MPESB Primary and Secondary Teachers MSPSTET 2026: Notification, Exam Dates, Eligibility & Application Guide
The Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB), Bhopal, in collaboration with the Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI) and the Tribal Affairs Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, has released the official rulebook for the Middle and Primary School Teacher Eligibility Test (MSPSTET) 2026 for In-Service Teachers. This special state-level teacher eligibility examination has been instituted under directives issued by the Supreme Court of India in Civil Appeal Nos. 1385/2025 and 1386/2025 (and Review Petition Diary No. 53434/2025).The Supreme Court ruling mandates that in-service teachers teaching in primary (Classes 1 to 5) and middle/secondary (Classes 6 to 8) schools across Madhya Pradesh who were appointed prior to the Right to Education (RTE) Act and have not yet cleared a formal Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) must qualify the examination within three years (by 31 August 2028) to continue in service or to remain eligible for departmental promotions. Those having less than five years of service remaining before retirement can continue until superannuation without clearing the test; however, qualifying the TET is mandatory if they seek promotion.This eligibility examination is open to working teachers across government primary and middle schools (including Assistant Teachers, Primary Teachers, Contract School Teachers Varg-3, Laboratory Assistants, Varg-2 Middle Teachers, and Science Teachers) as well as non-government recognized private school teachers who have not yet cleared the TET. Eligible teachers must register online via the MP Online portal.Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Recruitment / Exam Name | MPESB In-Service Primary & Middle School Teacher Eligibility Test (MSPSTET) 2026 |
| Notification Reference | DPI Letter Nos. UCR/C/85/TET/2026/1305 & 1403; Tribal Affairs Letter No. 14986/2026 |
| Conducting Organization | Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB), Bhopal |
| User Departments | Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI) & Tribal Affairs Department, MP |
| Exam Category | Special State Teacher Eligibility Test (In-Service / Serving Teachers) |
| Total Vacancies | Qualifying Eligibility Test (No Direct Recruitment Vacancies) |
| Application Mode | Online Only (via MP Online Portal) |
| Online Application Start Date | 21 August 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 04 September 2026 |
| Computer-Based Exam Date | Commencing from 12 October 2026 onwards |
| Official Portals | esb.mp.gov.in & mponline.gov.in
|
Important Dates
| Event / Activity | Official Schedule PDF |
| Rulebook Release Date | 17 August 2026 |
| Online Application Submission Starts | 21 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | 04 September 2026 |
| Application Correction Window Begins | 21 August 2026 |
| Application Correction Window Ends | 09 September 2026 |
| MSPSTET 2026 Online Exam Start Date | 12 October 2026 (Two Shifts Daily) |
| Supreme Court Final Compliance Deadline | 31 August 2028 |
Application Fee & Portal ChargesThe exam fee is uniform for all categories because this is a special eligibility test for serving teachers:
| Category / Candidate Classification | Exam Fee per Question Paper | Portal Fee | Total Effective Fee PDF |
| All Categories (General / SC / ST / OBC / EWS / PwBD) | Rs. 1,000/- | Rs. 60/- (Kiosk) / Rs. 20/- (Citizen Login) | Rs. 1,060/- (or Rs. 1,020/-) |
| Application Form Correction Fee | Rs. 20/- (per edit) | Rs. 40/- (portal charges) | Rs. 60/- each time |
Age LimitBecause MSPSTET 2026 is designed specifically for currently employed in-service educators, no standard direct recruitment age brackets apply:
- Minimum Age: As per initial entry rules of service (minimum 21 years).
- Maximum Age: Governed by state superannuation (retirement) rules (up to 62 years).
- Supreme Court Order Provisions on Service Tenure:
- Teachers with more than 5 years before superannuation: Mandatory to clear TET by 31 August 2028 to continue in service.
- Teachers with less than 5 years before superannuation: Can continue teaching until retirement without passing TET; however, TET qualification is compulsory if they seek promotion.
Vacancy Details (Scope of the Examination)MSPSTET 2026 is a mandatory qualifying certification examination, not a direct employment drive. Scores obtained cannot be used to claim fresh direct recruitment into government schools.
| Examination Level | Target Teaching Cadre Covered PDF | Institutional Scope | Purpose of Certification PDF |
| Primary Level (कक्षा 1 से 5) | Sahayak Shikshak, Prathmik Shikshak, Sahayak Adhyapak, Samvida Shala Shikshak Varg-3, Laboratory Assistants, Science Primary Teachers | Government & Private Recognized Primary Schools in MP | Retention of service and eligibility for promotional posts under RTE compliance |
| Middle Level (कक्षा 6 से 8) | Shikshak, Madhyamik Shikshak, Adhyapak, Samvida Shala Shikshak Varg-2 | Government & Private Recognized Middle Schools in MP | Continued regular service protection and promotion eligibility |
Educational & Service EligibilityApplicants must be working as active teachers in eligible schools and meet the qualification baselines:1. Primary School Teacher Level (Classes 1–5)
- Serving Status: Must be actively working in a recognized government or private school as a primary teacher/assistant teacher/contract teacher Varg-3/lab assistant.
