KVS Special Educator Recruitment 2026: 987 PRT & TGT Posts Notification

Understanding the Recruitment Timeline and Its Strategic Importance

Why the Official Notification Date is Your Starting Signal

The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) is expected to release the official detailed notification for 987 Special Educator posts in the first week of February 2026. This notification is the single most important document, as it contains the final and authoritative information on all aspects of the recruitment—exact dates, application link, state-wise vacancies, and any changes in eligibility. Treat the day of notification release as your Day 1. The first 24-48 hours are crucial for careful analysis. You must download the PDF from the official website, kvsangathan.nic.in, and read every clause, especially concerning required qualifications, CTET validity, and RCI registration. Many candidates make the mistake of relying on third-party summaries and miss critical nuances, such as specific disability specializations required or document format specifications. Use this time to gather your original certificates, get them scanned as per likely specifications, and clarify any doubts regarding your eligibility with authoritative sources.

The Application Window: Navigating the Start and End Dates Successfully

The online application portal is projected to open in early February 2026 and remain active for approximately 20 to 25 days. This window is your only opportunity to formally enter the selection process. The application start date is not just an announcement; it is when the active application link becomes live on the KVS recruitment portal. From this moment, you should aim to fill out the form within the first week. This proactive approach guards against last-minute technical glitches, website congestion, and payment gateway failures that plague the final 48 hours. The last date to apply is a strict deadline. The system will not accept applications after 11:59 PM on that date. More importantly, this date is typically the cut-off date for calculating your age and determining the validity of your CTET certificate and educational qualifications. A late submission means a lost opportunity, regardless of your qualifications. Therefore, mark these tentative dates on your calendar and set reminders to complete the process well in advance.

Detailed Analysis of Age Eligibility and Educational Requirements

Calculating Your Exact Age for PRT and TGT Posts

The age limit is a critical filter. For the Special Educator (PRT) post, the upper age limit for the General category is 30 years as of the last date of application. For the Special Educator (TGT) post, the General category limit is 35 years. This means your date of birth must fall after the cutoff date that makes you exactly 30 or 35 years old. For example, if the last date is 25 February 2026, a PRT candidate must be born on or after 26 February 1996 to be eligible. If born on 25 February 1996, you would be exactly 30 and eligible. Age relaxation is added to this base limit. For instance, an OBC candidate gets 3 years relaxation. So, the upper age for an OBC applicant for PRT becomes 33 years (30+3). It is imperative to calculate your age correctly using the official cut-off date mentioned in the notification. A common mistake is calculating age as of today or assuming a different reference date, leading to application rejection even before the merit assessment.

Decoding the CTET, RCI, and Bridge Course Requirements

The eligibility criteria have two parallel tracks: educational marks and professional certifications. First, the minimum marks requirement (50% in Senior Secondary for PRT and Graduation for TGT) is non-negotiable. The percentage is calculated as per the university/board norms. Second, the mandatory certifications are post-specific and not interchangeable. For PRT, you must have a valid CTET Paper-I qualifying certificate. CTET Paper-II is NOT accepted for the PRT post. For TGT, you need CTET Paper-II. Furthermore, a Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) registration number (CRR) is mandatory for the TGT post, as per the RCI Act, 1992. For PRT, while a Diploma in Special Education is required, confirm RCI registration rules in the official notification. Additionally, candidates with a B.Ed. (Special Education) who are appointed to PRT posts may be required to complete a 6-month Bridge Course in Elementary Education as per NCTE norms, a condition typically applied after selection but important to know.

Understanding Vacancy Allocation and Post-Specific Requirements

Choosing Between PRT and TGT: Understanding the Core Difference

The 987 vacancies are neatly split between PRT (Primary) and TGT (Upper Primary/Secondary) roles. This is not just a difference in age limit; it defines the grade levels you will teach and your core qualifications. Special Educator (PRT) focuses on foundational, multi-skill development for Children with Special Needs (CwSN) in primary classes (I-V). Your Diploma in Special Education should ideally equip you for this age group. Special Educator (TGT) involves subject-specific or more advanced pedagogical support for CwSN in middle and secondary classes (VI-X). Your B.Ed. in Special Education should align with this. You must apply for the post for which you possess the exact mandatory professional qualification. A candidate with a Diploma cannot apply for TGT, and a candidate with only B.Ed. (Special Education) cannot apply for PRT. Your application will be rejected at the verification stage if this mismatch is found.

