The Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) exam is one of the most respected recruitment tests in the Indian education system. It’s meant for candidates who want to teach classes 11 and 12, also known as the senior secondary level. At this stage, students prepare for competitive exams, board exams, and future careers. Because of this, PGT teachers play a crucial role in shaping academic direction and helping students build confidence in advanced subjects. The exam ensures that only experienced, knowledgeable, and well-trained teachers handle this responsibility.
The PGT exam is considered a higher-level recruitment test because the subject knowledge required is deeper and more specialized than TGT or PRT. Candidates who clear the exam often enjoy a solid teaching career with good pay, academic respect, and multiple growth opportunities.
Who Conducts the PGT Exam
Several national and state-level bodies conduct their own PGT recruitments. Some of the major ones include:
• Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS)
• Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS)
• DSSSB (Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board)
• State Education Departments (UP, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, etc.)
• State Public Service Commissions
• Residential school networks and model schools
Each recruiting body follows its own rules, but the eligibility, syllabus, and general structure remain similar.
Eligibility Criteria
Teaching senior secondary classes requires strong academic qualifications. Most boards follow guidelines set by NCTE and CBSE.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have:
• A master’s degree in the subject they want to teach
• At least 50 percent marks in post-graduation (varies across boards)
• A B.Ed degree recognized by NCTE
Some subjects—like Physical Education, Music, Fine Arts, or Vocational subjects—may require specialized training or specific diplomas.
Age Limit
The typical age limit is 21 to 40 years. Relaxations apply to reserved categories as per government norms.
TET Requirement
PGT usually does not require CTET, although some states conduct their own TET for higher secondary teachers.
In central recruitments like KVS or NVS, CTET is not mandatory for PGT posts.
Exam Pattern
The PGT exam focuses heavily on subject expertise. While other sections matter, the subject paper carries the most weight. The exact pattern varies by board, but most follow a structure like:
Total Marks: 150 to 200
Question Type: Multiple choice
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
The sections usually include:
1. General Awareness and Current Events
Questions on India’s history, geography, polity, economy, and recent national developments.
2. Reasoning Ability
Logical reasoning, number series, patterns, analogies, and analytical problem-solving.
3. Language Proficiency (Hindi and English)
Grammar, comprehension, sentence correction, vocabulary, and communication-based questions.
4. Teaching Aptitude and Pedagogy
Principles of teaching, higher secondary learner psychology, evaluation techniques, and instructional strategies.
5. Subject-Specific Knowledge
This is the most important part.
It includes advanced questions from:
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Mathematics
• English
• Hindi
• Commerce
• Economics
• Political Science
• Geography
• History
• Computer Science
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Accountancy
• Business Studies
The subject paper generally reflects topics taught in classes 11 and 12, plus relevant graduation and post-graduation concepts.
Syllabus Overview
The PGT syllabus is designed to test both teaching knowledge and academic depth.
Pedagogy and Professional Aptitude
• Learning theories
• Assessment methods
• Classroom management
• Curriculum planning
• Teaching senior students
• Instructional strategies
• Inclusive and competency-based learning
General Studies
• Indian Constitution
• Governance and public policy
• Social issues
• Environmental concerns
• Science and technology
• Cultural heritage
Language Skills
• Unseen passages
• Grammar and vocabulary
• Language usage
• Basic writing skills
• Error detection
Subject Content
This includes:
• Graduation-level content
• Post-graduation fundamentals
• NCERT syllabus for classes 11 and 12
• Practical and applied concepts
• Numerical and analytical questions (for subjects like Maths, Science, Economics, etc.)
• Theory-heavy topics (for subjects like English, Sociology, Political Science, etc.)
PGT exams aim to check whether the candidate can teach senior students with clarity, depth, and confidence.
Selection Process
Most PGT recruitments involve these stages:
1. Written Examination
This is the primary stage. Candidates need to score above the cut-off to reach the next round.
2. Interview or Teaching Demo
Some boards conduct:
• Personal interviews
• Classroom teaching demonstrations
• Subject-based practical tests (especially for Computer Science, Physical Education, or vocational subjects)
KVS and NVS include interviews as a major part of their selection process.
3. Document Verification
Candidates must provide:
• Mark sheets
• B.Ed proof
• Age certificate
• Category certificate
• Experience certificates (where required)
Final merit is prepared by combining written and interview marks depending on the recruitment body.
Why Candidates Prefer the PGT Role
PGT is a respected position with several benefits. Teachers at this stage enjoy:
• A stable government job
• Attractive salary with allowances
• Opportunities for promotions
• A chance to teach motivated senior students
• Respect in the academic community
• A structured work-life balance
Teaching classes 11 and 12 is challenging but satisfying because students prepare for their career paths during these years.
Roles and Responsibilities After Selection
A PGT teacher handles academic and administrative responsibilities:
• Teaching advanced concepts clearly
• Preparing notes, lesson plans, and presentations
• Handling labs (for science subjects)
• Guiding students for board exams
• Helping students with entrance exam basics
• Checking notebooks, assignments, and projects
• Maintaining discipline and attendance
• Organizing academic activities and events
• Mentoring students for competitions
• Evaluating exams and submitting reports
PGT teachers also contribute to school planning, club activities, and academic committees.
How to Prepare for the PGT Exam
Successful candidates usually follow a structured plan:
1. Understand the exam syllabus completely
Each recruiting body provides a detailed syllabus. Go through it carefully.
2. Strengthen subject depth
Use graduation and post-graduation notes to build strong foundations.
3. Rely on NCERTs
For classes 11 and 12, NCERT books are essential for concept clarity.
4. Practice mock tests
Helps improve speed, accuracy, and question-solving strategy.
5. Solve previous year papers
This gives insight into question patterns, common topics, and difficulty levels.
6. Work on pedagogy
Teaching aptitude questions often influence rankings.
7. Plan revision cycles
Regular revision helps retain extensive subject content.
Career Growth and Promotion
PGT teachers have strong growth opportunities:
• Senior PGT
• Head of Department
• Vice Principal
• Principal
• Lecturer in higher institutions
• Academic coordinator
• Education officer roles
With experience, training, and departmental exams, teachers can move into leadership roles.
Conclusion
The PGT exam is a great opportunity for postgraduates who want to teach senior secondary students and build a respected teaching career. It demands strong subject knowledge, a good understanding of learner psychology, and solid teaching skills. Candidates who prepare well and understand their subjects deeply can secure a rewarding position with long-term growth. This path is ideal for anyone who enjoys guiding older students and contributing to their academic success.