- Academic Baseline: Higher Secondary (10+2) or equivalent qualification along with recognized elementary teacher training (such as D.El.Ed., B.T.C., or equivalent).
- Mandatory Portal Data: Official Appointment Order Number, Order Date, School DISE Code, and Unique Employee ID / IFMIS Code (for government teachers).
2. Middle School Teacher Level (Classes 6–8)
- Serving Status: Must be working as a teacher/middle teacher/contract school teacher Varg-2 in middle classes.
- Academic Baseline: Bachelor’s Degree in the relevant subject along with professional teacher training (B.Ed., D.El.Ed., or equivalent).
- Subject Alignment: Middle school teachers must appear in the specialized subject corresponding to their graduation degree.
Salary Scale & Service ProtectionsTeachers qualifying the test retain their current regular pay matrix, allowances, and promotional eligibility under the 7th Pay Commission:
- Primary Teacher / Assistant Teacher: Pay Matrix Level-6 (Basic starting pay ~Rs. 25,300/- plus DA, HRA, Medical).
- Middle School Teacher / Madhyamik Shikshak: Pay Matrix Level-8 (Basic starting pay ~Rs. 32,800/- to Rs. 36,200/- plus DA, HRA, allowances).
- Service Benefit: Preserves permanent service tenure, seniority, pension rights, and clears the legal benchmark for promotion.
Selection Process & Qualifying StandardsThe assessment process consists of a computer-based test followed by departmental result verification:
│ Computer Based Online Examination (CBT) (150 Marks) │
│ Category-Wise Minimum Qualifying Percentage Benchmark │
│ (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD: 50% | General / Others: 60%) │
│ Issuance of Official TET Passing Certificate by MPESB │
│ Departmental Verification & Entry in Service Book / IFMIS Portal│
Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Qualifying Percentage | Minimum Marks Required (out of 150) PDF |
| SC / ST / OBC / EWS / PwBD Candidates | 50% | 75 Marks |
| General / Other Candidates | 60% | 90 Marks |
Exam PatternThe test is conducted as an online computer-based exam lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes with no negative marking:1. Primary Teacher Eligibility Test Pattern (150 Marks)
| Part | Section / Subject | Questions | Marks |
| i | Child Development & Pedagogy (बाल विकास एवं शिक्षाशास्त्र) | 30 | 30 |
| ii | Language-1 (Hindi / Sanskrit / English / Urdu) | 30 | 30 |
| iii | Language-2 (Different from Language-1) | 30 | 30 |
| iv | Mathematics (गणित) | 30 | 30 |
| v | Environmental Studies (पर्यावरण अध्ययन) | 30 | 30 |
| Total | Full Question Paper | 150 Questions | 150 Marks
|
2. Middle School Teacher Eligibility Test Pattern (150 Marks)The middle school paper is split into Part A (compulsory for all) and Part B (subject-specific):
| Section | Subject Focus | Questions | Marks |
| Part A (Compulsory) |
|
|
|
| (i) | Language-1 (Hindi / Sanskrit) | 08 | 08 |
| (ii) | Language-2 (General English) | 05 | 05 |
| (iii) | General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Reasoning & Numerical Ability | 07 | 07 |
| (iv) | Pedagogy (शिक्षाशास्त्र) | 10 | 10 |
| Part B (Main Subject) | One Opted Subject based on Graduation Degree: 1. Hindi Language (120 Qs) 2. English Language (120 Qs) 3. Sanskrit Language (120 Qs) 4. Urdu Language (120 Qs) 5. Mathematics (120 Qs) 6. Science (120 Qs) 7. Social Science (120 Qs) | 120 | 120 |
| Total | Combined Paper | 150 Questions | 150 Marks
|
- Exam Timing: Shift 1 (10:00 AM – 12:30 PM) and Shift 2 (03:00 PM – 05:30 PM).
- Marking Scheme: +1 mark for each correct answer; no negative marking.
Detailed SyllabusPrimary Level Syllabus (Classes 1–5 Context)
- Child Development & Pedagogy (30 Marks): Growth and development, theories of Piaget, Pavlov, Kohler, Thorndike, inclusive education, children with special needs, learning processes, motivation, and classroom assessment.
- Language-1 & Language-2 (30 Marks each): Unseen prose and poetry passages testing comprehension, grammar, and language pedagogy.
- Mathematics (30 Marks): Number system, basic operations, fractions, geometry, measurement (length, weight, volume, time), patterns, and math pedagogy.
- Environmental Studies (30 Marks): Family and friends, flora and fauna, shelter, food and nutrition, water and air pollution, disaster management, natural resources, space science, and EVS pedagogical methods.
