The Kerala Teacher Eligibility Test (K-TET) is a state-level qualifying examination that assesses the quality of teacher candidates for Lower Primary, Upper Primary and High School classes in Kerala. Conducted by Pareekshabhavan (Board of Examinations), Government of Kerala, K-TET is unique in that it is held across four separate categories covering different teaching levels and specialist subjects.

KTET 2026 Overview

Particulars Details
Exam Name Kerala Teacher Eligibility Test (K-TET)
Conducting Body Pareekshabhavan (Board of Examinations), Government of Kerala
Level State Level
Categories Category I, II, III & IV
Total Questions 150 MCQs per category
Total Marks 150 marks per category
Duration 2 hours 30 minutes
Negative Marking No negative marking
📌 Official Website: For the latest notification, application form and updates, visit the official K-TET portal: ktet.kerala.gov.in

KTET 2026 Categories

Category Teaching Level
Category I Lower Primary Teacher (Classes 1-5)
Category II Upper Primary Teacher (Classes 6-8)
Category III High School Teacher (Classes 8-10)
Category IV Language Teachers (Arabic/Hindi/Sanskrit/Urdu), Specialist, Physical Education and Art & Craft Teachers

KTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The academic and professional qualifications vary based on the category, in line with NCTE and Kerala state norms.

  • Category I (Lower Primary): Higher Secondary / equivalent with at least 50% marks and a Diploma / D.El.Ed in Teacher Education (TTC).
  • Category II (Upper Primary): Higher Secondary with TTC, or Graduation with B.Ed / relevant teacher training as prescribed.
  • Category III (High School): Graduation with at least 45-50% marks and B.Ed in the relevant subject.
  • Category IV (Specialist / Language): Relevant qualification in the concerned language or subject along with the prescribed teacher training certificate.

A relaxation in qualifying marks is generally applicable to SC/ST/OBC/PH candidates as per the official notification.

KTET 2026 Exam Pattern

Each category consists of 150 objective-type multiple-choice questions for 150 marks. Each question carries one mark and there is no negative marking.

Component Details
Question Type Objective MCQs
Total Questions 150
Total Marks 150
Marks per Question 1
Duration 2 hours 30 minutes
Negative Marking No

For Category I, the paper broadly covers Child Development & Pedagogy, the chosen language(s), English, Mathematics and Environmental Studies, with the structure adjusted for the other categories.

Important: There is NO negative marking in K-TET. As no marks are deducted for wrong answers, candidates should attempt every question.

KTET 2026 Syllabus

The K-TET syllabus is based on the NCTE framework and the Kerala state school curriculum. Key areas commonly include:

  • Child Development & Pedagogy: learning, development, inclusive education and assessment.
  • Languages: comprehension, grammar and language pedagogy (Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, English, Arabic, etc.).
  • Mathematics & Environmental Studies / Subject content: concepts up to the relevant level with pedagogy.
  • Subject specialisation: for Categories III and IV, content related to the chosen subject or language.

KTET 2026 Qualifying Marks

Category Minimum Qualifying % Marks (out of 150)
General 60% 90
OBC / SC / ST / PH 55% 82

Qualifying in K-TET is mandatory for those seeking appointment as teachers in schools in Kerala at the relevant level.

Disclaimer: Exam details are subject to change. Always verify category-wise eligibility, pattern and dates with the latest official K-TET notification before applying.

Explore more state TET and central teaching exam guides on Cosmo Classes: