1. 🧭 Introduction

The Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test (PSTET) is the state-level eligibility examination conducted by the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) for aspirants who wish to become teachers in government and government-aided schools of Punjab for Classes 1–5 (primary) and Classes 6–8 (upper-primary). pstet.pseb.ac.in
For the 2026 cycle, PSTET remains the mandatory eligibility criterion for teacher recruitment in Punjab; however clearing PSTET does not guarantee appointment—it only makes you eligible.

2. ✅ Selection Process

Here is the selection (eligibility) process for PSTET 2026:

Notification & Application – PSEB releases the official notification on its portal. Eligible candidates apply online for the exam.
Written Examination (PSTET) – There are two papers:
- Paper I → for teaching Classes 1–5
- Paper II → for teaching Classes 6–8
  Candidates may appear for either one or both depending on their eligibility/aspiration. pstet.pseb.ac.in +1
Result & Certificate Issuance – On achieving the minimum qualifying marks, candidates are issued a PSTET certificate which qualifies them for teacher recruitment.
Teacher Recruitment (Separate Process) – Appointment to teaching posts happens via separate recruitment processes by the state education department. PSTET only certifies eligibility.

3. 📘 Exam Pattern

Paper I – Primary Level (Classes 1-5)

Section	No. of Questions	Marks	Duration
Child Development & Pedagogy	30	30	2 h 30 m (150 min)
Language I (Punjabi) (compulsory)	30	30	―
Language II (English) (compulsory)	30	30	―
Mathematics	30	30	―
Environmental Studies (EVS)	30	30	―
Total	150	150	150 min

Paper II – Upper-Primary Level (Classes 6-8)

Section	No. of Questions	Marks	Duration
Child Development & Pedagogy	30	30	2 h 30 m
Language I (Punjabi)	30	30	―
Language II (English)	30	30	―
Subject Knowledge (choose one)	60	60	―
(a) Mathematics & Science OR (b) Social Studies / Social Science OR others (Art & Craft / Physical Education / etc.)	60	60	―
Total	150	150	150 min

Key Points:

Each correct answer carries 1 mark.
No negative marking.

4. 🧠 Detailed Section-wise Syllabus

Paper I (Classes 1–5)

Child Development & Pedagogy

Nature and characteristics of learners in primary classes; growth & development (6-11 yrs)
Learning processes: basic concept, factors affecting learning
Theories of learning (e.g., Piaget, Vygotsky, Skinner)
Inclusive education and children with special needs
Assessment and evaluation in primary schools

Language I (Punjabi)

Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension passages
Listening, speaking, reading, writing aspects
Pedagogical methods of teaching Punjabi

Language II (English)

Grammar (parts of speech, tenses, voice), comprehension, communication skills
Pedagogy in teaching English as second language

Mathematics

Number system, operations, fractions, decimals
Geometry (shapes, solids), measurement (area, volume)
Data handling, ratio/proportion, averages
Pedagogical issues: how to teach mathematics to primary children

Environmental Studies (EVS)

Family and friends; food and nutrition; shelter & water; things we make and do
Plants, animals; air, water & weather; environment around us
Safety, first aid, traffic education; integrated approach to EVS

Paper II (Classes 6–8)

Child Development & Pedagogy

Development of children in age group 11-14 yrs: physical, cognitive, social, emotional
Guidance and counselling; inclusive education; adolescent psychology
Teaching-learning process; methods, media & assessment for upper-primary students

Language I (Punjabi)

Advanced comprehension, poetry/prose, grammar at upper-primary level
Pedagogy of Punjabi language teaching

Language II (English)

Advanced grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, literature from upper-primary
Methods of teaching English; resource materials & methods

Subject Knowledge (Select one area):

Mathematics & Science: Algebra, geometry, mensuration, statistics, living world, materials & their properties, physical phenomena, environment & resources, etc.
Social Studies / Social Science: History (India & world), geography (physical & human), civics & politics, economics, environment; plus pedagogy of social studies.
Others (for specialist posts): Art & Craft, Physical Education, Home Science, Music, Urdu, Sanskrit – depending on notification.

5. 🏁 Final Selection & Weightage

PSTET is an eligibility test only. Clearing it means you are eligible to apply for teacher posts, but appointment is via separate recruitment.
Both papers carry 150 marks each.
Minimum qualifying marks: Typically 60% (i.e., ~90/150) for General category; relaxations apply for reserved categories as per state notification.
Since there is no negative marking, attempt all questions to maximize your score.
Ultimately, your PSTET certificate becomes part of your application credential; not the final sole criterion.

6. 💡 Practical Preparation Tips

Download the official syllabus and pattern from the official portal and align your preparation accordingly.
Create a realistic study plan – split days between pedagogy, each language, and subject knowledge.
Emphasise Child Development & Pedagogy – Many candidates focus only on subject topics but pedagogy is crucial and carries 30 marks each paper.
Language sections need dual focus: grammar/vocabulary + teaching-methodology.
Use NCERT textbooks (Classes 6–8 and 1–5 as applicable) for subject knowledge; bridge gaps in basics first.
Practice MCQs with speed – you have ~150 questions in 150 minutes → about 1 minute per question.
No negative marking → attempt all but don’t waste too much time on one question.
Revision with short notes – maintain quick reference sheets for formulas, grammar rules, learning theories, etc.
Mock tests / Previous year papers – Solve under timed conditions, analyse your weak areas, and improve accuracy & speed.
Stay updated – Check the official site regularly for notifications, admit cards, result dates.
Maintain health & routine – Balanced study schedule, adequate rest, and confidence on exam day help performance significantly.

7. 🔗 Useful Resource Link

Official website of PSTET: PSTET – Official Portal (Syllabus, notification, registration information) pstet.pseb.ac.in
Official PDF of structure and content: Structure-of-PSTET-2024 PDF pstet.pseb.ac.in

PSTET 2025: Notification, Exam Date ...

🏫 PSTET 2026 – Complete Guide to the Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test