The Department of Education, Government of Sikkim, has released the Information Bulletin for the State Teacher Eligibility Test-2026 (STET-2026), For In-Service Regular Teacher, vide Reference No. 75/Exam/Edn./2026, dated 30-07-2026. The test is conducted by the Examination Section, Education Department, Tashiling-Gangtok, Sikkim.
This test is only for serving, regular in-service teachers in Sikkim - it is not an open exam for fresh graduates or outside candidates. STET-2026 is being conducted as per the order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court and in accordance with the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, and the minimum qualifications laid down by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). Qualifying the test makes a candidate eligible for appointment as a Primary Teacher (Classes I–V) or an Elementary/Graduate Teacher (Classes VI–VIII) - it does not, by itself, guarantee recruitment or employment.
Quick facts: The Sikkim Education Department is conducting STET-2026 for In-Service Regular Teachers. There is no fixed vacancy count - this is a qualifying eligibility test, not a recruitment drive. Only serving regular teachers meeting the prescribed qualifications can apply. Online applications open 24 August 2026 and close 12 September 2026, by 4:00 p.m. The exam is on 11 October 2026 (Sunday). Applications are online only, via tet.sikkim.gov.in. Candidates can choose Gangtok, Namchi, or Gyalshing District as their exam centre.
Sikkim STET 2026 Notification
The full Information Bulletin (Ref. No. 75/Exam/Edn./2026, dated 30-07-2026) is available on the official website. Candidates should also refer to the separate syllabus document before applying.
- Syllabus: STET-2026 Syllabus (tet.sikkim.gov.in)
- Notification: STET-2026 Notification (tet.sikkim.gov.in)
- Official Website: tet.sikkim.gov.in
Sikkim STET 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Department of Education, Government of Sikkim |
| Reference No. | 75/Exam/Edn./2026, dated 30-07-2026 |
| Exam | State Teacher Eligibility Test-2026 (For In-Service Regular Teacher) |
| Eligible Candidates | In-Service Regular Teachers only |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Window | 24 August 2026 to 12 September 2026, 4:00 p.m. |
| Exam Date | 11 October 2026 (Sunday) |
| Official Website | tet.sikkim.gov.in |
Sikkim STET 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Published | 3 August 2026 (local newspaper & www.education.sikkim.gov.in) |
| Online Application Start Date | 24 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 12 September 2026, by 4:00 p.m. |
| Issue of Admit Card | 1 October 2026 onwards |
| Date of Examination | 11 October 2026 (Sunday) |
Sikkim STET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Only In-Service Regular Teachers who meet the minimum educational qualification for their intended level are eligible. A candidate may appear for only one level - Primary or Graduate - matching their own qualification, in this cycle.
Minimum Qualification for Primary Teacher (Classes I–V)
- Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, OBC-Central, OBC-State) and a passed 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.); OR
- Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, OBC-Central, OBC-State) and a passed 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.); OR
- Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, OBC-Central, OBC-State) and a passed 2-year Diploma in Education (Special Education).
Minimum Qualification for Graduate Teacher (Classes VI–VIII)
- B.A./B.Sc. with 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, OBC-Central, OBC-State) and a passed 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.); OR
- B.A./B.Sc. with 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, OBC-Central, OBC-State) and a passed 2-year Bachelor in Education (B.Ed.); OR
- Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, OBC-Central, OBC-State) and a passed 4-year Bachelor in Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.); OR
- Senior Secondary (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, OBC-Central, OBC-State) and a passed 4-year B.A/B.Sc.Ed or B.A.Ed/B.Sc.Ed.
Notes on Qualification
- Only a Diploma/Degree course in Teacher Education recognized by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) will be considered.
- For Diploma in Education (Special Education) and B.Ed. (Special Education), only a course recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) will be considered.
Sikkim STET 2026 Exam Pattern
- The test consists of objective-type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), with no negative marking.
- Total number of MCQs: 150. All questions are compulsory.
- Both Level-I (Primary) and Level-II (Graduate) papers are held on the same day: 11 October 2026.
