How to Become a PGT Teacher in India? A Complete Guide for Aspirants

Teaching is one of the most respected professions in India, and becoming a Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) is an excellent career choice for those passionate about educating senior secondary students. PGT teachers are responsible for teaching classes 11 and 12 in schools affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, or state boards. With the increasing demand for quality education, the role of PGT teachers has evolved, incorporating modern teaching methodologies, digital tools, and competency-based education frameworks.

If you aspire to become a PGT teacher, this guide will provide you with all the necessary details, including eligibility criteria, entrance exams, salary, career growth opportunities, and a list of top colleges. Additionally, we will cover the latest updates on recruitment policies, government initiatives, and skill enhancement programs to help you stay ahead in your career.

Aspect	Details
Exam Name	PGT (Post Graduate Teacher) Exam
Conducting Authority	Various educational bodies such as KVS (Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan), NVS (Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti), State Public Service Commissions, and others
Eligibility	Post Graduate Degree (PG) in the subject + B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education)
Age Limit	Up to 40 years, with relaxations for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PH)
Application Process	Online application via official websites (e.g., KVS, NVS)
Exam Pattern	Objective Type (MCQs) in the following areas:
	– Subject Knowledge (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, English, etc.)
	– General Awareness (National and International Current Affairs)
	– Teaching Aptitude (Classroom management, pedagogical skills)
	– Reasoning Ability (Logical reasoning, numerical ability)
Marking Scheme	Typically 1 mark per question, with negative marking of 0.25 for wrong answers
Total Questions	Around 150-200 questions (depending on the conducting body)
Total Marks	150-200 marks
Time Duration	2 to 2.5 hours
Subjects Covered	Subject-specific questions (e.g., for PGT English, questions related to English literature, language, etc.)
Minimum Qualifying Marks	50%-60% (may vary depending on the conducting authority and category)
Syllabus	– Subject Knowledge (specific to the teaching subject)
	– General Knowledge (History, Geography, Economy, Politics)
	– Reasoning (Verbal and Non-Verbal reasoning, Analytical Ability)
	– Teaching Methodology (Pedagogical principles, classroom management, educational psychology)
Selection Process	– Written Exam
	– Interview (for shortlisted candidates after the written exam)
	– Document Verification
Cut-off Marks	Varies each year based on the difficulty of the exam and the number of applicants.
Result Announcement	Typically within 1-2 months after the exam date
Salary	₹44,000 – ₹1,00,000/month (based on experience and school type, as per 7th Pay Commission)
Important Dates (2025)	– Application Start Date: Typically January – February
	– Exam Date: Usually in March – April
Application Fees	₹1000 (for General and OBC categories), with no fees for SC/ST/PWD candidates

Who is a PGT Teacher?

A PGT (Post Graduate Teacher) is a subject-specific educator who teaches higher secondary school students (classes 11 and 12). PGT teachers play an important role in shaping students’ academic futures, particularly in subjects like Mathematics, Science, Commerce, Humanities, and Languages. With the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the role of PGT teachers has expanded to include interdisciplinary learning, skill-based education, and integration of digital tools in classrooms.

Important Updates for PGT Teachers in 2025

In 2025, there are some important updates for aspirants aiming to become PGT (Post Graduate Teachers) in India. Here’s a simple breakdown of the important points:

• To apply for PGT positions, candidates must have a Master’s degree in the relevant subject (like English, History, Biology, etc.), along with a B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education) degree. For certain subjects, candidates with a degree in Education are required.
• The maximum age limit for PGT aspirants is generally around 40 years. However, age relaxation is provided for reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC, etc.), as per government norms.
• The selection process for PGTs typically includes a written examination, followed by an interview. Some states or schools may also conduct a skill test or a teaching demonstration.
• The written exam usually consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the subject knowledge, general awareness, reasoning, and teaching aptitude.
• The application process for PGT exams often starts in the first quarter of the year, with exams held a few months later. Check the official recruitment notifications for specific dates.
• PGT teachers are paid according to the 7th Pay Commission, and the salary ranges from ₹44,000 to ₹1,00,000 per month depending on the school and experience. Additional benefits like medical facilities, pension, and allowances are also provided.
• In 2025, some schools and educational boards are expected to incorporate more technology in their teaching processes, so being familiar with digital tools and online teaching methods could be an advantage.

