If you have cleared the TNTET Paper–I, the door to one of Tamil Nadu’s most stable and respected government teaching careers opens wide — the Secondary Grade Teacher (SGT) recruitment conducted by the Tamil Nadu Teachers Recruitment Board (TN TRB).
If you are aiming for a government teaching job in schools then the SGT exam is the perfect opportunity.
This blog provides a complete overview of the SGT Notification, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus Structure, Duties, Age Limit, Vacancies, Preparation Strategy, and why this career is highly sought-after.
What Is the Secondary Grade Teacher (SGT) Exam?
The Secondary Grade Teacher (SGT) Exam is a direct recruitment examination conducted by the Tamil Nadu Teachers Recruitment Board (TN TRB).
It is held to recruit teachers for Classes 1 to 5 under the Tamil Nadu Elementary Educational Subordinate Service, covering government elementary and primary schools across the state.
Unlike exams that involve multiple stages like interviews or demonstrations, the SGT recruitment follows a straightforward, merit-based process:
- Candidates write an OMR-based written examination
- Marks obtained in the written exam determine the final rank list
- Selection is subject to eligibility, communal reservation, and certificate verification
Since SGT teachers play a vital role in foundational education, the exam is designed to test:
- Core subject knowledge
- Teaching aptitude
- Language proficiency
- Conceptual clarity suitable for young learners
Mandatory Requirement
Before applying for SGT recruitment:
To attend SGT Exam – You must have passed TNTET Paper–I
Without TNTET Paper–I qualification, candidates are not eligible for SGT recruitment, irrespective of their academic qualifications.
TRB Secondary Grade Teacher (SGT) Recruitment Notification – Key Highlights
| Category | Details |
| Post Name | Secondary Grade Teacher (SGT) |
| 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 |
| Selection Process | Part A (Tamil Language Eligibility Test), Part B (Main Written Examination) & Certificate Verification |
Success Inspiration: TRB SGT 3rd State Rank Holder
Sathya Priya P, a dedicated mother and homemaker, is a powerful example of how determination and disciplined preparation can turn dreams into reality.
Defying societal expectations and personal challenges, she secured State 3rd Rank in the Tamil Nadu TRB Secondary Grade Teacher (SGT) Examination, proving that passion has no age or limitation.
Her journey reflects resilience, smart preparation, and unwavering belief in her goal. Sathya Priya’s success stands as an inspiration to thousands of aspirants, especially women balancing family responsibilities, showing that with the right guidance and commitment, a government teaching career is truly achievable.
If You Pass the SGT Exam — What Will You Achieve?
Clearing the SGT exam is a career-defining milestone. It offers long-term security, social respect, and professional growth under the Tamil Nadu Government.
1. Tamil Nadu Government Teaching Job
You will be appointed as a government teacher in elementary schools under the School Education Department — one of the most respected professions in the state.
2. Level-10 Pay Scale (₹20,600 – ₹75,900)
SGT teachers are placed under Pay Level–10, which includes:
- Attractive basic pay
- DA, HRA, and other allowances
- Regular salary revisions
3. Permanent Government Employee Status
After probation, you enjoy:
- Job security
- Service protection
- Pension and retirement benefits
4. Promotions & In-Service Benefits
As a government teacher, you are entitled to:
- Annual increments
- Departmental promotions
- In-service training programs
- Transfer opportunities
- Leadership roles over time
5. Professional Identity & Social Respect
SGT teachers shape a child’s first learning experience. In Tamil Nadu, government primary teachers hold high social recognition as mentors and role models.
Eligibility for the SGT Exam
To apply for the SGT exam, candidates must satisfy educational qualification and age limit criteria prescribed by TN TRB.
