Govt. School Teacher Exam - A Step-by-Step Guide
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Teaching is one of the noblest professions in India, and govt. school teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future of the country. In recent years, the number of candidates aspiring to become govt. school teachers has increased considerably. If you have the passion, skills, and expertise required for the job, you can fulfill your dream by qualifying the Govt. School Teacher Exam in India.
Govt. School Teacher Exam Overview
There are two main government school teacher exams in India:
- Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for recruiting teachers in central government schools.
- State Teacher Eligibility Test (STET) is conducted by the state governments for recruiting teachers in state government schools.
The eligibility criteria for both exams are the same. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in education (B.Ed.) or a bachelor's degree in any subject with a B.Ed. The CTET has two papers, Paper I and Paper II. Paper I is for teachers of classes 1 to 5 and Paper II is for teachers of classes 6 to 8. The STET exam is also divided into two papers, but the syllabus and difficulty level may vary from state to state.
The CTET and STET exams are both objective-type exams with multiple-choice questions. The CTET exam is held twice a year, in June and December. The STET exam is held at different times in different states.
The minimum qualifying marks for the CTET and STET exams are 60%. The candidates who qualify the exam are placed in a merit list and are called for an interview. The final selection is based on the interview performance of the candidates.
Here are some other government school teacher exams in India:
- Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) PGT/TGT Exam: This exam is conducted by the KVS for recruiting post graduate teachers (PGTs) and trained graduate teachers (TGTs) in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs).
- Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) PGT/TGT Exam: This exam is conducted by the NVS for recruiting PGTs and TGTs in Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs).
- State Public Service Commission (PSC) Exam: The state PSCs conduct exams for recruiting teachers in government schools. The syllabus and difficulty level of these exams vary from state to state.
- The number of attempts for both exams is six for general candidates and nine for OBC candidates
Govt. School Teacher Exam Eligibility Criteria
To appear for the Govt. School Teacher Exam in India, you have to fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
- You should be a citizen of India and have a valid ID proof.
- Your age should be between 18-40 years, although age relaxations are available for reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC, and PWD.
- You should have a B.Ed degree or a diploma in elementary education (D.El.Ed.) from a recognized institution. Some states also accept a diploma in education (D.Ed.) or a certificate course in teaching.
- You should have basic knowledge of computers and must be proficient in the local language of the state where you are applying for the exam.
Govt. School Teacher Exam Pattern
The Govt. School Teacher Exam in India is conducted in multiple stages, which usually include:
- Preliminary Exam - This is a screening test that assesses your general knowledge, reasoning ability, and aptitude. It consists of objective-type questions and has a duration of two hours.
- Main Exam - This is an in-depth test that evaluates your subject-specific knowledge, teaching skills, and problem-solving ability. It usually consists of descriptive-type questions and has a duration of four to five hours.
- Interview - This is the final stage of the selection process, where you will be assessed for your personality, communication skills, and overall suitability for the job.
The exam pattern for government school teacher exams in India varies from exam to exam. However, some of the common exam patterns are as follows:
- Objective-type exam: This is the most common exam pattern for government school teacher exams. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on a variety of subjects, such as general knowledge, education, and the subject that the candidate is applying to teach.
- Descriptive-type exam: This exam pattern is less common than the objective-type exam pattern. The exam consists of questions that require the candidate to write essays or answer questions in a paragraph format.
- Combination of objective-type and descriptive-type exam: This exam pattern is a combination of the objective-type exam pattern and the descriptive-type exam pattern. The exam may consist of a few MCQs followed by a few descriptive questions.
The duration of the exam also varies from exam to exam. However, most exams are held for a duration of 2 to 3 hours. The marking scheme for government school teacher exams also varies from exam to exam. However, most exams have a 3-mark or 4-mark question format. This means that each question carries 3 or 4 marks. The minimum qualifying marks for government school teacher exams also vary from exam to exam. However, most exams have a minimum qualifying mark of 60%.
Govt. School Teacher Exam Syllabus
The syllabus for the Govt. School Teacher Exam in India may vary from state to state, but it usually covers the following topics:
- General knowledge - Current affairs, history, geography, Indian polity, economics, and culture.
- Reasoning ability - Logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and verbal reasoning.
- Specific subject knowledge - This will depend on the subject for which you are applying, such as mathematics, science, social science, Hindi, English, etc. It will cover the core concepts, theories, and applications of the subject.
Govt. School Teacher Exam Competition Level
The competition for the Govt. School Teacher Exam in India is quite high, given the popularity and importance of the job. The number of applicants varies from state to state and depends on various factors such as the availability of vacancies, salary structure, and growth opportunities. However, on average, thousands of candidates apply for the exam, and only a few hundred are selected. The success rate for the exam can be as low as 1-2%, depending on the state and subject.
Govt. School Teacher Exam Job Opportunities
If you qualify the Govt. School Teacher Exam in India, you can get a job as a teacher in a govt. school in the state you applied for. The job opportunities and salary structure may vary from state to state and depend on various factors such as seniority, experience, and qualifications. However, on average, a govt. school teacher in India can earn a salary of Rs. 25,000-40,000 per month, along with other benefits such as health insurance, pension, and leave. The job offers good growth opportunities, and you can also opt for various promotions and specialized courses to enhance your career prospects.
Conclusion
The Govt. School Teacher Exam in India is a challenging but rewarding journey that can help you fulfill your passion for teaching and contribute to the development of the country. To succeed in the exam, you have to be well-prepared, knowledgeable, and dedicated. You should have a thorough understanding of the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, and competition level. You should also have a positive attitude, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn and adapt. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this blog, you can increase your chances of qualifying the exam and achieving your dream of becoming a govt. school teacher in India.