How State-Wise and Category-Wise Vacancies Determine Your Competition

The total 987 vacancies will be distributed across all states and union territories where Kendriya Vidyalayas are located. The official PDF will list vacancies for each state/region separately. This is crucial because you will likely be applying for a specific state or a group of KVs. Your merit will be calculated within that state/region pool for your category. For example, if there are 10 TGT vacancies in Rajasthan for the General category, you will compete with other General category applicants for Rajasthan. The cut-off marks can vary significantly from one state to another based on the number of applicants and vacancies. Furthermore, within each state, vacancies are reserved for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS as per government norms. You must select your category correctly during application and possess a valid certificate. Your selection chance depends on your rank within your category in your chosen state/region.

How Reservations and Concessions Work in Practice for Special Educator Recruitment

Calculating Age with Relaxation: A Step-by-Step Example for TGT Post

Age relaxation is applied on the maximum age limit. Let's take the TGT post, where the General category age limit is 35 years. Assume the cut-off date is 25 February 2026. - General Candidate: Must be born on or after 26 February 1991. - OBC Candidate (3 yrs relaxation): Effective upper age is 38. Must be born on or after 26 February 1988. - SC Candidate (5 yrs relaxation): Effective upper age is 40. Must be born on or after 26 February 1986. - PwD Candidate (10 yrs relaxation): Effective upper age is 45. Must be born on or after 26 February 1981. These relaxations are cumulative for candidates belonging to more than one category (e.g., SC & PwD). However, you must provide valid, latest certificates from the competent authority. An OBC certificate must clearly state the Non-Creamy Layer status for the current financial year.

Critical Note on EWS Certificate Validity and Fee Concession

For Economically Weaker Section (EWS) candidates, it is crucial to note that while there is no age relaxation, you benefit from reservation in vacancies. The most common pitfall is the validity of the EWS certificate. The certificate must be based on the income and asset criteria for the Financial Year 2025-26 (i.e., 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026). A certificate for the previous year (2024-25) will likely be rejected. Obtain a fresh certificate from the competent authority after 1 April 2026 if applying for this recruitment. Beyond reservation, eligible categories (SC/ST/PwD) also receive a fee concession. This must be claimed during the online application by selecting the correct category. There is often a relaxation in the minimum qualifying marks (e.g., 45% instead of 50% for SC/ST). Always confirm these specific clauses in the official notification.

A Deep Dive into the Salary, Selection, and Application Procedure

The Two-Tier Selection Process: Written Test and Professional Assessment

The selection process is designed to test both academic knowledge and practical teaching competency. Tier 1 is a Computer Based Test (CBT) of 180 marks. The syllabus is crucial and typically covers: Language Proficiency (English & Hindi), Reasoning Ability, Perspectives in Education (with a strong focus on Inclusive Education as per NEP 2020, child development, and educational psychology), and Subject Knowledge related to special education (disability types, IEP, assistive tech). This tier acts as a screening test. Candidates who secure minimum qualifying marks (category-wise) will be shortlisted for Tier 2, the Professional Competency Test. This 60-mark tier is crucial and includes a Demo Teaching session and an Interview. Given KVS's bilingual policy, be prepared to demonstrate teaching skills and answer questions in both Hindi and English. The final merit list uses a 70:30 ratio, making Tier 2 extremely impactful for improving your final rank.

Step-by-Step Online Application Guide for KVS Portal

The application will be submitted exclusively online at the official KVS recruitment website (expected to be on `kvsangathan.nic.in`). Follow these steps meticulously: Step 1: Notification & Registration: Once the notification is out, find the "Apply Online" link for Special Educator Recruitment. Click and register using a valid email ID and mobile number. Verify via OTP. Step 2: Fill the Application Form: Carefully fill in personal details, academic qualifications (with percentages), professional details (Diploma/B.Ed., CTET details, RCI CRR Number), and category. Select your preferred state/region for posting. Step 3: Upload Scanned Documents: Upload your photograph, signature, and all relevant certificates (educational, professional, caste, PwD, EWS, etc.) in the prescribed format and size (details will be in notification). Step 4: Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online via net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI. SC/ST/PwD/Female candidates may avail of fee concession. Step 5: Final Submission & Printout: Review the entire form preview. Submit and download/print the completed application form and fee receipt for future reference. Do not wait for the last day to complete these steps.

Navigating the Application Process and Avoiding Disqualification

The Imperative of Certificate Validity and Consistency

The most common reason for rejection is inconsistency or invalidity of certificates. First, ensure your CTET certificate is for the correct paper and is within its validity period as of the application's last date. A CTET Paper-I qualifier cannot apply for TGT, and CTET Paper-II cannot be used for the PRT post. Second, the name on all your documents must be identical. If your graduation degree says "A. Kumar" but your CTET certificate says "Amit Kumar," you must provide a linking document like a Gazette notification, affidavit, or a certificate from a competent authority. Third, your professional qualification (Diploma/B.Ed.) must explicitly state that it is in "Special Education." A general B.Ed. or a Diploma in Education will not suffice. KVS and RCI norms are strict on this. Before applying, lay out all your certificates and check for these discrepancies. Rectify them well in advance.

