AP Special TET 2026: How to Apply Online, Eligibility, Fee, Dates & Complete Guide
AP Special TET 2026: The Andhra Pradesh School Education Department has announced the Special APTET August 2026 for eligible in-service teachers. The online application process has started, and eligible teachers can apply for AP Special TET 2026 through the official AP TET website.

The Special TET is being conducted particularly for eligible in-service teachers appointed before 2011. This examination provides eligible teachers an opportunity to obtain the mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) qualification within the applicable deadline.
Read Also: AP Special TET MaterialsΒ
In this article, you will find complete information about AP Special TET 2026 eligibility, application process, application fee, important dates, Paper-I, Paper-II, examination pattern, pass marks, certificate validity and other important instructions.
π’ AP Special TET 2026 Latest Update:
The online application process for AP Special TET 2026 started on 25 August 2026. The last date to submit the online application is 24 September 2026.
APPLY ONLINE β AP SPECIAL TET 2026
AP Special TET 2026 β Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination | Special APTET August 2026 |
| Conducting Department | Department of School Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh |
| Examination Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Eligibility | Eligible In-Service Teachers |
| Papers | Paper-I and Paper-II |
| Application Start Date | 25 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 September 2026 |
| Application Fee | βΉ1,000 per paper |
| Examination | From 11 October 2026 onwards |
| Paper-I | Classes I to V |
| Paper-II | Classes VI to VIII |
Table of Contents
- What is AP Special TET 2026?
- Who Can Apply for AP Special TET 2026?
- AP Special TET Paper-I and Paper-II
- AP Special TET 2026 Application Fee
- How to Apply for AP Special TET 2026 Online?
- Photograph and Signature Requirements
- Examination District Selection
- AP Special TET 2026 Exam Pattern
- AP Special TET 2026 Pass Marks
- Special TET Certificate Validity
- Can Special TET Be Used for Future DSC Recruitment?
- Important Instructions for Candidates
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Official Website and Notification
What is AP Special TET 2026?
AP Special TET August 2026 is a special Teacher Eligibility Test conducted by the Department of School Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh, for eligible in-service teachers.
The Special TET is being conducted for eligible in-service teachers appointed before 2011 so that they can obtain the required TET qualification within the period applicable under the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
The examination will be conducted through a Computer Based Test (CBT).
Who Can Apply for AP Special TET 2026?
The Special APTET August 2026 notification provides eligibility for specified categories of in-service teachers, subject to the conditions mentioned in the official notification.
Eligible teachers may include those working in:
- Government Schools
- Local Body Schools
- APREIS institutions
- Government Welfare Residential Societies
- AP Model Schools
- Private Aided Schools
- Schools under other Government Departments
The notification also refers to eligible regular teachers and teachers appointed on Minimum Time Scale (MTS).
Important: AP Special TET 2026 is not a general TET examination for everyone. Candidates should carefully verify their eligibility in the official notification before paying the examination fee.
AP Special TET 2026 Paper-I and Paper-II
The Special TET examination consists of Paper-I and Paper-II.
Paper-I β Classes I to V
Teachers dealing with Classes I to V should appear for Paper-I, subject to the eligibility and qualification conditions prescribed in the notification.
Paper-II β Classes VI to VIII
Teachers dealing with Classes VI to VIII should appear for Paper-II, subject to the prescribed qualifications.
Can a teacher apply for both Paper-I and Paper-II?
Yes. Eligible teachers working for Classes I to V who intend to become eligible for Classes VI to VIII may appear for both Paper-I and Paper-II, provided they possess the required qualifications.
The official notification also contains specific provisions relating to SGTs, LFL Head Masters, School Assistants, TGTs, Language Pandits and High School Head Masters.
AP Special TET 2026 Application Fee
The examination fee for AP Special TET 2026 is βΉ1,000 per paper.
| Application | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper-I only | βΉ1,000 |
| Paper-II only | βΉ1,000 |
| Paper-I + Paper-II | βΉ2,000 |
Candidates applying for both papers have to pay the prescribed fee for each paper.
