1. KARTET: Papers, Eligibility and Pattern
The Karnataka Teacher Eligibility Test (KARTET) is conducted by the Department of School Education, Government of Karnataka. Passing it is an eligibility condition for teacher posts in classes 1 to 8 in Karnataka. It is not a recruitment exam by itself: you still need to apply and be selected in a teacher recruitment. The last test was KARTET 2025, held on 7 December 2025. This lesson follows the standard NCTE-based pattern; check the notification for your year.
The two papers and who can take them
- Paper I (Primary level) is for teaching classes 1 to 5. Paper II (Upper primary level) is for teaching classes 6 to 8.
- You can take one paper or both, if you are eligible for both.
- For Paper I, candidates broadly need 2nd PUC with a Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed), or as allowed under NCTE rules.
- For Paper II, candidates broadly need a degree with D.El.Ed or B.Ed, or as allowed under NCTE rules. Final-year trainees are usually allowed to appear.
- In 2025 Paper I was held from 9.30 am to 12 noon and Paper II from 2 pm to 4.30 pm on the same day.
Pattern of each paper
- Each paper has 150 multiple-choice questions of 1 mark each (150 marks) and lasts 2 hours 30 minutes. Answers are marked on an OMR sheet.
- There is no negative marking.
- Paper I: Child Development and Pedagogy 30, Language I 30, Language II 30, Mathematics 30, Environmental Studies 30.
- Paper II: Child Development and Pedagogy 30, Language I 30, Language II 30, and either Mathematics and Science 60 (for Maths/Science teachers) or Social Studies 60 (for Social Studies teachers).
- Language I and Language II must be different. Kannada and English are the common choices; check the notification for the full list of languages.
Pass marks and certificate
- General candidates need 60% (90 out of 150) to pass.
- Recent Karnataka notifications allow 55% (83 out of 150) for SC, ST, Category-1 and candidates with disabilities. Confirm the list in your notification.
- Following the NCTE decision of 2021, TET certificates are valid for life. Recent reports on KARTET also describe the certificate as valid for life.
- There is no limit on attempts; you can appear again to improve your score.
- Official website: schooleducation.karnataka.gov.in (notifications, applications, admit cards and results).
Quick facts
- Paper I
- Classes 1 to 5
- Paper II
- Classes 6 to 8
- Each paper
- 150 MCQs, 150 marks, 2 hours 30 minutes
- Negative marking
- None
- Pass mark
- 60% general; 55% for notified reserved groups
- Certificate
- Valid for life (NCTE 2021)
- Website
- schooleducation.karnataka.gov.in
💡 Since there is no negative marking in KARTET, never leave a question blank. If you are unsure, make your best guess.
📝 5-question quiz on this lesson: enrol free to take it and track your score.
