Bihar STET 2026: Notification, Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Apply Online

The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB), Patna, under the directives of the Secondary Education Directorate, Department of Education, Government of India/Bihar, has officially released the notification for the Secondary Teacher Eligibility Test (STET) 2026 via Advertisement Notification No. PR 183/2026. The Bihar STET is conducted to determine the teaching eligibility of candidates aspiring to teach in secondary schools (Classes 9–10) under Paper-I and higher secondary schools (Classes 11–12) under Paper-II across the state of Bihar.Unlike a regular direct recruitment with a fixed vacancy count, Bihar STET is a mandatory qualifying examination. Candidates who successfully clear Paper-I and/or Paper-II receive a Teacher Eligibility Certificate with lifetime validity. This qualification is an indispensable prerequisite for appearing in the teacher appointment recruitments (TRE) conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) and the Education Department of Bihar.Aspirants holding a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or integrated teacher-education qualifications can apply online. Qualifying Bihar STET 2026 is an essential career milestone for anyone planning to build a teaching career in Bihar's secondary and higher secondary government educational institutions.Quick Overview

Important Dates
Application FeeCandidates applying for either Paper-I or Paper-II (Single Paper) or both papers must deposit the prescribed fee online using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI:

• Note on Out-of-State Candidates: Applicants residing outside Bihar are categorized as General category candidates and must pay the General application fee, regardless of category in their home state.

Age Limit (As on 01-08-2026)The crucial cut-off date for reckoning age limits is 01 August 2026.

• Minimum Age: 21 Years (as on 01-08-2026)
• Maximum Age Limit by Category:

Age Relaxation & Concessions

• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): A relaxation of 10 years in the upper age limit is granted as per state government rules.
• Ex-Servicemen: Eligible for an age concession equal to military service rendered plus 3 years, provided their effective age does not exceed 57 years at the time of application.
• Trained Candidates: Because the STET is being conducted on a regular annual cycle (2023, 2024, 2025), no additional age concession is provided to trained candidates across categories for STET 2026.

Vacancy Details (Scope of the Examination)Bihar STET is an eligibility certification test, meaning no fixed numerical vacancies are allocated directly under this advertisement. Instead, qualifying candidates earn eligibility to apply for upcoming teacher recruitment drives conducted by the BPSC across two main teaching levels:
Educational QualificationA 5% relaxation in minimum qualifying marks is admissible to SC, ST, EBC, BC, and PwBD candidates who are permanent domiciles of Bihar.1. Paper-I: Secondary School Teacher (Classes 9–10)

• General Subjects (Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Maithili, Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, Bhojpuri, English, Maths, Science, Social Science):

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the concerned subject/subject group with at least 50% marks from a recognized university, and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from an NCTE-recognized institution; OR
• Graduate or Postgraduate with at least 45% marks as per NCTE Regulations, along with a B.Ed.; OR
• 4-year integrated B.A.Ed. / B.Sc.Ed. in the relevant subject.

• Subject Group Specifications for Paper-I:

• Mathematics: Graduate level Mathematics along with Physics, Electronics, Computer Science, Chemistry, or Statistics; or B.Tech/B.E. with specialization in Mathematics (BCA degree is also included).
• Science: Studied Zoology, Botany, and Chemistry at graduation level; or B.Tech/B.E. with specialization in Science (includes Biotechnology and Microbiology).
• Social Science: Studied any two subjects among History, Geography, Economics, and Political Science at graduation level, with at least one compulsory subject being History or Geography (Ancient History is treated as equivalent to History).
• Language Subjects: Must have studied the relevant language as an Honours/Subsidiary subject at graduation level.

• Special Teacher (Vishesh Vidyalay Adhyapak): Graduate degree with minimum 50% marks, plus B.Ed. in Special Education recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) and holding a valid CRR number, along with 6 months of cross-disability training.
• Physical Education: Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education with 50% marks, or graduation with Physical Education as an elective subject (45% marks) with participation in national/state/inter-university sports.
• Music / Fine Arts / Dance: Relevant graduation degree with at least 50% marks from a recognized institution.

2. Paper-II: Higher Secondary School Teacher (Classes 11–12)

• General Subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, Home Science, Languages):

• Master’s Degree in the relevant subject with at least 50% marks from a recognized university, plus B.Ed. / B.A.Ed. / B.Sc.Ed.; OR
• Master's degree with a minimum of 55% marks along with a 3-year integrated B.Ed.-M.Ed.