How to Apply for AP Special TET 2026 Online?
Eligible teachers can follow the steps below to submit the AP Special TET 2026 online application.
Step 1: Visit the Official AP TET Website
Visit the official AP TET website:
Look for the Special TET for In-Service Teachers Application link.
Step 2: Read the Official Notification
Before starting the application, carefully read the official Special TET notification and Information Bulletin.
Check the following:
- Eligibility conditions
- Educational qualifications
- Paper selection
- Application fee
- Photograph requirements
- Signature requirements
- Examination district details
- Application instructions
Step 3: Pay the Examination Fee
Pay the applicable examination fee through the prescribed online payment facility.
The fee is βΉ1,000 for each paper.
Step 4: Obtain the Journal Number
After successful fee payment, keep the payment details and Journal Number safely for completing and tracking the application process.
Remember that payment alone does not mean that the online application has been completely submitted.
Step 5: Fill the Online Application Form
Enter all required details carefully in the online application form.
These may include:
- Personal details
- Date of birth
- Teacher and service details
- Educational qualifications
- Paper selection
- Subject details
- Examination district
- Photograph and signature
- Other required information
Step 6: Upload Photograph and Signature
Keep the required photograph and signature ready before beginning the application.
The photograph requirement specified in the application instructions is approximately 3.5 cm Γ 3.5 cm.
The photograph is to be prepared with the required signature and scanned according to the prescribed application specifications.
Step 7: Select the Examination District
Candidates will be provided an opportunity to select an available examination district as per the application procedure.
However, selection of a district does not necessarily mean that the candidate will receive a particular examination centre. The final examination centre is allotted by the department based on availability and capacity.
Requests to change the allotted examination centre or examination session will not be entertained.
Step 8: Verify All Details
Before final submission, carefully verify every detail entered in the application.
Check:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Service details
- Educational qualifications
- Paper and subject
- Examination district
- Photograph
- Signature
Important: Candidates should verify the complete application before final submission. After final submission, editing the application may not be permitted as per the notification.
Step 9: Submit the Application
After verifying all details, submit the application form.
After successful submission, save or download a copy of the application for future reference.
It is recommended to preserve:
- Application number
- Journal/payment details
- Payment receipt
- Submitted application form
- Other relevant documents
AP Special TET 2026 Photograph and Signature Requirements
Photograph preparation is an important part of the online application process.
Candidates should follow the photograph and signature specifications mentioned in the official application instructions.
The prescribed photograph size is approximately 3.5 cm Γ 3.5 cm.
Before uploading, make sure that:
- The photograph is clear.
- The face is clearly visible.
- The photograph follows the prescribed size.
- The signature is clear.
- The image file meets the prescribed file-size requirements.
AP Special TET 2026 Examination District Selection
Candidates can select the available examination district as provided during the application process.
However, the final examination centre and session will be allotted by the department depending on availability and examination capacity.
Therefore, candidates should carefully select their preferred examination district while submitting the application.
AP Special TET 2026 Exam Pattern
The AP Special TET 2026 examination will be conducted through a Computer Based Test (CBT).
Each paper carries 150 marks.
Examination Timings
| Session | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Session | 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon |
| Afternoon Session | 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM |
The examination is scheduled from 11 October 2026 onwards.
Candidates should check the official hall ticket for their exact examination date, session and centre.
AP Special TET 2026 Pass Marks
The minimum qualifying marks mentioned in the official notification are:
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 60% |
| BC | 50% |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen | 40% |
AP Special TET 2026 Certificate Validity
The Special APTET August 2026 Certificate / Marks Memo is stated to remain valid for life, unless otherwise notified by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
The notification specifies this in relation to continuing in the present post or promotion to the next higher post.
Candidates should note that certificate validity for this purpose does not mean that Special TET becomes a qualification for future direct recruitment.
