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The Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test (UPTET) is among the most competitive exams for candidates aiming to teach in government and private schools across Uttar Pradesh. Before filling out the application form, it’s important to clearly understand the UPTET Eligibility Criteria 2026, as it determines who can appear for Paper 1 (Primary Level) and Paper 2 (Upper Primary Level).
The eligibility rules are based on specific educational qualifications, professional teaching credentials, and the prescribed age requirements. Candidates must meet all these conditions to be considered eligible. Below, we break down the detailed eligibility criteria for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the UPTET 2026 exam to help you check where you stand and plan your application confidently.
UPTET Eligibility Criteria 2026
The UPTET Eligibility Criteria 2026 clearly define the academic and professional requirements candidates must meet to appear for the Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test. Fulfilling these conditions is mandatory to submit a valid application and move ahead in the selection process. For Paper 1 (Primary Level, Classes 1–5), candidates must have completed or be appearing in the final year of a recognised teacher training programme such as DElEd, D.Ed, B.El.Ed, or an equivalent course. This qualification should be supported by a graduation degree or a senior secondary qualification, as prescribed under the eligibility norms.
For Paper 2 (Upper Primary Level, Classes 6–8), applicants need a graduation or post-graduation degree along with a professional teaching qualification like B.Ed, B.Ed (Special Education), B.Sc.Ed, or B.A.Ed. These degrees must be recognised by statutory bodies such as the National Council for Teacher Education or the Rehabilitation Council of India. The minimum age limit is 18 years, and there is no upper age restriction, allowing candidates from diverse age groups to apply. Meeting the UPTET eligibility criteria ensures that aspirants are academically and professionally prepared to pursue teaching opportunities in government and private schools across Uttar Pradesh.
UPTET Syllabus 2026 – Click to Check
UPTET Eligibility for Primary Teachers (Classes 1 to 5)
Candidates applying for UPTET Paper 1 must meet any one of the following criteria. Candidates meeting any of these combinations are eligible to apply for UPTET Paper 1.
| UPTET Paper I Eligibility Criteria 2026 | ||
| S.No | Educational Qualification (UGC recognised university or college) | Professional Qualification |
| 1 | Graduation (or equivalent) and passed/appearing in any discipline | Two-year Diploma in Elementary Education (DElEd) in final year or passed, recognised by NCTE with UP Administration |
| 2 | Graduation (or equivalent) passed | Basic Training Certificate (BTC) from distance education as a Shiksha Mitra in final year or passed |
| 3 | Graduation (or equivalent) passed | Two-year Diploma in Education (D.Ed) as Shiksha Mitra in final year or passed / D.Ed-Special Education recognised by RCI |
| 4 | Graduation or post-graduation with minimum 50% marks | Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) recognised by NCTE |
| 5 | Graduation or post-graduation with minimum 45% marks | Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) recognised by NCTE |
| 6 | Graduation (or equivalent) passed | BTC/BTC Urdu in final year or passed, recognised by NCTE with UP Administration |
| 7 | Graduation (or equivalent) passed | Diploma in Teaching from Aligarh Muslim University |
| 8 | Graduation (or equivalent) passed | Degree of Moavill-E-Urdu before 8 August 1997 (for Urdu teachers) |
| 9 | Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks | Passed or appearing in final year of 4-year Bachelor in Elementary Education (B.El.Ed) |
| 10 | — | D.El.Ed from NIOS through ODL mode |
UPTET Eligibility for Upper Primary Teachers (Classes 6 to 8)
Applicants for UPTET Paper 2 must meet any one of the following educational and professional qualifications:
| UPTET Paper I Eligibility Criteria 2026 | ||
| S.No | Educational Qualification (UGC recognised university or college) | Professional Qualification |
| 1 | Graduation (or equivalent) and passed/appearing in any discipline | Two-year Diploma in Elementary Education (DElEd) in final year or passed, recognised by NCTE with UP Administration |
| 2 | Graduation or post-graduation with minimum 50% marks | Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) recognised by NCTE / B.Ed (Special Education) recognised by RCI |
| 3 | Graduation or post-graduation with minimum 45% marks | Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) recognised by NCTE |
| 4 | Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks | Passed or appearing in final year of 4-year B.El.Ed / B.Sc.Ed / B.Sc.B.Ed / B.A.Ed / B.A.B.Ed |
UPTET Age Limit 2026
To apply for the UPTET 2026 exam, candidates must be at least 18 years old. There’s no upper age limit, which means you can attempt the exam as many times as you want. If your earlier certificate has expired or you’re aiming for a better score, you’re free to reappear without any restriction. This flexible age rule makes UPTET one of the most candidate-friendly eligibility-based teaching exams in India, especially for aspirants planning long-term careers in the education sector.
Why Understanding UPTET Eligibility Criteria 2026 Is Essential?
Knowing the UPTET eligibility criteria isn’t just a formality-it’s your first step toward a teaching career in Uttar Pradesh. Many applicants get rejected during verification because they overlook key qualification rules or misunderstand eligibility combinations. A clear understanding of UPTET eligibility can help you prepare confidently and boost your chances of becoming a certified teacher in Uttar Pradesh.
- By reviewing the official eligibility guidelines beforehand, you:
- Ensure your educational qualifications align with NCTE or RCI norms.
- Save time and application fees by avoiding ineligible submissions.
- Plan your next qualification (like DElEd or B.Ed) strategically for future attempts.



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