Difference Between TGT, PGT, and PRT Exams – Explained Simply

If you are planning to become a teacher in India, you must have come across terms like PRT, TGT, and PGT. These are different teaching levels based on qualifications and the classes you are eligible to teach.

Many aspirants find it confusing to understand the difference between TGT, PGT, and PRT. In this blog, we will explain everything simply - eligibility, exam patterns, salaries, and career scope—so you can make the right career choice.

Whether you are preparing for DSSSB, KVS, NVS, Army School, or State Teacher Recruitment exams, this guide will help you understand your path clearly.

What Do PRT, TGT, and PGT Stand For?

Let us first understand what these terms mean:

Term	Full Form	Teaches Which Classes?
PRT	Primary Teacher	Class 1 to 5
TGT	Trained Graduate Teacher	Class 6 to 10
PGT	Post Graduate Teacher	Class 11 and 12

These levels are used to recruit teachers in government and private schools across India.

Basic Qualification Requirements

Post	Minimum Qualification
PRT	Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) + CTET Paper I qualified
TGT	Graduation + B.Ed + CTET Paper II qualified
PGT	Post-Graduation + B.Ed

Let us go deeper into each one.

1. PRT – Primary Teacher

Educational Qualification:

• Must have completed 10+2 (Senior Secondary) with at least 50% marks
• Must have a Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) or BTC
• Should have passed CTET Paper I (or TET of respective state)

Classes You Can Teach:

• Class 1 to 5 (Primary level)

Subjects Usually Taught:

• English, Hindi, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, Moral Science, GK, etc.

Age Limit:

• Usually up to 30 years (may vary by exam)

Salary:

• In central government schools (like KVS/NVS), Level 6 Pay Matrix
  (Approx. ₹35,000 to ₹45,000/month starting)

2. TGT – Trained Graduate Teacher

Educational Qualification:

• Must be a graduate in a relevant subject (e.g., B.A., B.Sc., B.Com)
• Must have completed B.Ed (Bachelor of Education)
• Should have passed CTET Paper II

Classes You Can Teach:

• Class 6 to 10

Subjects:

You can only teach the subject you graduated in. For example:

• B.A. (History) + B.Ed → Eligible for TGT Social Science
• B.Sc. (Maths) + B.Ed → Eligible for TGT Maths

Age Limit:

• Generally up to 35 years (may vary by recruitment body)

Salary:

• In central schools: Level 7 Pay Matrix
  (Approx. ₹45,000 to ₹60,000/month starting)

3. PGT – Post Graduate Teacher

Educational Qualification:

• Must be a Postgraduate in a relevant subject (M.A./M.Sc./M.Com)
• Must have completed B.Ed
• Some exams (like DSSSB) also require CTET Paper II

Classes You Can Teach:

• Class 11 and 12

Subjects:

• M.Sc. (Physics) + B.Ed → Eligible for PGT Physics
• M.A. (English) + B.Ed → Eligible for PGT English

You must have a PG degree in the subject. For example:

Age Limit:

• Usually up to 40 years (relaxations for reserved categories)

Salary:

• Central schools: Level 8 or 9 Pay Matrix
  (Approx. ₹55,000 to ₹75,000/month starting)

Major Differences at a Glance

Criteria	PRT	TGT	PGT
Full Form	Primary Teacher	Trained Graduate Teacher	Post Graduate Teacher
Classes Taught	1 to 5	6 to 10	11 and 12
Minimum Qualification	12th + D.El.Ed + CTET I	Graduation + B.Ed + CTET II	PG + B.Ed
Age Limit	Up to 30 years	Up to 35 years	Up to 40 years
Salary	₹35,000–₹45,000	₹45,000–₹60,000	₹55,000–₹75,000
Recruitment Bodies	DSSSB, KVS, NVS, etc.	DSSSB, KVS, NVS, etc.	DSSSB, KVS, NVS, etc.

Popular Exams You Can Prepare For

➤ PRT Level:

• CTET Paper I
• DSSSB PRT
• KVS PRT
• NVS PRT
• Army Public School PRT

➤ TGT Level:

• CTET Paper II
• DSSSB TGT
• KVS TGT
• NVS TGT
• State TETs

➤ PGT Level:

• DSSSB PGT
• KVS PGT
• NVS PGT
• Army School PGT
• UGC NET (if aiming for college-level teaching)

Career Growth Opportunities

 

Entry-Level	Promotion
PRT	TGT → Vice Principal → Principal
TGT	PGT → Head of Department → Principal
PGT	Vice Principal → Principal → Education Officer

With experience and promotions, you can also get posted as:

Which One Should You Choose?

It depends on your qualification, interest, and long-term goal.

✅ Choose PRT if:

• You love teaching young kids (1st to 5th)
• You want to start your career early after 12th + D.El.Ed
• You’re looking at primary schools

✅ Choose TGT if:

• You want to teach middle to high school students (6th to 10th)
• You have a graduate degree and B.Ed
• You are comfortable teaching your subject in-depth

✅ Choose PGT if:

• You want to teach senior secondary students (11th & 12th)
• You have done post-graduation and B.Ed
• You are aiming for higher posts and salaries

How Ardas Classes Can Help You

At Ardas Classes, we specialize in preparation for PRT, TGT, and PGT exams conducted by DSSSB, KVS, NVS, and more.

Why Choose Us?

Whether you're a beginner or repeat aspirant, our result-oriented coaching helps you succeed.

Final Words

To sum it up, PRT, TGT, and PGT are different levels of school teaching jobs based on your educational qualification and the class levels you want to teach.

Each one has its own importance, salary scale, and exam pattern. If you are preparing seriously, make sure to choose the level that best suits your interest and eligibility.

And remember: Success in these exams requires the right strategy, coaching, practice, and dedication.

For expert guidance and top-class coaching, join Ardas Classes—your trusted partner in becoming a government school teacher.

Have Questions?

Drop your queries on WhatsApp or contact us at www.ardasclasses.com/ contact for batch details, free counselling, or demo classes.

FAQs

1. Can I apply for both TGT and PGT exams if I have a post-graduate degree?

Answer: Yes, if you have a postgraduate degree along with a B.Ed., you are eligible for both TGT and PGT posts. You can apply for TGT if your graduation is in the relevant subject, and for PGT if your postgraduation matches the subject requirement.

2. Is CTET required for PGT posts in all government teaching jobs?

Answer: CTET is not always mandatory for PGT posts in central schools like KVS and NVS. However, for some exams like DSSSB PGT, CTET Paper II may be required. Always check the specific notification for eligibility.

3. Which is better: PRT, TGT, or PGT in terms of salary and growth?

Answer: PGT offers the highest salary and better career growth, followed by TGT and PRT. However, the “better” option depends on your qualification, teaching interest (primary vs secondary), and long-term goals