The TNTET (Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test) is a state-level qualifying examination for candidates who aspire to become teachers in primary and upper primary schools across Tamil Nadu. Qualifying TNTET is mandatory for teacher recruitment in the state. This guide covers the eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus and qualifying marks for both Paper 1 and Paper 2.

TNTET 2026 - Overview

Particulars Details
Exam Name Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test (TNTET)
Conducting Body Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB), Tamil Nadu
Paper 1 For Primary Teachers (Classes 1 to 5)
Paper 2 For Upper Primary Teachers (Classes 6 to 8)
Exam Mode Offline (OMR based)
Negative Marking No
Official Website trb.tn.gov.in
Official Notification & Apply Link: Candidates can check the official notification, syllabus and apply online on the Teachers Recruitment Board, Tamil Nadu website — trb.tn.gov.in

TNTET Eligibility Criteria

Paper 1 (Classes 1 to 5)

  • Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks and Diploma in Teacher Education (D.T.Ed / D.El.Ed), OR
  • Senior Secondary with at least 45% marks and Diploma as per NCTE 2002 norms, OR
  • Graduation and Diploma in Elementary Education / B.El.Ed as applicable.

Paper 2 (Classes 6 to 8)

  • Graduation and Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed), OR
  • Graduation with at least 50% marks and B.Ed, OR
  • Equivalent qualification as per NCTE guidelines.

Relaxation in minimum marks is provided to reserved category candidates as per Tamil Nadu government rules.

TNTET Exam Pattern

Each TNTET paper has 150 multiple-choice questions for 150 marks with a duration of 3 hours. There is no negative marking, and each correct answer carries 1 mark.

Paper 1 Exam Pattern

Subject Questions Marks
Child Development & Pedagogy 30 30
Language I (Tamil) 30 30
Language II (English) 30 30
Mathematics 30 30
Environmental Studies 30 30
Total 150 150

Paper 2 Exam Pattern

Subject Questions Marks
Child Development & Pedagogy 30 30
Language I (Tamil) 30 30
Language II (English) 30 30
Maths & Science OR Social Science 60 60
Total 150 150

Note: Each question carries 1 mark and there is no negative marking in TNTET.

TNTET Qualifying Marks

Category Qualifying Marks Percentage
General (OC) 90 out of 150 60%
BC / MBC / SC / ST / PwD 82 out of 150 (approx) 55%

TNTET Syllabus (Overview)

  • Child Development & Pedagogy: Learning, development, inclusive education and teaching methods.
  • Language I (Tamil) & Language II (English): Comprehension, grammar and language pedagogy.
  • Mathematics: Number system, arithmetic, geometry and pedagogy.
  • EVS (Paper 1): Environment, family, society and EVS teaching methods.
  • Science / Social Science (Paper 2): Subject content along with teaching methodology.

How to Apply for TNTET

  1. Visit the official website trb.tn.gov.in.
  2. Register as a new candidate and create login credentials.
  3. Fill the application form with personal and educational details.
  4. Upload photo, signature and pay the examination fee online.
  5. Submit the form and download a copy for future reference.
Disclaimer: TNTET dates, fees, qualifying marks and pattern may change with each notification cycle. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official TRB Tamil Nadu notification before applying.

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