AP Special TET 2026: Payment, Application Submission Open

The Andhra Pradesh Department of School Education has opened payment and online application submission for the Special TET for In-Service Teachers – August 2026. Eligible teachers can complete the process online.

The Special TET 2026 is being conducted specifically for eligible in-service teachers appointed before 2011. The examination will be held from October 11 to October 21, 2026, in two sessions.

AP Special TET 2026: Key Details

The table below highlights the important dates, application fee, examination mode and other details candidates need to know before applying.

AP Special TET 2026 Payment and Application Submission

According to the official AP TET portal, payment and application submission for the Special TET for In-Service Teachers are currently open. The application window will remain available until September 24, 2026.

Candidates need to complete both the fee payment and final application submission within the prescribed dates. Simply obtaining a Journal Number does not mean that the application process has been completed.

The application process includes:

• Registering with the required basic details.
• Obtaining the Journal Number.
• Selecting the applicable TET paper.
• Filling in the online application form.
• Uploading the required photograph and signature.
• Paying the prescribed examination fee.
• Submitting the application finally.
• Taking a printout of the submitted application.

AP Special TET 2026 Application Fee

The Special TET application fee is INR 1,000 for each paper. Candidates appearing for more than one paper have to pay the fee separately for each paper.

The payment can be made through the prescribed payment gateway during the application period.

Who Can Apply for AP Special TET 2026?

The Special TET has been introduced specifically for eligible in-service teachers in Andhra Pradesh. The notification covers teachers appointed before 2011 who are currently serving in eligible institutions.

Eligible categories include teachers working in:

• Government schools
• Local body schools
• AP residential schools
• AP Model Schools
• Aided schools
• Schools under other government departments
• Other institutions specified in the notification

The Special TET is separate from the regular APTET and has been introduced in the context of the Supreme Court's directions concerning TET qualification for eligible in-service teachers.

AP Special TET 2026 Paper I and Paper II

The examination will be conducted through two papers. Teachers handling Classes I to V are required to appear for Paper I, while teachers handling Classes VI to VIII are required to appear for Paper II.

Teachers who want to become eligible for both levels may need to appear for both papers, subject to the applicable qualification requirements.

Each paper will contain 150 multiple-choice questions carrying 150 marks. The examination duration will be 2 hours and 30 minutes, and there will be no negative marking.

AP Special TET 2026 Exam Date

The Special TET examination is scheduled from October 11 to October 21, 2026. The exam will be conducted in two sessions each day.

• Session I: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
• Session II: 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Hall tickets are scheduled to be available from October 5, 2026 onwards. The initial answer key is expected on October 24, followed by the objection window from October 25 to November 1. The final result is scheduled for November 15, 2026.

How to Apply for AP Special TET 2026?

Candidates can complete the Special TET application process by following these steps:

1. Visit the official AP TET website.
2. Download and read the Information Bulletin.
3. Complete the initial registration.
4. Obtain the Journal Number.
5. Log in and select the applicable paper.
6. Enter the required personal and academic details.
7. Upload the photograph and signature as instructed.
8. Pay the application fee.
9. Submit the application form.
10. Download and keep a copy of the submitted application.

Candidates should verify all details before final submission because the Journal Number alone does not confirm successful application.

AP Special TET 2026 Certificate Validity

The Special TET certificate is stated to be valid for a lifetime, subject to applicable NCTE guidelines and future modifications. The notification also states that there is no restriction on the number of attempts for obtaining the APTET certificate.

AP Special TET 2026 FAQs