Adhering to the "One Candidate, One Application" and Language Rule

KVS recruitment portals are integrated, and submitting more than one application for the same recruitment, even from different email IDs, is a violation of rules. The system can detect duplicates through biometric details (photo), name, father's name, and date of birth. If multiple applications are found, all applications from that candidate are liable to be cancelled without notice. Furthermore, as KVS operates on a bilingual (Hindi & English) model, the Professional Competency Test (Tier 2) will assess your language proficiency. You should be comfortable explaining concepts, conducting a demo class, and answering interview questions in both languages. Lack of proficiency in either language, especially Hindi, could impact your scores in the interview section, even if your written test was excellent.

Authoritative Sources & Notes

The KVS recruitment programme publishes the official syllabus and any role-specific PDFs on kvsangathan.nic.in. Test-prep aggregators and education portals maintain practical breakdowns and past-year trends which are helpful for planning. Use the official KVS PDF as the final source for exact marks, section names, and timing. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

1. I have CTET Paper-II. Can I apply for the Special Educator (PRT) post?

No, you cannot. The eligibility for the Primary Teacher (PRT) post specifically requires a valid CTET Paper-I qualifying certificate. CTET Paper-II is designed for teachers of classes VI to VIII (TGT level) and is not a substitute for Paper-I for primary level posts. Applying for PRT with a Paper-II certificate will lead to immediate disqualification as your application will not meet the mandatory criteria. Ensure you possess the correct CTET paper as per the post you are eligible for.

2. Is RCI registration compulsory for this KVS recruitment?

Yes, for the Special Educator (TGT) post, Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) registration is mandatory. As per the RCI Act of 1992, professionals practicing in the field of special education and rehabilitation must hold a valid CRR (Council for Rehabilitation Registration) Number. Your application will be considered incomplete without it. For the PRT post, while the primary requirement is a Diploma in Special Education, it is advisable to check the official notification for any specific mention of RCI registration. Possessing it strengthens your candidacy regardless.

3. What is the "Bridge Course" clause mentioned for B.Ed. candidates in PRT?

As per norms from the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), candidates who possess a B.Ed. degree in Special Education (which is a qualification for TGT) but are appointed against a Primary Teacher (PRT) post, may be required to undergo a 6-month Bridge Course in Elementary Education. This condition is typically applied after selection and before or during the probation period to equip the teacher with pedagogical skills specific to the primary level. It is not a pre-application requirement but an important post-appointment compliance to be aware of.

4. How important is the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for the CBT?

Extremely important. The "Perspectives in Education" section of the Computer Based Test (CBT) heavily emphasizes current educational policies. NEP 2020's chapter on 'Equitable and Inclusive Education' is a hot topic. You should thoroughly study NEP's provisions for Children with Special Needs (CwSN), the concept of inclusive classrooms, teacher preparation, use of technology, and the specific roles envisaged for special educators. Questions can be direct or application-based, linking policy to classroom practice.

5. My EWS certificate is from June 2025. Will it be valid for the 2026 application?

It depends on the financial year it covers. For the 2026 recruitment, you will likely need an EWS certificate that is valid for the Financial Year 2025-26 (1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026). A certificate issued in June 2025 should ideally be based on your family's income and assets for FY 2025-26 and thus be valid. However, if it is based on the previous year's income (FY 2024-25), it will be rejected. Always ensure the certificate explicitly mentions the correct financial year and is issued by the competent authority (e.g., Tehsildar).

6. Can I give the Demo Teaching and Interview in English only?

While you may choose to primarily use English, proficiency in Hindi is highly recommended and often evaluated. Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan is a bilingual organization, and special educators are expected to communicate with students, parents, and colleagues in both Hindi and English as per the context and region. The interview panel may ask questions in Hindi to assess your comfort level. Being unable to understand or respond in Hindi could negatively impact your score in the communication and overall suitability assessment.

7. What is the probation period after selection?

Upon joining the assigned Kendriya Vidyalaya, you will undergo a probation period, typically lasting two years. During probation, your performance, conduct, and adaptability are closely monitored. Successful completion of probation is necessary for confirmation of service in the permanent post of Special Educator in KVS. Any requirements like the Bridge Course (if applicable) must also be completed during this period.

8. Is there any preference for candidates with prior teaching experience?

The selection process is based purely on the performance in the CBT and Professional Competency Test, as described. There is usually no additional weightage given for prior work experience in the initial recruitment scoring. However, your practical experience will be a significant advantage during the Demo Teaching and Interview (Tier 2), as it will reflect in your confidence, classroom management ideas, and practical solutions to scenarios posed by the panel. Effectively showcasing this experience can give you an edge over fresher candidates.