The Kerala Teacher Eligibility Test (KTET) requires candidates to hold specific academic qualifications, including Higher Secondary (45-50%) or Graduation with TTC, D.Ed, or B.Ed, depending on the category. It is mandatory for all teachers as per Supreme Court rules. Candidates can check and apply on the official KTET website.
KTET Eligibility Criteria by Category (2026)
Category I (Lower Primary Classes):
- Higher Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 45% marks and a 2-year Trained Teachers’ Certificate (TTC) or 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
- OR Higher Secondary with at least 50% marks and 4-year Bachelor in Elementary Education (B.El.Ed)/2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education).
Category II (Upper Primary Classes):
- BA/BSc/BCom degree and 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education/Trained Teachers’ Certificate (TTC).
- OR BA/BSc/BCom with at least 45% marks and 1-year Bachelor in Education (B.Ed).
- OR Higher Secondary with at least 50% marks and 4-year B.El .Ed / BA /B.Sc.Ed / BA Ed or B.Sc. Ed.
Category III (High School Classes):
- BA/BSc/BCom with at least 45% marks and a B.Ed. degree in the subject concerned.
- OR Masters Degree in the subject concerned with not less than 50% marks and B.Ed..
Category IV (Language Teachers):
- Candidates with a Language Teacher Certificate or a Degree/Diploma in the respective language as prescribed by the government.
Key Qualification Notes
Relaxation: A 5% relaxation in qualifying marks is applicable for SC/ST and differently-abled candidates, while a 3% reduction is for OBC/OEC candidates.
Final Year Students: Candidates pursuing the final year of Teacher Training Courses (TTC, D.Ed, B.Ed) can also apply.
Mandatory Status: KTET is now mandatory for all teachers, following a 2025 Supreme Court verdict.
Note: Final eligibility is determined by the Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan based on the latest guidelines, which are subject to review.