Middle Level Syllabus (Classes 6–8 Context)
- Part A (30 Marks): Reading comprehension in Hindi/Sanskrit, English functional grammar (vocabulary, articles, tenses, narration, voice), national and state current affairs, general reasoning and mental ability, and pedagogical principles.
- Part B: Main Subjects (120 Marks each):
- Mathematics: Real numbers, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, mensuration, statistics, and math pedagogy.
- Science: Universe, measurement, states of matter, living world, cell biology, force, motion, work and energy, heat, light, sound, electricity, and science pedagogy.
- Social Science: Ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, freedom movement, Indian constitution and governance, world and Indian geography, economic development, and social science pedagogy.
- Languages (Hindi/English/Sanskrit/Urdu): Detailed literature, grammar, functional writing, and pedagogical methods.
How to Apply Step-by-StepApplications must be submitted online through the MP Online portal:
- Visit the Portal: Open mponline.gov.in or esb.mp.gov.in and locate the MSPSTET 2026 application link.
- Profile & Service Details: Log in via Citizen Account or through an authorized Kiosk. Input your name, parentage, date of birth, category, and Aadhaar card details.
- Enter Employment Credentials: Provide your official Teacher Appointment Order Number, Order Date, School DISE Code, and Unique Employee ID / IFMIS Code.
- Choose Test Level & Subject: Select Primary Teacher Eligibility Test, Middle School Teacher Eligibility Test, or both, and choose your main graduation subject for the Middle level.
- Upload Template Image: Upload the combined template image containing your passport photo (with name and date taken), signature in running hand, and handwritten declaration.
- Select Exam Cities: Choose four preferred exam cities from the available test centers.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the Rs. 1,000/- fee per paper plus portal charges via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
- Print Application: Download and retain a copy of the completed application form and fee receipt for departmental records.
Required Documents ChecklistEnsure the following documents are scanned for online upload and kept ready for departmental verification:
- Scanned template image with recent photograph (white background), signature, and handwritten declaration
- 10th or 8th standard marksheet (for Date of Birth verification)
- Graduation Marksheets & Degree Certificates (for Middle school level)
- Professional Teacher Training Marksheet / Diploma (D.El.Ed., B.T.C., B.Ed.)
- Original Teacher Appointment Order (नियुक्ति आदेश) with date and reference number
- Valid Caste / Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) from an authorized MP revenue official
- Disability Certificate (for PwBD candidates seeking scribe or compensatory time)
- Valid Government Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, or Driving License)
Important Instructions
- Aadhaar Verification: Candidates must undergo Aadhaar-enabled biometric authentication at test venues. Ensure your Aadhaar profile is unlocked.
- No Direct Recruitment Claims: Clearing MSPSTET 2026 serves solely to fulfill statutory RTE compliance for in-service teachers; it does not confer a claim to fresh government appointments.
- Single Form Correction Period: Corrections can be made online until 09 September 2026 by paying the applicable correction charges.
- Prohibited Items: Mobile phones, smartwatches, digital calculators, and study notes are strictly forbidden inside examination halls.
- Candidate Helplines: For technical assistance, contact the MP Online Helpdesk at 0755-6720200, call MPESB toll-free at 18002337899, or email complaint.esb@mp.gov.in.
Important Links Table
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the MPESB MSPSTET 2026 examination?
It is a special Teacher Eligibility Test administered by MPESB for in-service primary and middle school teachers in Madhya Pradesh to fulfill mandatory RTE qualifications ordered by the Supreme Court of India.
2. Who is required to appear in MSPSTET 2026?
Serving primary and middle school teachers in government and private schools appointed prior to the RTE Act who have not yet cleared a TET must qualify to secure their service and remain eligible for promotion.
3. What is the deadline set by the Supreme Court to clear the exam?
In its Review Petition order, the Supreme Court extended the compliance timeline to 31 August 2028.
4. What are the registration dates for MSPSTET 2026?
Online applications run from 21 August 2026 to 04 September 2026, with the correction window open through 09 September 2026.
5. What is the exam date for MSPSTET 2026?
The computer-based test begins on 12 October 2026 across designated test centers in Madhya Pradesh.
6. What is the application fee for MSPSTET 2026?
The examination fee is Rs. 1,000/- per paper for all categories, plus applicable portal charges (Rs. 60 for kiosk or Rs. 20 for citizen login).
7. What are the minimum passing marks in MSPSTET?
SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwBD candidates require 50% (75 marks out of 150), while General/Unreserved candidates require 60% (90 marks out of 150).
8. Is there negative marking in MSPSTET 2026?
No, there is no negative marking for incorrect or unattempted questions.
9. Can fresh graduates apply for MSPSTET 2026?
No, this examination is strictly restricted to currently employed in-service teachers; it is not open for direct recruitment of outside candidates.
10. Do teachers with less than five years of service left before retirement need to take this exam?
Under the Supreme Court order, teachers with less than five years of service left before superannuation may continue in service until retirement without qualifying the TET; however, they must qualify if they wish to be considered for promotion