• Postgraduate Level Subject Matrix for Paper-II:

• Physics: Physics / Electronics / Applied Physics / Nuclear Physics.
• Chemistry: Chemistry / Biochemistry.
• Economics: Economics / Applied Economics / Business Economics.
• Commerce: Master’s Degree in Commerce (M.Com). Holders of M.Com in Applied/Business Economics are not eligible.
• Botany / Zoology: Botany / Zoology / Life Sciences / Biosciences / Genetics / Microbiology / Biotechnology / Molecular Biology / Plant Physiology.
• Mathematics: Mathematics / Applied Mathematics.

• Computer Science:

• Minimum 50% marks in B.E./B.Tech (Computer Science / IT) or equivalent degree/diploma; OR
• MCA (3-year course or 6 semesters); OR
• Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Science / BCA with a Master's degree in any discipline; OR
• DOEACC 'B' Level or 'C' Level from NIELIT with a recognized graduation/postgraduation degree.
• Important: B.Ed. degree is not mandatory for Computer Science candidates.

• Agriculture: Graduation in Agriculture/Horticulture with 50% marks, plus Master’s in Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Genetics, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Seed Science, Soil Science, or Horticulture.

Salary Scale & Benefits (Upon BPSC Appointment)Although Bihar STET is an eligibility test, qualifying candidates appointed to teaching positions via the BPSC Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE) receive pay scales based on the Bihar State School Teacher Service Rules:

• Appointees are entitled to the National Pension System (NPS), annual increments, medical reimbursements, and leave rules as framed by the Government of Bihar.

Selection ProcessThe qualifying workflow for Bihar STET 2026 includes the following stages:
│ Stage 1: Online Computer-Based Test (CBT) (150 Marks) │

│ Stage 2: Normalization Process Across Multi-Shift Exams │
│ Stage 3: Application of Category-Wise Qualifying Cut-off │
│ Stage 4: Verification of Original Documents & Eligibility │
│ Issuance of Lifetime Valid STET Passing Certificate by BSEB │

1. Computer Based Test (CBT): A 150-minute objective examination administered across designated test centers.
2. Normalization Methodology: Because testing takes place over multiple shifts and dates with varying question sets, raw scores are normalized. A candidate's final qualification status is determined strictly by their Normalized Score, not their raw score.
3. Category-Wise Qualifying Standards:

• General (Unreserved): 50% (75.00 Marks out of 150)
• Backward Class (BC): 45.5% (68.25 Marks out of 150)
• Extremely Backward Class (EBC): 42.5% (63.75 Marks out of 150)
• SC / ST Candidates: 40% (60.00 Marks out of 150)
• PwBD (Divyang) Candidates: 40% (60.00 Marks out of 150)
• Women Candidates (All Categories): 40% (60.00 Marks out of 150)

1. Certificate Issuance: Candidates securing the required normalized cutoff receive a Bihar STET passing certificate with lifetime validity.

Exam PatternThe exam pattern is uniform for both Paper-I and Paper-II:

• Question Format: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), with each question carrying 1 mark.
• Marking Rules: There is no negative marking for wrong answers. However, because scores are normalized across shifts, a high proportion of incorrect attempts can lower a candidate's normalized score relative to peers.

Syllabus Details

• Specified Subject Matter (100 Marks):

• Paper-I (Secondary): Covers graduate-level subject curricula as prescribed in state universities of Bihar for the opted subject (Hindi, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, English, etc.).
• Paper-II (Higher Secondary): Covers postgraduate and graduation honours-level curricula across state universities of Bihar for the chosen specialized discipline (Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, History, Political Science, Economics, Computer Science, etc.).

• Art of Teaching (30 Marks):

• Teaching-learning processes, instructional objectives, Bloom's taxonomy.
• Teaching methods, lesson planning, instructional media, and micro-teaching.
• Classroom management, text-books, school libraries, and curriculum transaction.
• Diagnostic and remedial teaching, evaluation systems, and continuous assessment.

• Other Skills (20 Marks):

• General Knowledge: Current domestic and global affairs, historical and economic milestones.
• Environmental Science: Ecosystems, conservation, biodiversity, pollution control.
• Mathematical Aptitude: Number systems, basic arithmetic, percentages, averages, ratios.
• Logical Reasoning: Analogies, coding-decoding, series, syllogisms, and spatial inference.

How to Apply Step-by-StepApplications must be submitted exclusively online through the BSEB STET portal (stetregistration.cbrt.co.in):

1. New User Registration:

• Visit the official portal and select New Candidate Registration.
• Fill in your basic information, email ID, and mobile number.
• Click Generate OTP, enter the received OTP, and complete registration. A unique User ID and password will be generated and dispatched to your phone.

