TNTET (Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test)

Content Writer Priya Singh
Updated On Date: Nov 28, 2025

TAMIL NADU TEACHER ELIGIBILITY TEST (TNTET 2026)

The Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test (TNTET) 2026 is a state-level examination conducted by the Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB), Tamil Nadu, to determine the eligibility of candidates for teaching positions in government and aided schools. The exam is mandatory for all teachers handling Classes 1 to 8, as per a Supreme Court directive, and is conducted three times in 2026—January, July, and December—to provide multiple opportunities for both in-service and aspiring teachers to qualify.

TNTET 2026 is divided into two papers: Paper I for those seeking eligibility to teach Classes 1 to 5 (Primary level), and Paper II for Classes 6 to 8 (Upper Primary level). Each paper consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, with no negative marking, and a duration of 3 hours. The exam covers subjects such as Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I (Tamil/Telugu/Malayalam/Kannada/Urdu), Language II (English), Mathematics, and Environmental Studies or Science/Social Science, depending on the paper.

Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria: for Paper I, a minimum of 10+2 with at least 50% marks and completion or final year enrollment in a recognized teacher training course (D.El.Ed./B.El.Ed.); for Paper II, a graduation degree with at least 50% marks and completion or final year enrollment in a B.Ed. or equivalent course. Reserved category candidates receive a 5% relaxation in marks.

The application process is entirely online via the TRB Tamil Nadu website. The admit card, exam schedule, answer key, and result are released on the same portal. The result is declared approximately 6–8 weeks after the exam, and qualifying candidates receive a lifelong eligibility certificate, which is essential for recruitment and promotions in Tamil Nadu schools.

Overall, TNTET 2026 is a critical step for aspiring and serving teachers in Tamil Nadu, ensuring they meet the required qualifications for effective and recognized teaching in government and aided schools.

TNTET 2026 Exams Highlights

Name of Exam

Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test (TNTET) 

Exam Level

State-level exam for teaching eligibility in Tamil Nadu 

Conducted by

Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB), Tamil Nadu

Courses offered

Eligibility for teaching Classes I to VIII in government and aided schools 

Exam Mode

Offline (Pen and Paper)

Application Mode

Online (via TRB Tamil Nadu website) 

Exam Frequency

Three times a year (January, July, December 2026) 

Exam Duration

3 hours per paper

Exam Medium

Tamil and English

TNTET 2026 Exam Dates

        Events

Event Dates (Tentative)

Application begins

Likely in the last week of November 2025 (exact date to be confirmed in official notification)

Application closes

To be announced

Application form correction

To be announced

Admit card

Usually 1-2 weeks before the exam

Exam Date

Paper I: January 24, 2026

Paper II: January 25, 2026

Answer key

 

Usually within a week after the exam

Result

Expected around 6-8 weeks post-exam, likely by late March or early April 2026

Counselling

To be notified after result declaration

Note- Candidates are requested to regularly check the official TRB Tamil Nadu website for precise dates and updates: trb.tn.gov.in.

TNTET 2026  Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who are planning to appear for the exam must have the following TNTET eligibility criteria.

  • Age: Minimum 18 years; no upper age limit.
  • Educational Qualification:
    • Paper I (Classes 1–5): 10+2 with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) and passed/appearing in final year of 2-year D.El.Ed., 4-year B.El.Ed., or 2-year Diploma in Special Education.
    • Paper II (Classes 6–8): Graduation with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) and passed/appearing in final year of B.Ed., 2-year D.El.Ed., or 4-year B.El.Ed.
  • Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen and resident of Tamil Nadu.
  • Special Note: Only in-service teachers working in Government, Government-Aided, and Recognised Private Schools, appointed before September 1, 2025, are eligible for the 2026 special exam.
Click Here For TNTET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

TNTET 2026 Application Process

Applicants may follow the given steps to apply for TNTET 2026.

  • Visit the official TRB Tamil Nadu website (trb.tn.gov.in).
  • Click on the TNTET 2026 Special Eligibility Test registration link.
  • Register with your email ID and mobile number.
  • Fill out the application form with personal, educational, and contact details.
  • Upload a passport-sized photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
  • Pay the application fee online (Rs. 500 for General/OBC, Rs. 250 for SC/ST/PwD).
  • Submit the form and download/print the confirmation page for future reference.
Click Here For TNTET 2026 Application Form

TNTET 2026  Admit Card

The TNTET 2026 admit card will be released online on the official Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB) Tamil Nadu website (trb.tn.gov.in) approximately 1-2 weeks before the exam date. Candidates must download their admit card using their registration number and password. The admit card contains essential details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, exam date, time, exam center address, and instructions for the exam day.

