JTET 2026: Jharkhand Teacher Eligibility Test Notification Out
The Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC), Ranchi, has officially released the notification for the Jharkhand Teacher Eligibility Test (JTET) 2026. This state-level examination, conducted under the *Jharkhand Shikshak Patrata Pariksha Niyamawali-2026*, is the mandatory gateway for candidates aspiring to become Sahayak Aacharya (Assistant Teachers) in government elementary schools across the state. The recruitment drive aims to certify eligible candidates for two key levels: Primary (Classes 1 to 5) and Upper Primary (Classes 6 to 8). Eligible candidates are advised to review the detailed notification and prepare for the online application process beginning soon.
Overview of the Recruitment
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC), Ranchi |
| Exam Name | Jharkhand Teacher Eligibility Test (JTET) 2026 |
| Post | Sahayak Aacharya (Assistant Teacher) |
| Exam Levels | Level 1 (Primary: Class 1-5) & Level 2 (Upper Primary: Class 6-8) |
| Notification No. | 487/2026 |
| Advertisement No. | 24/2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Official Website | jac.jharkhand.gov.in |
Important Dates
Candidates must adhere to the official timeline for the JTET 2026 application process. The schedule is as follows:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | March 26, 2026 |
| Advertisement Release Date | March 28, 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | April 21, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | May 21, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | To be notified later |
| JTET 2026 Exam Date | To be notified later |
Application Fees
The application fee is to be paid online and is non-refundable. The fee structure based on the number of levels chosen is detailed below:
| Category | For One Level (Level 1 or 2) | For Both Levels (Level 1 & 2) |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 1,300/- | ₹ 1,500/- |
| SC / ST / PH (Divyang) | ₹ 700/- | ₹ 800/- |
| Payment Mode | Online (Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, etc.) | Online (Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, etc.) |
Age Limit
The age criteria for JTET 2026 are determined by the Jharkhand Government Service Rules. Key details are:
| Age Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 years (as of August 1, 2026) |
| Maximum Age | As per Jharkhand Govt. Service Rules (refer to official notification for category-wise relaxations) |
| Age Calculation Date | August 1, 2026 |
Vacancy Details
The notification does not specify the number of vacancies. The purpose of the JTET exam is to grant eligibility certificates. The actual number of vacancies for teaching posts will be announced separately by the concerned authorities (like JSSC or the School Education Department) based on the availability of positions in government schools across Jharkhand. A valid JTET certificate is a prerequisite for applying to those teaching vacancies.
Eligibility Criteria for JTET 2026
The educational qualifications required for each level are as follows:
Level-1 (Primary Teacher for Classes 1 to 5)
Candidates must have passed the 12th (Intermediate) examination with the required percentage along with a recognized teacher training diploma or degree.
- 12th with at least 50% marks and a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) (for sessions starting on or after December 9, 2007).
- 12th with at least 45% marks and a 2-year D.El.Ed (for sessions prior to December 9, 2007, under NCTE norms).
- 12th with at least 50% marks and a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed).
- 12th with at least 50% marks and a 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education).
- A Graduate degree and a 2-year D.El.Ed.
Level-2 (Upper Primary Teacher for Classes 6 to 8)
Candidates must possess a higher educational qualification, typically a graduation degree combined with a teacher training course.
- A Graduate degree and a 2-year D.El.Ed.
- A Graduate degree with at least 50% marks and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree (for enrollment after July 29, 2011).
- A Graduate degree with at least 45% marks and a B.Ed degree (for enrollment before July 29, 2011, under NCTE norms).
- 12th with at least 50% marks and a 4-year B.El.Ed.
- 12th with at least 50% marks and a 4-year integrated B.A/B.Sc B.Ed or B.A.Ed/B.Sc.Ed.
- A Graduate degree with at least 50% marks and a B.Ed (Special Education).
- A Post-Graduate degree with at least 55% marks and a 3-year integrated B.Ed-M.Ed.
Note: Candidates can appear for both levels if they meet the respective eligibility criteria.
JTET 2026 Exam Pattern
The selection process involves a single written exam. The exam will be OMR-based (offline) with Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). There is no negative marking.
Exam Pattern for Level 1 (Primary)
| Section | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Child Development & Pedagogy (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| II | Language-I (Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, English – any two) | 30 | 30 |
| III | Language-II (Regional/Tribal Language) | 30 | 30 |
| IV | Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| V | Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 | |
| Duration | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
Exam Pattern for Level 2 (Upper Primary)
| Section | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Child Development & Pedagogy (Compulsory) | 30 | 30 |
| II | Language-I (Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, English – any two) | 30 | 30 |
| III | Language-II (Regional/Tribal Language) | 30 | 30 |
| IV | Optional Subject: (a) Math & Science OR (b) Social Science | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 | |
| Duration | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
Note: For Section IV in Level 2, candidates must choose the subject relevant to their teaching subject preference. This section includes 50 questions from the chosen subject (Math & Science or Social Science) and 10 questions on Computer Basics.
Important Links
Candidates can access all essential resources for the JTET 2026 application through the links below. It is recommended to download and read the official notification before filling out the form.
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification (PDF) | Click Here |
| Press Advertisement | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
FAQs
Q1. What is the purpose of the JTET 2026 exam?
The Jharkhand Teacher Eligibility Test (JTET) is conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for appointment as Sahayak Aacharya (Assistant Teacher) in elementary schools (Classes 1 to 8) in the state of Jharkhand.
Q2. Who is conducting the JTET 2026 examination?
The examination is being conducted by the Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC), Ranchi.
Q3. When is the application period for JTET 2026?
Candidates can apply online from April 21, 2026, to May 21, 2026.
Q4. What is the application fee for a candidate from the General category applying for both levels?
A General category candidate applying for both Level 1 and Level 2 must pay a fee of ₹ 1,500.
Q5. What is the minimum age requirement to apply for JTET 2026?
The minimum age to apply is 21 years, calculated as of August 1, 2026.
Q6. Is there any negative marking in the JTET exam?
No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in the JTET 2026 exam.
Q7. Can a candidate apply for both levels of the JTET exam?
Yes, a candidate can appear for both Level-1 (Primary) and Level-2 (Upper Primary) if they meet the separate educational eligibility criteria for each level.
Q8. What are the qualifying marks for a General category candidate in JTET?
General and EWS category candidates need to score a minimum of 60% to qualify the exam.
Q9. What is the duration of the JTET exam for each level?
Each level of the JTET exam is conducted for a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes).
Q10. For how long is the JTET certificate valid?
The JTET certificate is valid for a lifetime, as per the new provisions in the *Niyamawali-2026*. This validity is also applicable to previous JTET certificates from 2013 and 2016.