 1,030 | 101 |
| Sociology | 94 | 18 | 23 | 17 | 51 | 05 | 11 | 266 | 51 |
| Accountancy | 30 | 04 | 07 | 05 | 07 | 02 | 05 | 66 | 05 |
| Business Studies | 26 | 04 | 06 | 06 | 33 | 03 | 05 | 133 | 07 |
| Entrepreneurship | 22 | 03 | 02 | 04 | 15 | 02 | 02 | 58 | 06 |
| Computer Science | 213 | 17 | 36 | 48 | 28 | 05 | 38 | 407 | 111 |
| English | 313 | 38 | 86 | 38 | 257 | 13 | 25 | 1,321 | 235 |
| Hindi | 215 | 48 | 46 | 30 | 136 | 10 | 31 | 739 | 139 |
| Sanskrit | 126 | 22 | 53 | 27 | 57 | 10 | 09 | 746 | 65 |
| Urdu | 183 | 43 | 45 | 66 | 134 | 08 | 11 | 877 | 128 |
| Total | 3,852 | 743 | 3,222 | 1,704 | 5,271 | 371 | 938 | 16,101 | 2,571 |
Key Changes Introduced in BPSC TRE 4.0
Major Changes in BPSC TRE 1/3 Negative Marking प्रत्येक गलत उत्तर अथवा प्रश्न हल न करने (सभी विकल्पों को रिक्त छोड़ने) पर 1/3 अंक की नकारात्मक अंकन (Negative Marking) कटौती की जाएगी। STET 2026 Self-Declaration शैक्षणिक योग्यता और प्रमाण पत्र सत्यापन की प्रक्रिया को सुलभ बनाने के लिए STET 2026 के अभ्यर्थियों हेतु स्व-घोषणा पत्र (Self-Declaration) का नया प्रावधान शामिल किया गया है। आवेदन शुल्क में कमी विभिन्न श्रेणियों के लिए परीक्षा आवेदन शुल्क को घटाकर अब मात्र ₹100 प्रति श्रेणी निर्धारित कर दिया गया है। OTR अनिवार्य ऑनलाइन आवेदन फॉर्म भरने से पहले सभी अभ्यर्थियों के लिए वन-टाइम रजिस्ट्रेशन (OTR) पूर्ण करना अनिवार्य कर दिया गया है। DigiLocker Integration पंजीकरण तथा दस्तावेजों के तीव्र एवं सुरक्षित डिजिटल सत्यापन के लिए डिजीलॉकर (DigiLocker) को एकीकृत किया गया है। Biometric Fee यदि अभ्यर्थी आवेदन के समय अपना आधार नंबर साझा नहीं करते हैं, तो उन्हें ₹200 का अतिरिक्त बायोमेट्रिक शुल्क देना होगा। BSEB Unique ID फॉर्म भरते समय बिहार विद्यालय परीक्षा समिति (BSEB) द्वारा जारी यूनिक आईडी प्रविष्ट करना आवश्यक है। Self-Declaration शैक्षणिक योग्यता, कार्य अनुभव या आरक्षित श्रेणी से जुड़े दावों के त्वरित सत्यापन के लिए स्व-घोषणा पत्र को मान्यता प्रदान की गई है। एक से अधिक चरणों में परीक्षा आवेदकों की भारी संख्या को देखते हुए परीक्षा को सुचारू रूप से संपन्न कराने हेतु इसे बहु-चरणों या बहु-पालियों (Multiple Shifts) में आयोजित किया जा सकता है। रिक्तियों में बदलाव संभव संबद्ध शिक्षा विभाग से मिलने वाली अंतिम अधियाचना के अनुसार कुल रिक्तियों की संख्या में संशोधन (कमी या वृद्धि) संभव है।
BPSC TRE 4.0 Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Official Notification Release | August 18, 2026 |
| Online Application & Registration Begins | 21 September 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Fee Payment | Updated Soon |
| Last Date for Online Form Submission | Updated Soon |
| Admit Card Release Date | To Be Announced |
| Written Examination Date | December 2026 – January 2027 (Expected) |
| Result Declaration | To Be Announced |
BPSC TRE 4.0 Eligibility Criteria 2026
The eligibility criteria for BPSC TRE 4.0 differ based on the specific teaching post and grade level. In addition to essential academic and professional teacher training degrees, holding a valid CTET or STET certificate for the respective level is mandatory.