1. Complete Application Form:

• Log in using your User ID and password.
• Select your paper preference: Paper-I, Paper-II, or Both Papers.
• Choose your single opted subject code based on your graduation or post-graduation degree.
• Carefully input your personal, residential, category, and educational qualifications.
• Note for EWS Applicants: EWS applicants must select General as their primary category on the portal and claim EWS status accordingly.

1. Upload Scanned Photographs and Documents:

• Passport Photograph: Recent color photograph with white or light background (size: 80 KB to 200 KB, dimensions: 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm). No caps, masks, or tinted glasses are permitted.
• Signature: Clear signature in running hand (size: 50 KB to 200 KB). Signatures written entirely in capital letters are strictly prohibited.
• Self-Attested Certificates: Upload readable self-attested PDF/image copies of all required educational, caste, domicile, and identity credentials.

1. Review and Edit via Preview:

• Click Preview to double-check all entered records, spelling, marks, and certificate uploads.
• Make any necessary edits before final submission. Once the deadline passes or admit cards are generated, no corrections will be permitted.

1. Online Fee Payment:

• Click Select Online Payment Gateway and complete payment via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.

1. Download Confirmation:

• Save and print the final confirmation page and fee receipt for future recruitment stages.

Required Documents ChecklistEnsure self-attested copies of the following documents are ready before applying:

• Matriculation (10th Standard) Marksheet and Certificate (proof of Date of Birth)
• Intermediate (10+2 / 12th Standard) Marksheet and Passing Certificate
• Graduation Marksheets and Degree Certificate
• Post-Graduation Marksheets and Degree Certificate (mandatory for Paper-II)
• B.Ed. / B.A.Ed. / B.Sc.Ed. / B.P.Ed. or equivalent Professional Qualification Certificate
• Domicile / Residential Certificate issued by an authorized competent authority of Bihar
• Caste Certificate (for SC / ST candidates)
• Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) Certificate (for BC / EBC applicants)
• Income & Asset Certificate for EWS candidates
• Disability Certificate (PwBD) issued by an authorized Medical Board (minimum 40% disability)
• Government-issued Photo Identification Proof (such as Voter ID, Driving License, PAN Card, or Passport)

Important Instructions

• Single Application per Candidate: Submitting multiple forms will result in cancellation of all applications.
• Signature Formatting: Signatures in capital letters will lead to immediate rejection.
• Domicile-Linked Benefits: Age relaxations, reduced application fees, and reservation concessions are strictly restricted to permanent residents of Bihar. Out-of-state candidates will be treated as Unreserved/General.
• Review Before Final Submission: Review all details thoroughly using the Preview button before final submission, as no changes can be made after admit cards are generated.
• Helpdesk Support: In case of technical issues during registration or fee processing, candidates can reach the official helpline at +918047282787 or email bseb.support@cbrt.co.in.

Important Links Table
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Bihar STET Examination?

Bihar STET is a state-level eligibility examination administered by BSEB Patna to certify teachers for secondary (Classes 9–10) and higher secondary (Classes 11–12) schools across Bihar.

2. What is the validity period of the Bihar STET Certificate?

The Bihar STET certificate carries lifetime validity from the date of issuance.

3. What is the closing date to apply for Bihar STET 2026?

The deadline for online registration and fee payment is 31 August 2026.

4. Is there negative marking in Bihar STET 2026?

No, there is no negative marking for incorrect responses in Bihar STET. However, scores are evaluated through a normalization procedure across multi-shift exams.

5. What are the minimum qualifying marks for General category candidates?

General/Unreserved candidates must achieve a minimum normalized score of 50% (75 marks out of 150) to pass.

6. Can final-year or appearing candidates apply for Bihar STET 2026?Candidates must possess all required essential academic and training degrees on or before the closing date of applications.

7. Is a B.Ed. degree required for the Computer Science subject in Paper-II?

No, a B.Ed. degree is not mandatory for Computer Science candidates applying under Paper-II.

8. What is the age limit for Bihar STET 2026?

The minimum age is 21 years as of 01 August 2026. The upper age limits are 37 years for UR males, 40 years for UR females and BC/EBC candidates, and 42 years for SC/ST candidates.

9. Can candidates residing outside Bihar apply for Bihar STET?

Yes, Indian citizens from any state can apply, provided they meet educational qualifications. However, out-of-state candidates are treated under the General category and cannot claim state reservations or age relaxations.

10. Can an applicant apply for both Paper-I and Paper-II?

Yes, candidates who meet the qualifications for both levels can apply for both papers by paying the combined application fee (Rs. 1,440 for General/BC/EBC and Rs. 1,140 for SC/ST/PwBD).