Can Special TET 2026 Be Used for Future DSC Recruitment?
No.
This is one of the most important points regarding AP Special TET 2026.
The Special TET qualification is intended for the applicable in-service requirement, including continuation in the present post and promotion to the next higher post, subject to the applicable rules.
Special TET cannot be used for future direct recruitment.
Candidates seeking eligibility for future direct teacher recruitment need to qualify through regular APTET or CTET, as applicable.
Important Instructions for AP Special TET 2026 Candidates
- Check your eligibility before paying the examination fee.
- Select the correct paper carefully.
- Pay the prescribed fee for each paper.
- Keep your photograph and signature ready.
- Enter your personal and service details correctly.
- Verify all information before final submission.
- Save the Journal Number and payment details.
- Download or print the submitted application.
- Select the examination district carefully.
- Check the official website regularly for updates.
- Download the hall ticket when it becomes available.
- Follow all instructions printed on the hall ticket.
AP Special TET 2026 β Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is AP Special TET 2026?
AP Special TET August 2026 is a special Teacher Eligibility Test conducted by the Andhra Pradesh School Education Department for eligible in-service teachers under the applicable Government and court directions.
2. Who can apply for AP Special TET 2026?
Eligible in-service teachers appointed before 2011 and working in the specified categories of schools and institutions can apply, subject to the conditions prescribed in the official notification.
3. What is the last date to apply for AP Special TET 2026?
The last date for payment and online application is 24 September 2026.
4. What is the AP Special TET 2026 application fee?
The application fee is βΉ1,000 per paper.
5. Can I apply for both Paper-I and Paper-II?
Yes. Eligible candidates can apply for both Paper-I and Paper-II by paying the prescribed fee for each paper.
6. Who should write Paper-I?
Paper-I is intended for teachers dealing with Classes I to V, subject to the prescribed eligibility conditions.
7. Who should write Paper-II?
Paper-II is intended for teachers dealing with Classes VI to VIII, subject to the prescribed eligibility conditions.
8. What is the AP Special TET 2026 examination mode?
The examination will be conducted through a Computer Based Test (CBT).
9. When will AP Special TET 2026 be conducted?
The examination is scheduled to commence from 11 October 2026 onwards.
10. What are the minimum qualifying marks for Special TET 2026?
General/EWS candidates need 60% or above, BC candidates need 50% or above, and SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen candidates need 40% or above.
11. Can Special TET be used for future DSC recruitment?
No. Special TET is not intended to be used for future direct recruitment. Candidates seeking future direct recruitment need regular APTET/CTET qualification as applicable.
12. How long is the Special TET certificate valid?
The notification states that the Special TET certificate/marks memo is valid for life for the specified in-service purposes, including continuation in the present post or promotion to the next higher post, unless otherwise notified by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Official AP Special TET 2026 Website
Candidates should use the official AP TET website for applications, notifications, hall tickets, examination updates and other official information.
π Visit Official AP TET Website
AP Special TET 2026 Official Notification PDF
Before applying, candidates are strongly advised to read the complete official notification and Information Bulletin.
π Download AP Special TET 2026 Official Notification PDF
Conclusion
AP Special TET August 2026 provides eligible in-service teachers with an opportunity to obtain the mandatory TET qualification within the applicable period.
Eligible teachers should complete the online application process between 25 August 2026 and 24 September 2026. Candidates should select the appropriate paper, pay the prescribed examination fee and carefully verify all information before submitting the application.
The most important point to remember is that Special TET is intended for the applicable in-service requirement, continuation and promotion, and is not intended for future direct recruitment.
Candidates should regularly check the official AP TET website for any changes, corrections or additional instructions issued by the Department of School Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Disclaimer: This article is prepared for informational purposes based on the AP Special APTET August 2026 notification and official information available at the time of publication. Candidates should verify the latest information on the official AP TET website before applying.