The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has scheduled the opening of the online registration window for the Secondary Teacher Eligibility Test (STET) 2026 from 17 August. The decision follows directives from the state Education Department and applies to candidates seeking eligibility to teach secondary and higher secondary classes in state schools.
Who should apply and for which classes
The STET is intended for aspirants aiming to teach students in Classes 9 and 10 (secondary) as well as Classes 11 and 12 (higher secondary). The exam will be administered as a computer-based test comprising two papers: Paper I and Paper II. Candidates are advised to check the official portal for subject-wise details when the application link goes live.
How to submit the application
BSEB will accept registrations through its designated website. The authority has outlined the following sequence for completing the application:
- Visit the BSEB STET portal once the registration opens.
- Create a new registration account and note the generated user ID and password sent to the mobile number and e-mail provided.
- Log in, pay the prescribed application fee, and complete the online form.
- Upload supporting documents as mandated and submit the form before the deadline.
- Download and preserve the confirmation page for future reference.
Duration, marks and structure
The STET will be a 150-minute test. The total score for the examination will be 150 marks, divided between subject knowledge and pedagogical competencies. Specifically, 100 marks will be allotted to the candidate’s specified subject, while 50 marks will evaluate teaching methods and related competencies. Each question will carry one mark and there will be no negative marking.
Category-wise qualifying percentages
BSEB has announced different qualifying thresholds depending on candidates’ categories. Aspirants must meet or exceed the percentage corresponding to their category to be considered successful. The qualifying marks are as follows:
| Category | Qualifying Percentage |
|---|---|
| General | 50% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 45.5% |
| Economically Backward Classes (EBC) | 42.5% |
| Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) | 40% |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 40% |
| Women | 40% |
Practical matters and preparatory advice
Aspirants should ensure their documents — academic certificates, category certificates (where applicable), identity proof and passport-sized photographs — are ready in scanned form in the sizes and formats stipulated on the portal. Given that the test will be computer-based, candidates who have limited prior exposure to online testing platforms are advised to familiarise themselves with CBT formats and practise time management for a 150-minute exam.
The two-part split between subject matter and teaching methodology means candidates need to balance preparation between content knowledge and teaching skills. Past-year papers and mock tests, wherever available, can help identify weak areas. Since there is no negative marking, answering every question can improve chances of crossing the qualifying threshold.
Where to watch for updates
All official notifications, including the detailed syllabus, schedule of examinations, admit card release and the final results, will be published on the BSEB’s STET portal. Candidates are recommended to rely only on official communications for deadlines and fee details to avoid misinformation.
The STET forms an important gateway for recruitment into the state school system. With the registration set to begin on 17 August, thousands of aspiring teachers across Bihar will be monitoring the portal for application windows and subsequent exam information.
