TNTET – Tamilnadu Teacher Eligibility Test
The Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test (TNTET) is not just an examination — it is the gateway to becoming a government school teacher in Tamil Nadu.
Whether you are an aspiring teacher, a private school educator, or an in-service government teacher aiming for promotion and job security, TNTET has now become mandatory and unavoidable.
In this complete guide, we explain everything you need to know about the TRB TNTET Notification — its history, eligibility, exam pattern, age limit, syllabus, qualifying marks, certificate validity, application process, and how clearing TNTET directly opens doors to government teaching recruitment exams.
What Is TNTET and Why Was It Introduced?
The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) was first introduced in 2011 as a landmark educational reform across India. This initiative came under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, where the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) mandated that:
Any candidate aspiring to teach Classes 1 to 8 must pass the TET.
The core objective was simple yet powerful:
- Improve teaching standards
- Ensure teacher accountability
- Maintain uniform quality in school education
Tamil Nadu’s Adoption of TET
Tamil Nadu promptly adopted this reform. Through G.O. Ms. No. 181 dated 15.11.2011, the state government:
- Officially implemented the TET requirement
- Appointed the Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB) as the nodal authority
The first TNTET examination was conducted in 2012, marking the beginning of a new era in teacher recruitment and promotion.
Why TNTET Is in the Spotlight Again
Despite its importance, Tamil Nadu conducted:
- Only 6 regular TNTET exams
- And 1 special TET
in the last 12 years, even though guidelines require at least one TET every year.
This irregularity denied thousands of deserving candidates a fair opportunity.
Supreme Court’s TNTET Mandate – A Turning Point
The Supreme Court of India recently issued a firm directive:
- No teacher can continue in service without passing TET
- No promotions for teachers who have not cleared TET
- Only teachers with less than five years of service remaining are exempted
This ruling closed all loopholes — for government and private school teachers alike.To compensate for the lost years, the Tamil Nadu School Education Department announced plans to conduct six TET exams in the next two years, effectively holding three TNTETs per year.
Why Multiple TNTET Exams Are a Game Changer
This decision transforms the preparation landscape entirely:
More Attempts, More Opportunities
Candidates no longer need to wait years for another chance. Multiple exams mean continuous opportunities.
Job Security & Career Growth
In-service teachers must now clear TNTET to:
- Retain their jobs
- Become eligible for promotions
In Future – Private School Teachers Included
And it is well soon expected that a GO will come for private school teachers that they must also have to qualify TNTET exam .
Higher Competition, Serious Preparation
With Tamil Nadu’s pass percentage hovering around 4.5%, TNTET remains challenging — success demands systematic, syllabus-aligned preparation.
TRB TNTET Recruitment Notification 2026 – Key Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test (TNTET) |
| Conducting Body | Tamil Nadu Teachers Recruitment Board (TN TRB) |
| Notification Release | Expected soon (as per TN TRB Annual Planner) |
| Application Start Date | Yet to be released |
| Application End Date | Yet to be released |
| Exam Date | Yet to be released |
| Expected Exam Month | Yet to be released |
| Vacancies | Yet to be released |
| Exam Mode | OMR-based Written Examination |
| Result Declaration | Yet to be released |
What Exactly Is TNTET?
TNTET (Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test) is an eligibility examination, not a recruitment exam.
TET qualification allows candidates to appear for recruitment exams conducted by TRB, such as:
- SGT
- UG TRB
Without TNTET, candidates cannot write government teacher recruitment exams.
Who Is Eligible for the TNTET Exam?
TNTET Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: No upper age limit
This makes TNTET accessible to both fresh graduates and experienced teachers.
Educational Qualification for TNTET
TNTET consists of two papers:
- TNTET Paper I → Classes 1–5
- TNTET Paper II → Classes 6–8
You must choose the paper that aligns with your teaching goal.
TNTET Paper I Eligibility (Classes 1–5)
You can apply if you meet any one of the following:
- Higher Secondary (50%) + 2-year D.El.Ed
- Higher Secondary (50%) + 4-year B.El.Ed
- Higher Secondary (50%) + 2-year D.Ed (Special Education)
Relaxation: SC / ST / BC / MBC / PwD candidates may get 5% marks relaxation.
TNTET Paper II Eligibility (Classes 6–8)
Eligible pathways include:
- Graduation (50%) + B.Ed
- Graduation (45%) + B.Ed (as per NCTE norms)
- Graduation + 2-year D.El.Ed
- Higher Secondary (50%) + 4-year B.El.Ed
- Higher Secondary (50%) + B.Ed (Special Education)
Tip: Choose Paper II carefully based on your degree and subject specialization.
TNTET Exam Pattern Explained
TNTET consists of two papers, each with 150 MCQs for 150 marks.
TNTET Paper I Exam Pattern (Primary Level)
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Medium |
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 | Tamil / English |
| Language I | 30 | 30 | Respective Language |
| Language II (English) | 30 | 30 | English |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | Tamil / English |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 | Tamil / English |
| Total | 150 | 150 | — |
Eligibility: Government school recruitment for Classes 1–5
TNTET Paper II Exam Pattern (Upper Primary Level)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| Child Development & Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II – English | 30 | 30 |
| Maths & Science / Social Science | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
Eligibility: Government school recruitment for Classes 6–8
Minimum Qualifying Marks for TNTET
| Category | Marks Required |
| General | 60% (90 Marks) |
| SC / ST / BC / MBC / PwD | 55% (82 Marks) |
| ST (One-time concession) | 40% (60 Marks) |
TNTET Exam Mode & Attempts
- Mode: OMR / CBT (as notified by TRB)
- Attempts: Unlimited
- Candidates may re-attempt TNTET to improve scores
TNTET Certificate Validity
Once qualified:
- TNTET certificate is valid for a lifetime
- No need to reappear for eligibility
This is a major advantage compared to many other states.
Documents Required for TNTET Application
Candidates must upload scanned originals of:
- SSLC & HSC certificates
- D.El.Ed / B.Ed / B.El.Ed certificates
- Consolidated mark sheets
- Community certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
Incorrect or missing documents can lead to application rejection.
How to Apply for TNTET
- Apply online only via TRB website
- Separate applications for Paper I & Paper II
- Exam Fee:
- ₹600 (General)
- ₹300 (SC / ST / PwD)
TNTET Courses Offered at Professor Academy
We offer bilingual courses to suit every aspirant’s need:
TNTET Books for Extra Practice
Along with our online courses, we provide specially designed TNTET books for additional practice:
These books cover Child Development & Pedagogy (CDP) with targeted questions that reflect actual exam patterns.
TNTET Syllabus & Preparation
Why Choose Professor Academy for TNTET Preparation?
- Expert TRB & TET mentors
- Flexible live sessions
- 24×7 recorded access
- Test series & revision notes
- 1,000+ successful achievers
Start Your Preparation Today!
Final Words
If becoming a Tamil Nadu government school teacher is your dream, TNTET is your first and most important step.
With lifetime certificate validity, multiple exam opportunities, and direct eligibility for recruitment exams, TNTET 2025 offers unprecedented chances for aspirants.At Professor Academy, we walk with you from your first class to your success certificate.
Your name can be next on our achievers’ board — and it can start today
Contact: +91 7070701005 | +91 7070701009
Email: enquiry@professoracademy.com