Steps to download TNTET admit card

To download the TNTET Admit Card 2026, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official website of the Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB) Tamil Nadu at trb.tn.gov.in.
  2. Click on the "TNTET Admit Card 2026" or "Hall Ticket" link on the homepage.
  3. Enter your registration number and password (or date of birth, if required).
  4. Submit the details to view your admit card.
  5. Download the admit card in PDF format and take a printout for exam day.

TNTET 2026  Syllabus

The TNTET 2026 syllabus is divided into two papers, each covering specific subjects relevant to the teaching level:

TNTET Paper 1 (Classes 1–5)

  • Child Development and Pedagogy: Educational psychology for ages 6–11, teaching-learning processes, inclusive education.
  • Language I: Tamil/ Telugu /Malayalam/ Kannada/ Urdu (grammar, comprehension, communication).
  • Language II: English (grammar, comprehension, communication).
  • Mathematics: Number system, arithmetic, geometry, problem-solving for primary level.
  • Environmental Studies: Themes like family, food, shelter, travel, plants, animals, and basic science concepts.

TNTET Paper 2 (Classes 6–8)

  • Child Development and Pedagogy: Educational psychology for ages 11–14, learning theories, classroom management.
  • Language I: Tamil/ Telugu /Malayalam/ Kannada /Urdu (grammar, comprehension, communication).
  • Language II: English (grammar, comprehension, communication).
  • Mathematics & Science or Social Science:
    • Mathematics & Science: Algebra, geometry, mensuration, life sciences, physical sciences.
    • Social Science: History, geography, economics, civics.
Click Here For TNTET 2026 Syllabus

TNTET 2026  Exam Pattern

For the ease of students here we providing a well structure exam pattern of TNTET-

Two Papers:

  • Paper 1: For teaching Classes 1–5
  • Paper 2: For teaching Classes 6–8

Candidates can appear for one or both papers.

Question Format:

  • 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) per paper
  • Each question carries 1 mark, totaling 150 marks per paper
  • No negative marking.

Duration:

  • 3 hours for each paper.

Medium:

  • Questions are available in Tamil and English.
Click Here For TNTET 2026 Exam Pattern

TNTET 2026  Result

The TNTET 2026 result will be released online on the official Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB) Tamil Nadu website (trb.tn.gov.in) approximately 6–8 weeks after the exam, likely by late March or early April 2026. Candidates must log in with their registration number and password to check and download their result PDF. The result will include the candidate’s roll number, marks obtained, and qualifying status.

Click Here For TNTET 2026 Results

TNTET 2026 Preparation Tips

For effective preparation of TNTET 2026, keep these tips in mind:

  • Understand the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 to plan your study schedule accordingly.
  • Focus on Child Development and Pedagogy as it carries significant weight and is scoring.
  • Use NCERT/SCERT textbooks and reputable TNTET preparation guides for better conceptual clarity.
  • Solve previous year papers and take regular mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
  • Make concise notes, tables, or flowcharts while studying to aid quick revision.
  • Strengthen language skills (both regional language and English) through daily practice.
  • Revise regularly in weekly cycles and focus more on weak areas identified through mock tests.
  • Stay consistent with a daily study routine, balancing all subjects and sections
Click Here For TNTET 2026 Preparation Tips

TNTET 2026 General Instructions

TNTET 2026 general instructions are essential guidelines issued by the Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB) Tamil Nadu to ensure a smooth and fair examination process. All candidates must follow these instructions carefully:

  • Carry your printed admit card and a valid original photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Driving License) to the exam center; entry will not be allowed without these documents.
  • Arrive at the exam center well before the reporting time; latecomers will not be allowed entry after the gate closing time.
  • Follow all instructions given by exam hall staff and invigilators during the exam.
  • Do not leave the exam hall before the stipulated time (usually 1 PM).
  • Only use black or blue ballpoint pens for answering; do not use pencils or other colors.
  • No electronic devices, study material, or personal belongings are allowed inside the exam hall.
  • Any malpractice or impersonation will be dealt with strictly as per the rules.

TNTET 2026  Exam FAQs

Q1. What is TNTET?

Ans. TNTET (Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test) is a state-level exam conducted by the Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB), Tamil Nadu, to certify candidates as eligible for teaching Classes I to VIII in government and aided schools.

Q2. What are the papers and whom do they target?

Ans. Paper 1 is for candidates aspiring to teach Classes 1 to 5, and Paper 2 is for those aspiring to teach Classes 6 to 8.

Q3. When will the TNTET 2026 exam be held?

Ans. Paper 1 is scheduled for January 24, 2026, and Paper 2 for January 25, 2026.

Q4. How to apply for TNTET 2026?

Ans. Apply online through the official TRB Tamil Nadu website (trb.tn.gov.in) once the application window opens.

Q5. What is the qualifying criteria?

Ans. Minimum 60% marks for General category and 55% for reserved categories like SC, ST, OBC, MBC, PwD.