1. Educational Qualifications for Secondary Grade Teacher (SGT)
Candidates must possess any one of the following qualifications:
Higher Secondary Route
- Higher Secondary (50%) + 2-year D.El.Ed
- Higher Secondary (45%) + D.El.Ed (as per NCTE 2002 norms)
- Higher Secondary (50%) + 4-year B.El.Ed
- Higher Secondary (50%) + Diploma in Special Education
Graduation Route
- Any Bachelor’s Degree + 2-year D.El.Ed
Additional Mandatory Conditions
✔ TNTET Paper–I qualification is compulsory
✔ Candidates with Special Education diplomas must complete 6 months of NCTE training after appointment
These norms ensure that SGT teachers are academically strong and professionally trained to handle young learners.
2. Age Limit for SGT Exam (As on 01.07.2024)
- General Category: Up to 53 years
- BC / BCM / MBC / DNC / SC / SCA / ST / Destitute Widow: Up to 58 years
The relaxed age limit allows aspirants from diverse backgrounds to pursue a government teaching career.
SGT Exam Pattern – Complete Structure Explained
TN TRB follows a three-stage structure for SGT recruitment:
- Part A – Tamil Language Eligibility Test
- Part B – Main Written Examination
- Part C – Certificate Verification
Let’s break them down clearly.
Part A: Tamil Language Eligibility Test
- Mode: OMR-based Objective Test
- Total Questions: 30
- Total Marks: 50
- Duration: 30 Minutes
- Minimum Qualifying Marks: 20 Marks (40%)
Important Note
Marks from Part A are NOT added to the final ranking.
This test is qualifying in nature only.
Its purpose is to ensure that every SGT teacher has adequate Tamil language proficiency for classroom teaching and communication.
Part B: Main Written Examination
This is the ranking-deciding section.
- Mode: OMR-based Objective Test
- Total Questions: 150
- Total Marks: 150
- Duration: 3 Hours
Minimum Qualifying Marks
- OC: 40% (60 marks)
- BC / BCM / MBC / DNC / SC / SCA / ST: 30% (45 marks)
Subjects Covered in SGT Exam
Candidates will answer questions from:
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Malayalam
- Kannada
- Urdu
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Science
Subjects depend on the candidate’s medium and specialization.
Medium of Examination
- Language subjects → Same language medium
- English → English medium
- Maths / Science / Social Science → Tamil & English
- Minority languages (Urdu, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam) → English only
This structure ensures fairness and accessibility for all candidates.
Part C: Certificate Verification
Candidates shortlisted based on merit will be called for certificate verification, where original documents related to:
- Educational qualification
- Age
- Community
- TNTET qualification
are verified before final appointment.
Roles & Responsibilities of a Secondary Grade Teacher
An SGT teacher’s role goes beyond textbooks. You are responsible for:
- Teaching Classes 1–5
- Building literacy and numeracy skills
- Developing moral values and discipline
- Identifying learning difficulties early
- Communicating with parents and school authorities
SGT teachers lay the foundation of a child’s academic life.
Secondary Grade Teacher (SGT) Salary & Benefits
- Pay Level: Level–10
- Pay Range: ₹20,600 – ₹75,900
- Additional Benefits:
- DA, HRA
- Medical benefits
- Paid leaves
- Pension schemes
Salary grows steadily with experience and promotions.
Career Growth After SGT Appointment
The SGT post is not the end — it is the starting point of a long government teaching career.
Career Progression Paths
➡ Primary School Headmaster
➡ School In-Charge
➡ Administrative roles in the Education Department
Over time, teachers can influence policy, training, and academic planning at higher levels.
SGT Coaching & Preparation Support
If you are planning to crack the SGT exam with confidence, structured guidance matters.
To join our SGT Course
Download the SGT Syllabus:
Our coaching focuses on:
- TRB-aligned syllabus coverage
- Concept clarity for primary-level teaching
- Previous year question analysis
- Exam-oriented preparation
Final Words
The TRB SGT exam is one of the most reliable government teaching opportunities in Tamil Nadu for candidates who have cleared TNTET Paper–I.
With a transparent exam pattern, attractive salary, long-term job security, and meaningful career growth, SGT recruitment continues to attract thousands of aspirants every year.
For Admissions & SGT Online Coaching Enquiry
+91 7070701005
+91 7070701009