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Responsibilities of a PGT Teacher in India 

For aspirants looking to become PGT (Post Graduate Teachers), it’s important to understand the key responsibilities that come with the role. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• As a PGT, your primary responsibility is to teach the subject you specialize in, such as English, History, Physics, etc. You need to prepare lessons, explain concepts clearly, and help students understand complex topics.
• You will need to design lesson plans that align with the curriculum. This involves planning what to teach, when to teach, and how to assess students’ understanding.
• Ensuring that the classroom is an effective learning environment is crucial. This involves maintaining discipline, encouraging participation, and managing student behavior.
• You will conduct regular tests, assignments, and projects to assess students’ progress. You also need to provide feedback to help students improve.
• Apart from academics, you may need to guide students on personal issues, career choices, and help them deal with stress or study-related difficulties.
• As a PGT, you will attend school meetings, parent-teacher meetings, and professional development workshops to discuss student progress, new teaching methods, or any school-related matters.
• You will be responsible for grading students’ work fairly and reporting the results to the school administration. This can include creating progress reports and preparing for examinations.
• In modern classrooms, technology plays a significant role. You may need to use digital tools, online platforms, or interactive teaching aids to enhance the learning experience.
• Apart from teaching, you may also be involved in organizing extracurricular activities, school events, and helping students participate in competitions.

Steps to Become a PGT Teacher in India

Becoming a PGT (Post Graduate Teacher) in India requires a few important steps. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the process:

• You need to have a Master’s degree (Post Graduation) in the subject you wish to teach, such as English, History, Physics, or Mathematics.
• You must also complete a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree. This helps you learn the skills needed to teach effectively.
• Make sure you meet the age requirements (usually up to 40 years, with relaxations for reserved categories).
• Verify the specific subject requirements for the PGT post. Each subject may have its own eligibility criteria.
• Keep an eye on job notifications for PGT openings. These are usually posted on government job websites (like SSC, UPSC) or on specific school boards (like CBSE, State Boards).
• Most PGT jobs require you to clear a written exam, which typically includes questions on general knowledge, subject knowledge, and teaching aptitude.
• Some exams also include an interview and teaching demonstration as part of the selection process.
• When the notification is released, fill out the application form online and pay the required application fee. Make sure to submit all necessary documents, such as your educational certificates and identification.
• After clearing the written exam, you may be called for an interview. Be prepared to discuss your subject knowledge, teaching methods, and how you handle classroom situations.
• Once selected, you’ll receive an appointment letter. You can now join the school as a PGT teacher and begin your career in teaching.
• Keep improving your skills by attending workshops, seminars, or taking additional education courses. This will help you stay updated on new teaching methods and technologies.

Eligibility Criteria to Become a PGT Teacher

To qualify as a PGT teacher in India, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Educational Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in the relevant subject from a recognized university with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories in some states).
• A Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree from an NCTE-recognized institution.
• Candidates with M.Ed. (Master of Education) have an added advantage.

2. Age Limit:

• For government schools: Typically 18 to 40 years (varies by state and recruitment board).
• Age relaxation applies to SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates as per government norms.

3. Teaching Qualification:

• B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education) is mandatory for most teaching positions.
• Candidates with teaching certifications in pedagogy or subject-specific training can have better opportunities.

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Recruitment Process for PGT Teachers

To become a PGT teacher in a government or private school, you need to clear specific entrance exams and fulfill recruitment criteria.

PGT Teacher Recruitment Exams

Here are the primary entrance exams conducted for PGT teacher recruitment:

a) KVS PGT (Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan)

• Conducted by KVS to recruit teachers for Kendriya Vidyalayas.
• Subjects: General Awareness, Pedagogy, Reasoning, English, Hindi, and Subject-Specific Knowledge.

b) NVS PGT (Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti)

• Conducted by NVS to recruit teachers for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.
• Includes General Awareness, Reasoning, English, Hindi, and Subject-Specific Knowledge.

c) DSSSB PGT (Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board)

• Conducted by DSSSB for recruitment in Delhi government schools.
• Includes General Awareness, Aptitude, Reasoning, and Subject-Specific Questions.

d) State-Level PGT Exams

• Each state conducts its own exam, such as UP PGT, MP PGT, Haryana PGT, etc.

e) UGC-NET (For Teaching in Colleges and Higher Secondary Schools)

• Candidates aiming for teaching positions in government higher secondary schools or junior colleges may qualify via UGC-NET.