General Eligibility Requirements
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | The candidate must be a citizen of India. |
| Minimum Marks Relaxation | SC/ST, EBC, BC, and female candidates are eligible for 5% relaxation in minimum qualifying marks for academic degrees, wherever applicable. |
Post-Wise Qualifications and Eligibility
Primary Teacher Eligibility (Classes 1 to 5)
- Age Limit: Minimum 18 years; maximum 37 years for UR Male, 40 years for UR Female/BC/EBC, and 42 years for SC/ST candidates.
- Eligibility Test: CTET Paper-I or Bihar TET Paper-I.
- Educational Qualification:
- 10+2 with 50% + 2-year D.El.Ed.
- 10+2 with 45% + 2-year D.El.Ed. as per NCTE 2002 norms.
- 10+2 with 50% + 4-year B.El.Ed.
- Graduation + 2-year D.El.Ed.
- PG with 55% + 3-year Integrated B.Ed.–M.Ed.
Middle School Teacher Eligibility (Classes 6 to 8)
- Age Limit: Minimum 18 years; maximum 37 years for UR Male, 40 years for UR Female/BC/EBC, and 42 years for SC/ST candidates.
- Eligibility Test: CTET Paper-II or Bihar TET Paper-II.
- Educational Qualification:
- Graduation (Honours/Subsidiary) + 2-year D.El.Ed.
- Graduation/PG with 50% + B.Ed.
- Graduation with 45% + B.Ed. as per NCTE 2002 norms.
- 10+2 with 50% + 4-year B.El.Ed./B.A.Ed./B.Sc.Ed.
- PG with 55% + 3-year Integrated B.Ed–M.Ed.
Secondary Teacher Eligibility (Classes 9 to 10 & Special Schools)
- Age Limit: Minimum 21 years; maximum 37 years for UR Male, 40 years for UR Female/BC/EBC, and 42 years for SC/ST candidates.
- Eligibility Test: Bihar STET Paper-I in the relevant subject.
- Educational Qualification:
- Graduation/PG in the relevant subject with 50% + B.Ed./B.Ed. (Special Education).
- 4-year Integrated B.A.Ed./B.Sc.Ed.
Senior Secondary Teacher Eligibility (Classes 11 to 12)
- Age Limit: Minimum 21 years; maximum 37 years for UR Male, 40 years for UR Female/BC/EBC, and 42 years for SC/ST candidates.
- Eligibility Test: Bihar STET Paper-II in the relevant subject.
- Educational Qualification:
- PG in the relevant subject with 50% + B.Ed.
- PG in the relevant subject + 4-year Integrated B.A.Ed./B.Sc.Ed.
- PG with 55% + 3-year Integrated B.Ed.–M.Ed.
BPSC TRE 4.0 Age Limit and Relaxation 2026
To calculate the minimum and maximum age criteria, the commission has established a uniform cut-off date of August 1, 2026. The minimum age eligibility differs slightly between primary/middle school roles and secondary/higher secondary roles, whereas relaxation in upper age limit is applicable based on candidate category and gender as per state regulations.
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age (Primary & Middle School) | 18 years |
| Minimum Age (Secondary & Higher Secondary) | 21 years |
| Maximum Age (Unreserved Male) | 37 years |
| Maximum Age (Backward/EBC – Male & Female) | 40 years |
| Maximum Age (Unreserved Female) | 40 years |
| Maximum Age (Transgender) | 42 years |
| Maximum Age (SC/ST – Male & Female) | 42 years |
BPSC TRE 4.0 Apply Online Process
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has officially published the schedule for online applications. Eligible candidates can complete and submit the BPSC TRE 4.0 online form starting from September 21, 2026. Candidates are recommended to prepare all required credentials and scanned documents in advance to ensure a smooth application experience once the registration portal goes live.
Direct Link to Apply for BPSC TRE 4.0
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online for BPSC TRE 2026
Submitting your application for the BPSC TRE 4.0 is a strictly online process. It is vital for candidates to thoroughly verify that they meet the defined eligibility standards before starting registration. Please double-check all details before final submission, as correction windows post the application deadline are typically very restricted.
