Everything you need to know about UP TET
What is UP TET?
UP TET (Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test) is a state-level eligibility exam conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Board (UPBEB), Prayagraj. It certifies candidates as eligible for primary (Paper 1: Classes I–V) and upper-primary (Paper 2: Classes VI–VIII) teaching positions in UP government-aided schools. Passing UP TET is mandatory to apply for most government teacher recruitment drives in Uttar Pradesh.
Is the UP TET certificate valid for lifetime?
Yes. As of 2017, the Uttar Pradesh government changed the UP TET certificate validity from 7 years to lifetime. Candidates who have passed UP TET in any year — 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, or later — hold a permanently valid certificate with no expiry.
What is the difference between UP TET Paper 1 and Paper 2?
UP TET Paper 1 qualifies you to teach Classes I–V (primary school). Paper 2 qualifies you to teach Classes VI–VIII (upper primary school). Both papers have 150 questions for 150 marks with no negative marking. Paper 2 includes an optional section: either Mathematics & Science (for science stream) or Social Studies (for arts/humanities stream). Candidates who pass both papers are eligible to teach from Class I to Class VIII.
Is there negative marking in UP TET?
No, there is no negative marking in UP TET for either Paper 1 or Paper 2. Each correct answer carries +1 mark, and wrong or unanswered questions carry 0 marks. You should attempt all 150 questions since leaving answers blank carries the same zero score as a wrong answer.
What is the qualifying marks for UP TET?
The qualifying score for UP TET is 90 out of 150 marks (60%) for General category candidates. SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates need approximately 82–83 out of 150 marks (55%) to qualify.
What is the eligibility to appear for UP TET Paper 1?
To appear for UP TET Paper 1 (Classes I–V), candidates must have passed Class 12 (Intermediate) with at least 50% marks and must have completed or be in the final year of a 2-year D.El.Ed (Diploma in Elementary Education) programme. SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates receive a 5% marks relaxation on the 50% minimum.
What is the eligibility to appear for UP TET Paper 2?
To appear for UP TET Paper 2 (Classes VI–VIII), candidates need a graduation degree with at least 50% marks plus a B.Ed degree. Alternatively, graduation with 50% marks and a D.El.Ed qualification also qualifies. SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates get a 5% marks relaxation.
Can I appear for both UP TET Paper 1 and Paper 2 together?
Yes. Eligible candidates can appear for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 in the same examination cycle if they meet the eligibility criteria for both. Holding both certificates makes a candidate eligible for teaching positions from Class I through Class VIII in UP government schools.
Does passing UP TET guarantee a government teaching job in UP?
No. Passing UP TET makes you eligible to apply for government school teacher vacancies in Uttar Pradesh, but does not guarantee appointment. Actual hiring happens through separate UP government teacher recruitment drives (such as UP Teacher Bharti or Sahayak Adhyapak Bharti). You need both a valid UP TET certificate and a good rank in the recruitment merit list for appointment.
How many questions are in UP TET and how long is the exam?
Each UP TET paper (Paper 1 and Paper 2) has 150 multiple-choice questions for 150 marks. The total exam duration is 150 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes). This works out to 1 minute per question on average, so time management is important.