Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test Eligibility Criteria
Updated 2026The educational qualification for MAHA TET 2026 is strictly regulated to ensure high standards of teaching proficiency. Candidates must meet the following criteria based on the paper they choose to attempt:
- Paper I (Classes 1-5): Candidates must have passed their 12th standard (HSC) with at least 50% marks, followed by a 2-year Diploma in Primary Education (D.T.Ed/D.Ed), or a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed). Alternatively, candidates possessing a graduate degree with 50% marks and a B.Ed qualification are also eligible.
- Paper II (Classes 6-8): Candidates must hold a graduate degree with at least 45% marks along with a B.Ed degree. As an alternative, candidates who have completed their 12th standard (HSC) with 50% marks and have pursued a 4-year B.El.Ed, B.A.Ed, or B.Sc.Ed degree are eligible to participate.
It is essential that candidates possess these degrees from recognized institutions and boards. Any discrepancies in the qualification criteria may lead to the rejection of the candidature during the document verification process that follows the declaration of results.
The Maharashtra Council of Examinations has established a straightforward age policy for the MAHA TET 2026. The minimum age for a candidate to register and participate in the examination is 18 years. Notably, there is no prescribed maximum age limit for this examination, allowing candidates of varying experience and age groups to pursue the teaching qualification. This policy reflects the inclusive nature of the teaching profession, welcoming both fresh graduates and experienced individuals who wish to contribute to the academic landscape of Maharashtra.
The selection process for the MAHA TET 2026 is entirely merit-based and focuses on the performance of the candidate in the written examination. The selection consists of two major components:
- Written Examination: Candidates must appear for the OMR-based test for either Paper 1 or Paper 2. The exam is the sole medium for evaluation, assessing the candidate's understanding of Child Development, Language, and core subjects.
- Qualifying Criteria: A candidate must secure a minimum of 60% (for the General category) or 55% (for SC/ST/PwD categories) of the total marks to be considered 'qualified'.
- Certificate Issuance: Once a candidate successfully qualifies by clearing the threshold, they are awarded the MAHA TET Eligibility Certificate. This certificate is the final objective of the process and holds lifetime validity, effectively making the candidate eligible for teacher recruitment openings across the state of Maharashtra.
As per the current information provided by the Maharashtra Council of Examinations, there is no maximum age limit for the MAHA TET 2026. Since no upper age limit exists for the general or other categories, the question of specific age relaxation for different categories (such as OBC, SC, ST, or others) does not arise at this stage. Candidates aged 18 and above are eligible to apply, provided they meet the educational qualifications.