- Visit www.bpsc.bihar.gov.in and complete One Time Registration (OTR)
- Link your DigiLocker account and complete profile creation (personal, address, qualification, and experience details)
- Upload photo and signature as per specified format and lock your profile
- Go to the New Application tab and select the BPSC TRE 4.0 (Advertisement No. 14/2026) link
- Choose your post/subject and category, then proceed to payment
- Pay the application fee online
- Submit the final application form and download the confirmation page
BPSC TRE 4.0 Category-Wise Application Fee
- Exam Fee: ₹100 per class-level category. Candidates applying for multiple levels, such as Class 1–5, 6–8, 9–10, and 11–12, have to pay the applicable fee separately for each level.
- Biometric Fee: ₹200. This fee is mandatory only for candidates who do not provide a valid Aadhaar number during online registration. Candidates providing Aadhaar details are exempted from this fee.
- Bank Processing Fee: As per the applicable bank charges. This fee is mandatory for all online payments and is automatically charged by the payment gateway.
- Aadhaar/OTP Requirement: No separate fee. Aadhaar verification is mandatory during Document Verification (DV), and the mobile number must be linked with Aadhaar. Failure to receive the required OTP during DV may affect the candidate’s eligibility.
BPSC TRE 4.0 Selection Process 2026
The BPSC TRE 4.0 selection process utilizes a highly structured, multi-stage system, requiring candidates to qualify in each stage to advance. Departing from previous TRE versions, a preliminary screening test will be administered first, and only shortlisted candidates will proceed to the mains. Under current rules, no negative marking applies to the 150-question preliminary paper.
- Preliminary Test (PT)
- Main Written Examination
- Interview (for applicable posts)
- Document Verification
- Final Merit List
BPSC TRE 4.0 Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
The recruitment exam will consist of two principal stages: a preliminary screening test and a comprehensive main examination. A negative marking penalty of 1/3 mark for every incorrect answer will be implemented across these stages. Shortlisted candidates from the preliminary round will progress to the post-wise mains examination.
| Parameter | Prelims | Mains |
| Purpose | Screening/Qualifying | Main Written Examination |
| Questions | 150 | 150 |
| Marks | 150 | 150 |
| Duration | 2 Hours | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Question Type | Objective MCQs | Written/Objective |
| Language Section | No | 30 Questions |
| General Studies | 150 Questions | 40 Questions for Classes 6–12 |
| Concerned Subject | No | 80 Questions for Classes 6–12 |
| Primary Teacher | General Studies | 30 Language + 120 GS |
| Language Qualifying | — | 30% |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark per wrong answer | As per prescribed examination rules |
BPSC TRE 4.0 Mains Exam Pattern (Post-Wise Details)
| Post/Teaching Level | Part I: Language | Part II: General Studies | Part III: Concerned Subject | Total |
| Primary Teacher (1–5) | 30 | 120 | — | 150 |
| Middle School Teacher (6–8) | 30 | 40 | 80 | 150 |
| Secondary Teacher (9–10) | 30 | 40 | 80 | 150 |
| Higher Secondary Teacher (11–12) | 30 | 40 | 80 | 150 |
BPSC TRE 4.0 Pay Scale and Salary Structure 2026
Appointed teachers in Bihar schools under TRE 4.0 will enjoy an attractive pay structure complemented by Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), medical allowances, and other allowances. The salary scale varies depending on the specific teaching class level. Below is the updated post-wise salary breakdown.
| Post-Level | Grade Pay | Basic Pay | Approximate In-Hand Monthly Salary |
| Primary Teacher (1–5) | ₹2,400 | ₹25,000 | ₹45,000 – ₹48,880 |
| Middle Teacher (6–8) | ₹2,800 | ₹28,000 | ₹50,000 – ₹54,370 |
| Secondary Teacher (9–10) | ₹3,200 | ₹31,000 | ₹55,000 – ₹59,860 |
| Higher Secondary (11–12) | ₹3,600 | ₹32,000 | ₹58,000 – ₹61,690 |
BPSC TRE 4.0 Transgender Reservation Details (District-Wise)
Aligning with the Patna High Court's order in the Veera Yadav case, the BPSC has implemented horizontal reservations for transgender (Kinnar/Kothi/Hijra) candidates. This reservation list is distributed across primary, middle, secondary, and higher secondary posts. Specific districts and academic subjects have been designated for these reserved positions based on the official roster points system.
