The Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan has officially released the KTET Notification 2026 for the February session, signaling a massive opportunity for teaching aspirants across the state. The Kerala Teacher Eligibility Test (KTET) is the mandatory qualifying standard for anyone seeking a teaching position in Lower Primary (LP), Upper Primary (UP), High School (HS), and specialized language cadres in Kerala’s government and aided schools. In 2026, the significance of KTET has reached a new peak as the state government prioritizes modern pedagogical standards and digital classroom integration.
Unlike previous years, the KTET February 2026 exam will strictly follow the updated NCTE guidelines, ensuring that only candidates with a deep understanding of child psychology and subject-specific pedagogy are certified. The competition level for the 2026 cycle is expected to be high, with nearly 2 lakh candidates estimated to appear across all four categories. However, the reward is equally great: a Lifetime Validity Certificate that serves as a permanent ticket to Kerala’s teaching recruitments. Whether you are a fresh B.Ed/D.El.Ed holder or an in-service teacher looking to secure your eligibility, this February session is your gateway to a stable and prestigious career in the “God’s Own Country.”
KTET Notification 2026: Quick Highlights
| Authority | Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan |
| Exam Name | Kerala Teacher Eligibility Test (KTET) 2026 |
| Exam Cycle | February 2026 |
| Categories | Category I, II, III, & IV |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen-and-Paper / OMR) |
| Total Marks | 150 Marks |
| Official Website | ktet.kerala.gov.in |
Important Dates & Full Schedule
Aspirants must strictly adhere to the registration window. Historically, the Pareeksha Bhavan portal experiences heavy traffic in the final 48 hours, leading to server timeouts.
- Official Notification Release: 25th February 2026
- Online Application Starts: 26th February 2026
- Last Date to Apply & Pay Fee: 7th March 2026
- Last Date to Print Application: 13th March 2026
- KTET Exam Date 2026: To be notified (Expected April/May 2026)
Panchayat GRS Salary in Assam 2026 Notification PDF Apply Online for 464 GRS Posts
Eligibility Criteria (The Technical Deep-Dive)
Educational Qualification
Eligibility for KTET 2026 is divided into four distinct categories based on the school level:
- Category I (Lower Primary – Classes 1 to 5): Higher Secondary/Plus Two with at least 45% marks + 2-year Trained Teachers’ Certificate (TTC/D.El.Ed) or equivalent.
- Category II (Upper Primary – Classes 6 to 8): B.A/B.Sc./B.Com graduation with at least 45% marks + 2-year D.El.Ed/TTC OR B.Ed.
- Category III (High School – Classes 9 to 10): Graduation with at least 45% marks and a B.Ed. degree in the relevant subject.
- Category IV (Specialist/Language Teachers): Qualifications for Language Teachers (Arabic, Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu) and Specialist Teachers (Physical Education, Art) as per the Kerala Education Act.
Age Limit & Relaxation
- Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in the KTET 2026 exam. This allows both freshers and experienced professionals to apply.
- Qualifying Marks Relaxation: A relaxation of 5% in minimum qualifying marks is available for SC/ST and PH candidates. OBC and OEC candidates receive a 3% relaxation.
Vacancy Details & Salary Structure
KTET is a certification exam, not a direct recruitment. However, qualifying this test makes you eligible for vacancies across thousands of schools.
Teacher Salary (7th Pay Commission Scale):
Once you clear KTET and get recruited through Kerala PSC, the salary structure is highly lucrative:
- LP/UP Teacher: Approx. ₹35,000 – ₹75,000 (Basic + DA + HRA).
- High School Teacher (HST): Approx. ₹40,000 – ₹85,000.
- Specialist Teacher: Varies based on the grade and tenure.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus (The “Helpful” Guide)
The KTET 2026 exam consists of 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for 150 marks. The duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Category 1 & 2: Focus heavily on Child Development & Pedagogy (CDP), Language I, Language II, Mathematics, and Environmental Studies (for Cat 1) or Science/Social Science (for Cat 2).
- Category 3: Focuses on Adolescent Psychology, Teaching Aptitude, and deep Subject Core knowledge (80 Marks).
Strategic Analysis: There is NO negative marking in KTET. This means your strategy should be to attempt all 150 questions. The “CDP” section usually has the highest “helpful” weightage as it tests your classroom management skills, which is a priority for the Kerala Education Board this year.
How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
- Visit: Go to the official portal ktet.kerala.gov.in.
- Register: Click on “New Registration” and select your Category carefully.
- Details: Fill in your personal, communication, and educational details.
- Upload: Upload a recent passport-size photograph (150×200 pixels, < 30kb).
- Pay: Complete the fee payment through SBI ePay (₹500 for General/OBC; ₹250 for SC/ST/PH).
- Review: Use the “Candidate Login” to preview your application before final submission.
- Final Print: Download the “Final Printout” by 13th March 2026.
Pro-Tip Box: Keep your photo size under 30kb. Use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for the best experience, as the Pareeksha Bhavan site is optimized for these browsers.
Direct Links Section (The Core Value)
- Official Notification PDF: Download Here
- Apply Online Link: Click to Apply (Link Active)
- Previous Year Question Papers: Access Repository
- Category-wise Syllabus PDF: Download PDF
Detailed Strategy & Expert Insights
Clearing KTET in your first attempt is about mastering the SCERT/NCERT Textbooks (Class 1-10).
- The 60% Rule: To pass, General candidates need 90/150 marks. Focus on the 30 marks of CDP first; it is the most predictable section.
- Language Selection: Choose Language I (Malayalam/Tamil/Kannada) based on your comfort, as the pedagogy questions in this section are usually based on the medium of instruction.
- Cut-off Trends: Historically, Category III has the lowest pass percentage due to the “Adolescent Psychology” depth. Aspirants should spend 40% of their prep time on their subject core.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is there any age limit for KTET 2026?
No, there is no upper age limit for candidates appearing in the Kerala TET exam.
2. Is there negative marking in KTET?
No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in any of the four categories.
3. What is the validity of the KTET certificate?
The KTET certificate now has lifetime validity, as per the latest government order.
4. Can I apply for more than one category?
Yes, but you must submit separate applications and fees for each category you wish to appear for.
5. How to reset my KTET application password?
Use the “Forgot Application Number/ID” link on the official portal using your mobile number and DOB.
6. Can final year students apply for KTET 2026?
Yes, final year students of professional teaching courses (D.El.Ed/B.Ed) are generally eligible to appear.
7. What is the application fee for SC/ST candidates?
The fee is ₹250 for SC, ST, and PH categories.
8. Is B.Ed mandatory for Category 1?
No, a TTC/D.El.Ed or equivalent diploma is the primary requirement for Category 1.
9. Can I change my category after registration?
No, once the category is chosen and registration is closed, it cannot be altered.
10. What is the total marks for the KTET exam?
The exam is conducted for a total of 150 marks with 150 MCQs.
HS Patel is a seasoned expert with over 8 years of experience in the field of e.g., Education & Career Counseling. With a deep understanding of industry trends and user needs, he is dedicated to providing accurate, reliable, and high-quality content. His mission is to simplify complex information and empower readers with the right knowledge to succeed.