PSTET Notification 2026 PDF: Exam Date, Fees, and New Guidelines
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The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Punjab, has officially released the PSTET notification for the 2026 academic cycle. This is a crucial milestone for thousands of aspiring educators across the state. As the demand for qualified teaching professionals in government-aided and state schools grows, understanding the intricate details of the course requirements and the stream-specific eligibility is essential for every candidate.
The 2026 cycle brings updated guidelines and a clear roadmap for those aiming to secure their Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test (PSTET) certificate. This blog provides a comprehensive breakdown of the exam schedule, fee structure, and the educational streams involved.
Overview of PSTET 2026 Exam Cycle
The PSTET is not just a test; it is a qualifying gateway for two distinct teaching streams: the Primary Stage (Classes I-V) and the Upper Primary Stage (Classes VI-VIII). For 2026, the examination is set to be conducted in a single day across various centers in Punjab.
Event | Date / Detail |
Notification Release Date | February 6, 2026 |
Exam Date | March 15, 2026 |
Admit Card Release | March 9, 2026 |
Result Declaration | April 2, 2026 |
Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
Detailed Eligibility and Course Streams
The PSTET notification explicitly outlines the academic paths required for Paper I and Paper II. Unlike previous years, there is an increased focus on the specific teacher training courses recognized by NCTE.
1. Paper I (Primary Stage: Classes I to V)
To qualify for the Primary stream, candidates must have completed or be in the final year of specific elementary education courses:
Senior Secondary: At least 50% marks and a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
B.El.Ed Path: 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education with 50% marks.
Special Education: 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education) for those specializing in inclusive classrooms.
2. Paper II (Upper Primary Stage: Classes VI to VIII)
This paper is designed for graduates who wish to specialize in specific subject streams like Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies.
Graduation + Training: A graduation degree with at least 50% marks along with a 1 or 2-year B.Ed (Bachelor of Education).
Integrated Courses: 4-year B.A/B.Sc.Ed or B.A.Ed/B.Sc.Ed integrated degrees.
New Subjects: For 2026, the SCERT has integrated more specialized streams including Art & Craft, Physical Education, and Music Teachers.
Note: If you are currently pursuing the final year of your teacher training course (B.Ed/D.El.Ed), you are fully eligible to appear for the 2026 exam.
PSTET 2026 Fee Structure and Guidelines
The application fee varies based on the category and the number of papers a candidate chooses to attempt. It is important to note that fees are non-refundable and must be paid through the official portal.
Category | Single Paper (I or II) | Both Papers (I & II) |
General / OBC | ₹1,100 | ₹2,200 |
SC / ST / PwD | ₹550 | ₹1,100 |
Ex-Servicemen (Self) | Exempted | Exempted |
New Guidelines for 2026
Lifetime Validity: Once you clear the PSTET 2026, your certificate remains valid for a lifetime.
Bilingual Paper: The question paper will be available in both Punjabi and English.
No Negative Marking: There is no penalty for incorrect answers, allowing students to attempt all 150 questions.
Strategy and Subject Breakdown
To succeed in the PSTET notification cycle of 2026, candidates must focus on the pedagogy specific to their chosen stream.
Paper I Subjects
Child Development and Pedagogy (30 Marks)
Language I (Punjabi) (30 Marks)
Language II (English) (30 Marks)
Mathematics (30 Marks)
Environmental Studies (30 Marks)
Paper II Subjects
Child Development and Pedagogy (30 Marks)
Language I & II (60 Marks Total)
Stream Specific: (60 Marks) - Choose between Mathematics & Science or Social Science.
How to Download PSTET 2026 Notification PDF
The official PDF contains the complete syllabus and code of conduct for the exam day. Follow these steps to secure your copy:
Visit the official PSTET portal at pstet2025.org.
Navigate to the "Public Notices" or "Downloads" section.
Click on the link titled "PSTET Notification 2026 PDF".
Save the document for future reference regarding the March 15 exam.
FAQs on PSTET Notification 2026
Q1: What is the official exam date mentioned in the PSTET notification?
The PSTET 2026 exam is scheduled to be held on March 15, 2026.
Q2: Can I apply for both Paper I and Paper II?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria for both the Primary and Upper Primary streams, you can apply for both papers.
Q3: What are the qualifying marks for the 2026 exam?
General category candidates need 60% (90/150), while reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) require 55% (82.5/150).
Q4: Is there an age limit for PSTET 2026?
No, there is no upper age limit for appearing in the Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test.
Final Checklist for Candidates
As the March 15 exam date approaches, ensure you have downloaded your admit card (released March 9) and verified your exam center. Remember to carry a valid photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID) along with a physical printout of your hall ticket.
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