Paper I - For Primary Teacher (Classes I to V)
| Structure and Content | MCQs | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 |
| Environmental Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
- Child Development and Pedagogy focuses on Educational Psychology of Teaching and Learning relevant to the 6–11 years age group.
- Language-I focuses on proficiencies related to the Medium of Instruction, which is English.
- Language-II may be any one vernacular language taught in Sikkim's schools from Class I–V (Lepcha, Bhutia, Nepali, Limboo, Hindi, Tamang, Rai, Gurung, or Sherpa); candidates must specify their choice in the application form.
Paper II - For Graduate Teacher (Classes VI to VIII)
| Subject | MCQs | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development and Pedagogy | 30 | 30 |
| Language I | 30 | 30 |
| Language II | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics and Science | 60 | 60 |
| OR Social Studies (for Social Studies Teacher) | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 150 | 150 |
- Child Development and Pedagogy focuses on Educational Psychology of Teaching and Learning relevant to the 11–14 years age group.
- Language-I focuses on proficiencies related to the Medium of Instruction, which is English.
- Language-II may be any one language other than Language-I, from the same vernacular options taught in Classes VI–VIII in Sikkim's schools, with test items also covering language, communication, and comprehension abilities.
- Mathematics and Science test items are 30 marks each, focused on concepts, problem-solving abilities, and pedagogical understanding.
- Social Studies test items are 60 marks, evenly distributed between History, Geography, and Civics as prescribed for Classes VI–VIII by the State Government.
- Paper II questions are based on the state-prescribed syllabus for Classes VI–VIII, though difficulty level and linkage may extend up to the Senior Secondary stage.
- The question paper is in English, with vernacular-language questions appearing in the chosen vernacular (Lepcha, Bhutia, Nepali, Limboo, Hindi, Tamang, Rai, Gurung, or Sherpa).
Sikkim STET 2026 Passing Criteria
- A candidate scoring 60% or more is considered STET pass.
- A 5% relaxation is applicable for SC/ST, Central OBC, and State OBC candidates (i.e., 55%).
- All candidates who pass are awarded a certificate.
- The certificate is valid until the candidate crosses the "employability age" as per State Government norms - this validity period does not include the special higher-age exemption given to temporary in-service employees.
- STET is conducted once a year; a candidate who has already qualified may reappear in subsequent years to improve their score.
- Qualifying STET does not itself confer any right to recruitment or employment - it is only one of the eligibility criteria for appointment.
Sikkim STET 2026 Application Fee
An online payment of Rs. 500 (Rupees Five Hundred) is required as the examination fee. The fee, once paid, will not be refunded under any circumstances.
How to Apply for Sikkim STET 2026
Applications must be submitted online only, through tet.sikkim.gov.in, between 24 August 2026 and 12 September 2026 (by 4:00 p.m.). Before starting the online form, candidates should keep the following ready:
- Scanned/digital photograph of the applicant
- Scanned signature of the applicant
- Scanned professional degree/diploma certificate of the applicant
- Scanned photo ID proof (Certificate of Identification/Aadhaar/Voter ID/Driving Licence, etc.)
- A working personal e-mail address and mobile number
Candidates must use their own mobile number and e-mail ID while submitting the application, since STET alerts are sent only to the registered mobile number and e-mail ID.
Sikkim STET 2026 Exam Centre
Candidates can choose either Gangtok, Namchi, or Gyalshing District as their desired exam centre.
Sikkim STET 2026 Admit Card and Certificate
- Admit cards can be downloaded from tet.sikkim.gov.in from 1 October 2026 onwards.
- All successful candidates will be awarded the certificate in person, after producing the original admit card issued to them.
Important Instructions
- On the OMR Answer Sheet, candidates should answer all the questions.
- Since there is no negative marking, one of the options should be properly and fully blackened - options should not be left blank.
- A light, faint, or incompletely darkened circle is considered a wrong marking method and is liable to be rejected by the optical scanner.
- Candidates must mention their own mobile number and e-mail ID while submitting the online application, as STET alerts are sent only through these registered contact details.
Sikkim Education Department STET Important Links
- Official Notification PDF: Click here
- Official Website: Click here