The Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test (PSTET) 2026: Final Call for Aspirants as Application Window Closes Today
For thousands of aspiring educators across Punjab, today marks a decisive moment. The application window for the Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test (PSTET) 2025–2026 closes on 20 February 2026, bringing to an end a short but significant registration period that commenced on 6 February. Candidates who have yet to submit their forms must do so without delay through the official portal, pstet2025.org, before the deadline expires.
The PSTET remains a statutory prerequisite for individuals seeking appointment to government teaching posts within the state. Clearing this examination is not merely a procedural formality; it is a foundational requirement that determines eligibility for forthcoming recruitment drives in Punjab’s public education system. Without a valid PSTET qualification, aspirants cannot be considered for state-run teaching positions.
A Crucial Gateway to Government Teaching Posts
The Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test serves as a benchmark assessment designed to evaluate the pedagogical aptitude and subject competence of prospective teachers. In line with national standards governing teacher recruitment, the examination ensures that only suitably qualified candidates enter classrooms across Punjab’s government schools.
The notification for PSTET 2026 was formally released on 6 February 2026, setting in motion a tightly scheduled application cycle. With the portal closing today, 20 February, candidates must complete their online submissions promptly to avoid disqualification. The written examination is scheduled to take place on 15 March 2026, with results expected to be declared on 2 April 2026.
These dates underscore the efficiency and pace of the current cycle. In less than two months, the entire process from notification to result declaration will have been completed. Such timelines demand vigilance and preparedness on the part of aspirants.
Application Timeline and Important Dates
The application process, conducted entirely online, was opened on 6 February 2026. Over the past fortnight, eligible candidates have been required to complete registration, upload relevant documentation, and remit the prescribed examination fee through digital payment modes.
Today, 20 February 2026, represents the final opportunity to submit the form. Once the portal closes, no further submissions will be entertained. Prospective applicants are therefore strongly advised to ensure that all details entered are accurate and that payment confirmation is received before logging out of the system.
The examination itself will be conducted on 15 March 2026, giving candidates just under a month to consolidate their preparation. The relatively brief interval between application closure and examination date places a premium on focused revision and disciplined study.
Results are anticipated on 2 April 2026. Following the declaration, qualified candidates will be able to use their eligibility status when applying for government teaching vacancies announced by the Punjab authorities.
Eligibility Criteria: Academic and Professional Requirements
The eligibility framework for PSTET 2026 reflects established norms governing teacher appointments. Candidates must have successfully completed Class 12 or hold a graduate degree, accompanied by a recognised professional qualification in education. Acceptable credentials include D.Ed., D.El.Ed., B.Ed., or B.El.Ed., among others recognised by competent authorities.
Importantly, candidates who are currently appearing in the final year of their respective teacher education programmes are also eligible to apply. However, such applicants must ensure that they fulfil all requisite qualifications at the time of appointment, should they secure a teaching post in due course.
This provision offers flexibility to final-year trainees, enabling them to remain competitive in the recruitment cycle without losing an academic year. Nevertheless, it also places responsibility upon candidates to complete their courses successfully within stipulated timelines.
Age Limit and Relaxation Provisions
The prescribed age criteria are straightforward. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and not exceed 37 years of age as on 1 January 2026. This upper age cap aligns with prevailing state recruitment policies.
As with most government examinations, age relaxation is available for candidates belonging to reserved categories, in accordance with Punjab government norms. Such concessions ensure inclusivity while maintaining fairness within the selection framework.
Applicants are encouraged to verify their eligibility carefully before submitting their forms, as discrepancies discovered at later stages, particularly during document verification may lead to cancellation of candidature.
Application Fee Structure
The application fee varies by category. Candidates belonging to the General and OBC categories are required to pay £1,100. Those from SC, ST, and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) categories must remit £550. Ex-servicemen (ESM) are exempt from payment of the application fee.
The fee must be paid through online mode only. Applicants should retain digital receipts or transaction confirmations for future reference, particularly in case of technical discrepancies.
While the fee is a necessary component of the administrative process, candidates are reminded that payment alone does not guarantee acceptance of the application. Successful submission includes accurate form completion, document upload, and confirmed payment acknowledgement.
Selection Process: Beyond the Written Examination
The PSTET selection process is structured in multiple stages. The initial and primary component is the written examination, which assesses subject knowledge, pedagogical understanding, and teaching aptitude.
Candidates who qualify the written test will proceed to document verification. At this stage, original academic and professional certificates are scrutinised to confirm eligibility claims made during the application process. Any inconsistency or misrepresentation may result in immediate disqualification.
Subsequently, shortlisted candidates will undergo a medical examination. This step ensures that appointees meet the physical standards required for government service.
Only those who successfully clear all stages will be deemed eligible for appointment consideration when vacancies are announced.
Why PSTET Qualification Matters
Qualifying the PSTET is not an appointment in itself; rather, it is an essential eligibility credential. However, its importance cannot be overstated. In an era where educational quality is under increasing scrutiny, teacher eligibility examinations serve as gatekeepers to professional standards.
For aspirants committed to public service and educational advancement, clearing PSTET represents both a professional milestone and a civic responsibility. Teachers in government schools play a transformative role in shaping young minds, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
By enforcing rigorous eligibility criteria, the state seeks to ensure that only capable and trained educators enter classrooms, thereby strengthening foundational learning outcomes across Punjab.
Last-Minute Advisory for Candidates
With the application deadline concluding today, candidates are advised to act without procrastination. Last-minute surges in website traffic may cause temporary technical glitches or payment delays. Completing the process well before the final hour can mitigate such risks.
Applicants should double-check personal details, academic qualifications, category selection, and uploaded documents prior to final submission. Any oversight could complicate matters at the verification stage.
Furthermore, those who have already applied should utilise the remaining weeks before the examination to revise core concepts systematically. Given the proximity of the exam date, structured study plans and mock assessments will be indispensable.
A Defining Opportunity
The closure of the PSTET 2026 application window marks more than an administrative deadline. For many, it represents the culmination of years of academic preparation and vocational aspiration. The teaching profession demands intellectual rigour, emotional resilience, and ethical commitment. The eligibility test serves as the first formal affirmation of readiness for this noble calling.
As Punjab continues its efforts to strengthen public education, the role of qualified teachers remains central. The PSTET ensures that the next generation of educators is equipped not merely with degrees, but with demonstrable competence.
For those who have yet to apply, the message is unequivocal: complete your registration today. For those who have already submitted their forms, the focus must now shift to disciplined preparation and unwavering determination.
In the weeks ahead, the examination will test knowledge and aptitude. Yet, beyond the assessment lies a broader purpose, the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the educational landscape of Punjab and to influence countless young lives in the years to come.
