The Kerala State Eligibility Test (Kerala SET) 2026 is a examination conducted by the LBS Centre for Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram for candidates aspiring for a teaching career in Higher Secondary School (HSST) and Non-Vocational Teachers in Vocational Higher Secondary Education (VHSE). The Kerala SET 2026 January Session is scheduled to be held on February 22nd 2026.
This comprehensive guide helps you with detailed, accurate, and up-to-date information about the Kerala SET January 2026 examination, covering about eligibility criteria and application procedures to exam patterns, preparation strategies.
Kerala SET 2026 - Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Article Category | Education |
| Full Form | Kerala State Eligibility Test |
| Conducting Body | LBS Centre for Science & Technology |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (Jan & July Sessions) |
| Next Session | SET January 2026 (Highly Competitive) |
| Purpose | Eligibility for Higher Secondary School Teachers (HSST) & VHSE Non-Vocational Teachers in Kerala |
| Official Website | www.lbscentre.kerala.gov.in |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR-based) |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit prescribed |
What is Kerala SET?
The Kerala State Eligibility Test (SET) is a state-level entrance examination conducted to analyse and select candidates for appointment as teachers in higher secondary schools and non-vocational teaching positions in VHSE institutions throughout Kerala. The examination is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is set based on the regional syllabus from Kerala universities, making it highly relevant for local aspirants. The Kerala SET examination is a must-examination for candidates aspiring to pursue a teaching career in government and aided educational institutions in the state.
This year the Kerla SET 2026 Januray Session is scheduled to be held on February 22nd 2026 (Tentatively), the online applications were invited from October 30, 2025 and the last date for Online Application is November 20th 2025.
Kerala SET January 2026 Schedule
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | October 29, 2025 | Released |
| Online Application Start Date | October 30, 2025 | Started |
| Last Date for Online Application | November 20, 2025 | Upcoming |
| Application Fee Payment Deadline | November 20, 2025 | Upcoming |
| Application Correction Window | After registration closes | TBA |
| Admit Card Release Date | Mid-January 2026 | TBA |
| Examination Date | February 22nd 2026 (Expected) | TBA |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | Within 1 week of exam | TBA |
| Objection Submission Period | 5 days after answer key | TBA |
| Final Answer Key Release | After objection review | TBA |
| Result Declaration | March/April 2026 | TBA |
Note: Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for any updates or changes to the examination schedule.
Kerala SET Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the eligiblity criteria mentioned below to apply for the examination.
Educational Qualification
To be eligible for Kerala SET 2026, candidates must meet the following academic requirements:
General Requirements
- Master's Degree: Candidates must possess a Master's degree in the relevant subject with a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent grade from a recognized university in Kerala or an institution deemed equivalent by Kerala universities.
- B.Ed. Degree: A Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree in any discipline from a recognized university in Kerala or an equivalent qualification from other universities is mandatory for most subjects.
Subject-Specific Exemptions from B.Ed. Requirement
Kerala PSC University Assistant Notification 2025 (OUT): Apply Now at keralapsc.gov.in 
Kerala Revenue District Kalolsavam 2025: Results, Point Table, Winners 
RRB Group D Admit Card 2025 & Exam Date: Direct Link for CBT Hall Ticket Download (32438 Posts) For the following subjects, a B.Ed. degree is NOT mandatory:
- Commerce
- Home Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Statistics
- Music
- Journalism
- French
- German
- Syriac
- Social Work
Special Qualifications
- M.Sc.Ed. Degree Holders: Candidates with M.Sc.Ed. degrees in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, or Zoology with at least 50% marks from NCERT Regional Institutes of Education are also eligible to apply.
- Biotechnology Candidates: Candidates with a Master's degree in Biotechnology and a B.Ed. degree in Life Science or Physical Science are eligible to apply for Botany or Zoology subjects respectively.
Age Limit
No age limit (upper or lower) is prescribed for candidates applying for Kerala SET January 2026. Candidates of all ages meeting the educational qualifications mentioned above can apply for the examination.
How to Apply for Kerala SET 2026 ?
Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for the examination through the official website. The application process for Kerala SET 2026 is conducted entirely online. Follow these detailed steps to complete your application:
- Visit the official website (www.lbscentre.kerala.gov.in).
- Click on the "SET January 2026" link
- Register with a valid mobile number and email ID.
- Fill in personal, educational, and subject-choice details carefully. Double-check the selected Paper II subject.
