The Department of School Education, Government of Punjab organizes Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test (PSTET) to recruit candidates to teacher positions in schools under the state Government of Punjab. This test is conducted to recruit qualified candidates for teacher posts in 2 different class levels such as – Classes I –V and Classes VI –VIII. The eligibility criteria for teaching posts for two class levels are different.

Eligibility Criteria for PSTET

Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test (PSTET) is organized for selecting candidates for teaching posts in two different class levels – Classes I – V and Classes VI – VIII. The minimum qualifications required for both the class levels are different which is mentioned below –

Classes I – V

• Candidates having completed senior secondary by scoring at least 50% marks

• Diploma holders in elementary education (passed ones and final year candidates). But, it is compulsory to pass diploma course which is in accordance to the rules and norms laid down by NCTE.

• Candidates having completed senior secondary by scoring at least 50% marks along with Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.Ed) are also eligible to apply for this test.

• Those candidates who have completed senior secondary level education with at least 50% marks and passed or currently studying final year of 2 year diploma in Special Education.

SC/ST candidates are allowed a 5% relaxation in the qualifying marks percentage in either B.A/B.Sc or senior secondary level. Also, any B.Sc or B.A graduate scoring 50% marks along with a B.Ed qualification become eligible to apply for PSTET for Classes I – V. For this, it is compulsory for candidates to attend a 6 month special course in Elementary education sponsored by NCTE after getting appointed.

Classes VI – VIII

• B.A or B.Sc graduates having passed or doing last 2–year Diploma in Elementary Education.

• B.A or B.Sc qualified candidates with at least 50% marks can apply, provided they have passed or attending the 1^st year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) course.

• Candidates who have passed senior secondary level education by scoring 50% marks and passed or doing last year of a 4 year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) course are also eligible to attend this test.

• Those candidates who have cleared senior secondary level education with 50% marks and also passed or currently doing final of a 4 year B.A, B.Sc or B.Ed course can also attend this test.

• A B.A or B.Sc graduate with 50% marks and passed or currently studying in 1 year of B.Ed (Special Education) course are also eligible to attend this test.

It is compulsory for candidates to pass diploma/degree course in teacher education from any institute recognized by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). Candidates should join for a diploma in Education (Special Education) and B.Ed. (Special Education) course which is recognized by The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).