| Class Level | Total Transgender Reserved Posts |
|---|---|
| Classes 1–5 (Primary) — General Medium | 3 |
| Classes 1–5 (Primary)—Urdu Medium | 1 |
| Classes 1–5 (Primary)—Bangla Medium | 0 |
| Classes 6–8—Science & Math | 5 |
| Classes 6–8 — Social Science | 3 |
| Classes 6–8—Hindi | 0 |
| Classes 6–8 — English | 1 |
| Classes 6–8 — Sanskrit | 0 |
| Classes 6–8 — Urdu | 0 |
| Classes 9–10 (all subjects combined) | 7 |
| Classes 11–12 (all subjects combined) | 7 |
Self-Declaration Form for STET 2026 Appearing Candidates (BPSC TRE 4.0)
The BPSC has confirmed that candidates who hold the required academic and teacher training certificates but are awaiting STET results can apply for BPSC TRE 4.0. This is conditional upon passing the STET 2026 prior to the Secondary level Preliminary Test. Applicants in this category must upload a self-declaration form and attach a copy of their STET application during registration.
- Candidate’s name, father’s name, mother’s name, date of birth, Aadhaar number
Village/city, post office, police station, district, and state of residence. - STET 2026 application number.
- Candidate’s name, father’s name, and mother’s name in both Hindi and English (Capital Letters).
- Signature confirming the information is true; false information can lead to cancellation of candidature, for which the candidate will be solely responsible.
Important Note: Candidates must successfully pass the Madhyamik Shikshak Patrata Pariksha (STET) 2026 before the date of the Preliminary Test; failing which, their admit card will not be generated.
Frequently Asked Questions: BPSC TRE Notification 2026
What is the release date of BPSC TRE 4.0 Notification 2026?
The BPSC officially published the recruitment notification on August 18, 2026, under Advertisement Number 14/2026.
What are the total vacancies announced in BPSC TRE 4.0?
The Education Department has advertised a total of 32,388 vacancies for teacher posts across grades 1 to 12.
When will online registration start for BPSC TRE 4.0?
The online application process begins on September 21, 2026. The registration deadline will be announced on the official portal shortly.
What is the exam date for the BPSC TRE 4.0?
Since the start of the application window was moved to September 21, 2026, the updated written exam schedule will be notified later by BPSC.
Is passing STET required to apply for BPSC TRE 4.0?
Yes, a valid CTET or STET is required. However, candidates currently appearing for STET 2026 are allowed to apply subject to submitting a self-declaration.
Will BPSC TRE 4.0 have negative marking?
Yes, both the Preliminary and Main exams will feature negative marking, with a deduction of 1/3 mark for each wrong answer.
Which TET exam is required for BPSC TRE 4.0?
Yes, clearing a state/national Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is mandatory:
Classes 1 to 5: CTET Paper 1 or BTET Paper 1
Classes 6 to 8: CTET Paper 2 or BTET Paper 2
Classes 9 to 10: STET Paper 1
Classes 11 to 12: STET Paper 2
Can B.Ed degree holders apply for BPSC primary teacher posts?
No. Following Supreme Court and NCTE directives, a 2-year D.El.Ed is mandatory for Primary Teacher posts. B.Ed qualification holders remain eligible to apply for Middle, Secondary, and Senior Secondary grades.
Can I apply for multiple levels if I qualify for each of them?
Yes, candidates holding the necessary qualifications for multiple levels can submit separate applications for different posts.
क्या CTET उत्तीर्ण उम्मीदवार BPSC TRE 4.0 के लिए आवेदन करने के योग्य हैं?
हाँ, वे अभ्यर्थी जिन्होंने CTET परीक्षा उत्तीर्ण कर ली है, वे BPSC TRE 4.0 के लिए आवेदन कर सकते हैं। इसके साथ ही उन्हें संबंधित पदों के लिए तय शैक्षणिक व व्यावसायिक मानदंडों को पूरा करना होगा।
क्या अन्य राज्यों के अभ्यर्थी भी BPSC TRE 4.0 के लिए आवेदन कर सकते हैं?
हाँ, अन्य राज्यों के योग्य उम्मीदवार भी BPSC TRE 4.0 के अंतर्गत आवेदन करने के पात्र हैं। हालाँकि, वे बिहार राज्य के स्थानीय निवासी न होने के कारण आरक्षण अथवा अन्य राज्य-विशिष्ट लाभों के पात्र नहीं होंगे और उन्हें सामान्य (General) श्रेणी के अंतर्गत माना जाएगा।