- Upload Required Documents and a recent passport-size photograph (200x150 pixels, ≤30 KB) and signature as per the specifications.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee online.
- Review the application, print the final copy, and save the Registration ID for future reference (Admit Card download).
Important Documents to be Uploaded
| Document | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Recent Photograph | JPG format, 200-250 KB, White background |
| Signature | JPG format, 50-100 KB, Black ink on white paper |
| SSLC Certificate | PDF format, Up to 500 KB |
| Degree Certificates | PDF format, Up to 500 KB each |
| Community Certificate (if applicable) | PDF format, Up to 500 KB |
| Disability Certificate (if applicable) | PDF format, Up to 500 KB |
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC Candidates | ₹1,300 |
| SC/ST/Differently-Abled Candidates | ₹750 |
Kerala SET 2026 Exam Pattern
The Kerala SET 2026 examination consists of two papers conducted on the same day:
| Paper | Duration | Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | 2 Hours | 120 MCQs | 120 Marks |
| Paper II | 2 Hours | 120 MCQs* | 120/160 Marks* |
Paper I: General Knowledge and Teaching Aptitude
- Part A: General Knowledge (60 Questions, 60 Marks)
- Current Affairs (National and International)
- Indian History and Culture
- Geography of India
- Indian Constitution and Polity
- Economic and Social Development
- Environmental Ecology and Climate Change
- General Science and Technology
- Sports and Awards
- Part B: Teaching Aptitude (60 Questions, 60 Marks)
- Teaching: Nature, Objectives, and Characteristics
- Learner's Characteristics
- Factors Affecting Teaching
- Methods of Teaching
- Teaching Aids and Instructional Materials
- Evaluation Systems
- Teaching-Learning Process
- Research Aptitude
- Communication Skills
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Interpretation
Marking Scheme
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +1 mark (Paper I), +1 mark (Paper II general), +1.5 marks (Math/Stats) |
| Wrong Answer | No negative marking |
| Unanswered | No marks deducted |
Kerala SET Syllabus 2026
- Paper I Syllabus
- Part A: General Knowledge
- 1. Current Events and Affairs
- Important national and international events
- Awards and honors
- Books and authors
- Sports and games
- Science and technology developments
- 2. History and Culture
- Ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history
- Indian freedom movement
- Cultural heritage of India
- Art and architecture
- 3. Geography
- Physical geography of India
- Natural resources and their distribution
- Agricultural and industrial development
- Environmental issues
- 4. Indian Polity
- Constitution of India
- Political system and governance
- Panchayati Raj and urban governance
- Rights and duties of citizens
- 5. Economy
- Indian economy and planning
- Budget and fiscal policies
- Banking and financial institutions
- Poverty, unemployment, and inclusive growth
- 6. General Science
- Basic concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
- Scientific discoveries and inventions
- Technology and innovation
- Health and medicine
- 1. Current Events and Affairs
- Part B: Teaching and Research Aptitude
- 1. Teaching Nature and Objectives
- Concept and objectives of teaching
- Teaching as a profession
- Levels and characteristics of teaching
- Functions of a teacher
- 2. Learner and Learning
- Characteristics of adolescent learners
- Individual differences
- Learning theories and styles
- Motivation and its role in learning
- 3. Teaching-Learning Process
- Principles of teaching
- Methods and approaches
- Techniques and strategies
- Classroom management
- 4. Evaluation
- Concept and types
- Tools and techniques
- Continuous and comprehensive evaluation
- Grading systems
- 5. Research Aptitude
- Meaning and types of research
- Research methods
- Research ethics
- Thesis and article writing
- 6. Communication Skills
- Nature and types of communication
- Effective classroom communication
- Barriers to communication
- Technology in communication
- 7. Reasoning and Data Interpretation
- Number series and logical reasoning
- Data interpretation (tables, graphs, charts)
- Mathematical reasoning
- Problem-solving abilities
- 1. Teaching Nature and Objectives
- Part A: General Knowledge
- Paper II Syllabus
- The Paper II syllabus is subject-specific and varies according to the candidate's chosen specialization. The syllabus covers topics from the Master's degree level in the respective subject.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ's)
Direct Official Links
| Official Website | LBS Centre |
| Career Updates |
Check Latest Education |
| Latest Updates |
Kerala SET Exam 2026 Updates |
Disclaimer: This comprehensive guide is prepared based on official notifications and publicly available information. Candidates are advised to refer to the official LBS Centre website for the most accurate and updated information. Candidates should verify all details from official sources before making any decisions.
