State TETs
State-level eligibility certificates required for teacher recruitment in each state's government schools — the state counterpart of CTET, and usually a prerequisite for state teacher-recruitment exams (e.g. Bihar TRE, Punjab Master Cadre, UP Super TET).
Eligibility
Mirrors CTET: for the primary paper, senior secondary with 50% plus D.El.Ed (or equivalent); for the upper-primary paper, graduation plus B.Ed or equivalent NCTE-recognised qualification. Secondary-level STETs (e.g. Bihar STET) require graduation or post-graduation in the subject plus B.Ed. Certificates now have lifetime validity following the 2021 NCTE decision, and most states allow unlimited attempts.
Age limit: Generally no upper age limit for eligibility TETs (some STETs for recruitment-linked posts apply state age limits)
Exam pattern
Most state TETs copy the CTET template: Paper I (Classes 1-5) and Paper II (Classes 6-8), each 150 multiple-choice questions for 150 marks in 2.5 hours, usually with no negative marking and a 60% qualifying mark (relaxed for reserved categories). Variations exist: Bihar STET is a computer-based 150-mark test for secondary (Paper 1) and senior-secondary (Paper 2) teachers; REET adds Rajasthan-specific content and a separate recruitment-linked mains; HTET has three levels (PRT/TGT/PGT) and negative marking is absent but state GK is included.
Syllabus at a glance
Child Development and Pedagogy, two languages (with the state language compulsory in most states), Mathematics and Environmental Studies for the primary paper, and subject options (Maths/Science or Social Studies) for the upper-primary paper. State TETs add state-specific general knowledge, culture and language components (e.g. Rajasthan GK in REET, Haryana GK in HTET, Punjabi in PSTET). Secondary STETs test the subject at graduate/postgraduate depth.
Upcoming dates
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bihar STET 2026 application window | 17-31 Aug 2026 | confirmed |
| Bihar STET 2026 exam | Sep - Oct 2026 | expected |
| PSTET 2026 (Punjab) notification | TBA | tba |
| REET next cycle (Rajasthan) | Early 2027 | expected |
| Next UPTET / HTET editions (2026 exams were held 2-4 and 4-5 July respectively) | Mid-2027 | expected |
Expected dates follow the usual calendar; confirm on the official notification before planning.
Free prep material
Standard books
- CTET & TETs Success Master (Paper I/II) - Arihant Experts
- Child Development and Pedagogy for CTET & STETs - Sandeep Kumar (Pearson)
- State-wise TET solved papers (UPTET/REET/HTET/Bihar STET) - Disha/Arihant Experts
- Relevant state General Knowledge guide - Arihant (Manohar Pandey series)
- NCERT textbooks, Classes 1-8
How toppers play it
- Prepare CTET and your state TET together — the pedagogy and subject core overlap almost entirely; only the state GK/language section differs.
- Check whether your state's TET is purely qualifying or score-weighted in recruitment (REET and Bihar STET scores feed merit) and set your target accordingly.
- Master the state-specific section (state GK, culture, geography, state language) — it is the usual differentiator between qualifying and missing the 60% mark.
- Since certificates now have lifetime validity, appear whenever a TET is held even if recruitment is not open — TET windows in many states are irregular.
- Most state TETs have no negative marking, so attempt every question; but verify the current notification, as a few STET-style exams have altered marking schemes.