PSTET 2026 Notification: Official Dates, Eligibility, and Online Application Guide
The official PSTET Notification 2026 was released on 3 February 2026. This guide covers all essential information, including key exam dates, eligibility requirements, syllabus details, and the exam pattern. The online application process officially commences on 6 February 2026.
PSTET Notification 2026 Out
The PSTET 2026 notification outlines crucial exam details, including test dates, eligibility standards, and the overall exam structure. Held annually in an offline, pen-and-paper format, the bilingual test (English and Hindi) assesses both teaching aptitude and subject-matter expertise. Please note that while qualifying for the PSTET does not guarantee direct employment, it is a mandatory requirement for all teacher recruitment under the Punjab School Education Board.
Download Official PS TET 2026 Notification PDF
PSTET 2026: Key Highlights
The Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test (PSTET) 2026 is a state-level certification exam administered by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Punjab. It is designed to evaluate candidates for Primary and Upper Primary teaching roles in government-aided schools. Candidates should visit the official website, www.ssapunjab.org, for all authentic updates and announcements.
| PSTET 2026 | |
| Exam Name | Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test (PSTET) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | SCERT Punjab |
| Application process | 6 Feb to 20 Feb 2026 (closed) |
| Exam Date | 15 March 2026 |
| Exam Level | State-level |
| Exam Mode | Pen and Paper |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Language | English and Hindi |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Purpose | Eligibility for Primary and Upper Primary Teachers |
| Exam Date Notice | Click To Download |
| Official Website | www.ssapunjab.org |
PSTET 2026 Important Dates
The SCERT has officially announced the upcoming exam schedule. The comprehensive PSTET 2026 notification provides a detailed breakdown of the testing timeline and requirements.
| Event | Date / Timeline |
|---|---|
| Short Notice | 4 February 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 6 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 20 February 2026 |
| PSTET 2026 Exam Date | 15 March 2026 (Sunday) |
| Admit Card Release | 10-15 days before the exam |
| Answer Key Release | March 2026 |
PSTET 2026 Apply Link
Find the direct application link for PSTET 2026 provided below. Candidates must ensure their application forms are submitted accurately through the official portal before the closing date.
Access PSTET 2026 Application Portal (Active)
PSTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Carefully reviewing the PSTET 2026 eligibility criteria is essential before submission. Meeting the specific educational qualifications for your chosen paper is mandatory. Failing to satisfy these requirements may lead to disqualification at any stage of the recruitment process, regardless of your exam performance.
A clear understanding of the eligibility rules helps candidates avoid common registration errors. Confirming your credentials against the SCERT Punjab guidelines ensures you save time, effort, and application fees by verifying your eligibility for the desired teaching position.
PSTET Eligibility Criteria for Paper I (Classes I to V)
- Senior Secondary or equivalent with at least 50 % marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education
- Senior Secondary or equivalent with at least 45 % marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education, as per NCTE norms
- Senior Secondary or equivalent with at least 50 % marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed)
- Senior Secondary or equivalent with at least 50 % marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education)
- Graduation with at least 50 % marks and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), subject to completion of a mandatory six-month Bridge Course in Elementary Education within two years of appointment
PSTET Eligibility Criteria for Paper II (Classes VI to VIII)
- Graduation and passed or appearing in the final year of a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education
- Graduation with at least 50 % marks and passed or appearing in a 1-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)
- Graduation with at least 45 % marks and a 1-year B.Ed, in accordance with NCTE norms
- Senior Secondary or equivalent with at least 50 % marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed)
- Senior Secondary or equivalent with at least 50 % marks and passed or appearing in the final year of a 4-year BA/BSc.Ed or BA.Ed/BSc.Ed
- Graduation with at least 50 % marks and passed or appearing in a 1-year B.Ed in Special Education
- Candidates with any NCTE-recognised B.Ed programme are eligible to appear for the PSTET exam
Full PSTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria Explained
PSTET 2026 Application Form Date
The online application portal for PSTET 2026 will open on 6 February 2026. All applications must be submitted digitally via the official SCERT Punjab website. The portal at www.ssapunjab.org will accept submissions until 20 February 2026.
PSTET 2026 Application Fee
| Application Fee: PSTET | ||
| Category | One Paper (I or II) | Both Papers (I & II) |
| General / OBC | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 |
| SC / ST / Differently Abled | ₹500 | ₹1,000 |
| Ex-Servicemen (Self) | Nil | Nil |
How to Apply Online for PSTET 2026?
The application process for PSTET 2026 is entirely online and user-friendly. Please ensure all your academic documents and personal details are verified and readily available before you begin the registration process.
- Visit the official website of SCERT Punjab at www.ssapunjab.org
- Click on the PSTET 2026 registration or apply online link on the homepage
- Complete the registration process using valid personal details
- Log in with the credentials generated during registration
- Fill in the PSTET 2026 application form with accurate academic and contact information
- Upload the required documents in the prescribed format and size
- Pay the application fee through the available online payment modes
- Submit the application form after verifying all the details
- Download and save the confirmation page for future reference
PSTET ਪਾਸਿੰਗ ਮਾਰਕਸ (Qualifying Marks)
- ਜਨਰਲ ਕੈਟਾਗਰੀ: 60% (90 ਅੰਕ)
- ਰਾਖਵੀਂ ਕੈਟਾਗਰੀ (SC/ST/OBC): 55% (82.5 ਅੰਕ)
NOTE: PSTET qualification certificate is now valid for a Lifetime.
PSTET 2026 Syllabus
The PSTET syllabus is comprehensive, covering Child Development and Pedagogy, language proficiency, and specialized subject knowledge for both Primary and Upper Primary levels. Paper I emphasizes foundational pedagogy, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, and languages, while Paper II includes subject-specific sections such as Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Reviewing the official syllabus is critical for structured exam preparation.
PSTET 2026 Exam Pattern
The PSTET 2026 exam consists of two papers, each featuring 150 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are allotted 150 minutes to complete each paper. Notably, there is no negative marking, allowing candidates to attempt all questions with confidence.
PSTET 2026 Paper I Exam Pattern
The Paper I pattern is specifically designed to evaluate pedagogical skills and core knowledge relevant to primary education. Comprising 150 marks, the test is divided into five sections: Child Development and Pedagogy, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Language I (Punjabi), and Language II (English), with 30 questions each.
| PSTET Paper I Exam Pattern 2026 | ||
| Section | Questions | Marks |
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Language I (Punjabi) | 30 | 30 |
| Language II (English) | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
PSTET 2026 Paper II Exam Pattern
The subject-specific component for Paper II varies based on your chosen discipline, which may include Mathematics and Science, Social Studies, Art and Craft, Physical Education, Home Science, Urdu, Music, or Sanskrit.
| PSTET Paper II Exam Pattern 2026 | ||
| Section | Questions | Marks |
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I (Punjabi) | 30 | 30 |
| Language II (English) | 30 | 30 |
| Subject-specific section | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
PSTET 2026: FAQs
The PSTET 2026 examination is scheduled to be held on 15 March 2026.
The PSTET is officially organized and administered by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Punjab.
Yes, qualifying for the PSTET is a mandatory requirement for any candidate seeking teaching positions in Punjab's government and government-aided schools.
Each paper consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, with the total paper being worth 150 marks.
Candidates can apply online by visiting the official SCERT Punjab website, www.ssapunjab.org, as soon as the application link is activated.