Top Colleges for B.Ed. and M.Ed.

Here is a list of some top colleges in India offering B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education) and M.Ed. (Master of Education) courses, along with their fee structure. The fees can vary based on the college type (government or private) and location:

College Name	Course	Location	Annual Fee (Approx.)
University of Delhi	B.Ed.	Delhi	₹10,000 – ₹20,000
Jamia Millia Islamia	B.Ed.	Delhi	₹12,000 – ₹30,000
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)	B.Ed.	Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh	₹15,000 – ₹25,000
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)	B.Ed.	Mumbai, Maharashtra	₹35,000 – ₹45,000
National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE)	B.Ed.	Various Locations	₹20,000 – ₹35,000
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)	B.Ed.	Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh	₹15,000 – ₹25,000
University of Pune (Savitribai Phule Pune University)	B.Ed.	Pune, Maharashtra	₹15,000 – ₹25,000
Kurukshetra University	M.Ed.	Kurukshetra, Haryana	₹20,000 – ₹30,000
University of Mumbai	M.Ed.	Mumbai, Maharashtra	₹25,000 – ₹45,000
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)	M.Ed.	Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh	₹10,000 – ₹20,000
Guru Nanak Dev University	M.Ed.	Amritsar, Punjab	₹15,000 – ₹25,000
Jamia Millia Islamia	M.Ed.	Delhi	₹20,000 – ₹30,000
Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya	M.Ed.	Sagar, Madhya Pradesh	₹15,000 – ₹25,000
Mahatma Gandhi University	M.Ed.	Kottayam, Kerala	₹20,000 – ₹30,000

Salary of PGT Teacher in India

The salary of a PGT (Post Graduate Teacher) in India varies depending on the school type (government or private), location, and experience. Below is a simplified breakdown of the salary structure for PGT teachers in India, based on the 7th Pay Commission for government schools:

Category	Salary Range (per month)	Details
Starting Salary (Government Schools)	₹44,000 – ₹50,000	Entry-level salary after joining as PGT.
Mid-Level Experience	₹55,000 – ₹65,000	Teachers with 5-10 years of experience.
Experienced Teachers	₹70,000 – ₹1,00,000	Teachers with over 10 years of experience.
Grade Pay	₹4,800 – ₹5,400	Additional allowances added to basic salary.
Additional Benefits	Medical, Pension, Housing, etc.	Other allowances may vary based on school.

• In private schools, the salary range may be slightly lower, typically starting around ₹30,000 and going up to ₹70,000 or more for experienced teachers, depending on the institution and location.
• PGT teachers in government schools also receive benefits like pension, medical facilities, holidays, and provident fund.

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Career Opportunities After Becoming a PGT Teacher

After becoming a PGT (Post Graduate Teacher), there are several career growth opportunities available. As you gain experience, your roles and responsibilities can expand, leading to higher positions with better salary packages. Below is a simplified outline of potential career growth opportunities, along with the corresponding salary structure.

Position	Role	Salary (Approx.)
PGT (Entry-Level)	Teaching a specific subject, preparing lessons, and grading students.	₹44,000 – ₹50,000
Senior PGT	Leading a department, mentoring junior teachers, and guiding curriculum planning.	₹55,000 – ₹65,000
Head of Department (HOD)	Overseeing a specific department, setting goals, and managing faculty.	₹70,000 – ₹90,000
Vice Principal	Assisting the Principal in school administration, academic planning, and discipline.	₹90,000 – ₹1,20,000
Principal	Managing overall school operations, staff, curriculum, and student welfare.	₹1,20,000 – ₹2,00,000
Education Consultant	Advising educational institutions on curriculum, teaching methods, or school management.	₹1,00,000 – ₹2,00,000+
Teacher Educator	Training future teachers in educational methodologies and curriculum design.	₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000
Subject Matter Expert	Providing expert knowledge in a specific subject for educational content development or publishing.	₹70,000 – ₹1,50,000

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