Teaching is a noble profession that influences people's and societies' futures. Secondary and senior secondary school teaching in India requires several credentials and procedures. Two well-known roles for teaching in schools are Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) and Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT). This blog will explore the requirements for eligibility, the hiring procedure, and strategies for prospective applicants to ace the TGT and PGT recruiting tests.

What are TGC and PGT?

Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT)

TGT stands for "Trained Graduate Teacher," which means that the teacher is qualified to teach sixth through tenth grade. Typically, they hold a graduate degree in their discipline, a teaching credential, and a specialization in a particular subject, such as mathematics, science, or social science.

Post Graduate Teacher (PGT)

Teachers who are certified to teach classes eleven and twelve are referred to as PGTs (Post Graduate Teachers). A postgraduate degree in their field of expertise and a teaching credential are prerequisites for PGTs to be qualified to teach at higher levels.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Educational Qualification:

The academic requirements for TGT and PGT positions differ:

• TGT (Trained Graduate Teacher):
  • A bachelor's degree in a closely related field.
  • a teaching credential such as a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree.
• PGT (Post Graduate Teachers):
  • An advanced degree in the relevant field.
  • a teaching credential such as a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree.

2. Age Limit:

The minimum age is different for each state and central hiring agency:

• For TGTs (Trained Graduate Teachers), the typical upper age restriction is between 35 and 40 years old.
• Post Graduate Teachers (PGTs): Usually, the highest age limit is between 40 and 45.

Note: Age relaxations are provided for candidates from reserved categories as per government norms.

3. Additional Requirements:

• Fluency in English and/or the regional language of the school’s location.
• Certification in teaching methodologies is sometimes preferred.

Recruitment Process

In general, the hiring procedure for TGT and PGT instructors takes the following systematic route:

1. Notification: State education departments, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), and other educational bodies all release recruitment announcements. These alerts include information on openings, requirements, and how to apply.
2. Application Process: To apply, candidates must complete an online form with information about their classification (general, OBC, SC/ST), experience (if any), and educational background.
3. Written Examination: A candidate's subject-matter expertise and teaching skills are assessed through the written test. It usually includes:

• General Knowledge & Current Affairs
• Reasoning Ability
• Subject-Specific Knowledge
• Pedagogical Skills

4. Personal Interview: Those who pass the written test are asked to come in for an interview. This phase evaluates the teacher's ability, subject knowledge, and communication abilities.
5. Document Verification: To confirm the validity of all credentials and certificates, shortlisted candidates go through document verification.
6. Final Selection: Document verification, interview performance, and written exam results are used to create the final merit list.

Tips to Excel in TGT and PGT Recruitment

1. Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern:

• Official notifications are the best source of the most recent syllabus.
• Learn the exam's format, including how many sections it will have and how the marks will be calculated.

2. Strengthen Subject Knowledge:

• Expand your knowledge about your area of expertise.
• For clarity, use advanced reference books and NCERT textbooks.

3. Master Pedagogical Skills:

• Learn about teaching strategies and child psychology.
• Discover how to successfully use technology in your lessons.

4. Practice Previous Year's Papers:

• Solve previous year's question papers to understand exam patterns and important topics.
• Prepare yourself with practice mock tests to build speed and accuracy.

5. Stay Updated with Current Affairs:

• Every day, read your journals and newspapers.
• Prioritize both domestic and global educational initiatives. 

6. Improve Communication Skills:

• Make an effort to talk boldly and clearly.
• Practice your presentation abilities by taking part in simulated interviews. 

7. Utilize Online Resources:

• Make use of online practice exams, video courses, and discussion boards.
• If necessary, sign up for online coaching classes.

8. Time Management:

• Give each exam segment a sensible amount of time.
• Establish a study routine that strikes a balance between planning and unwinding. 

9. Stay Physically and Mentally Fit:

• Exercise and meditation should be frequent practices.
• Don't cram at the last minute, and get enough sleep.

Top Recruiting Bodies for TGT and PGT

Numerous organizations hold recruitment campaigns for TGT and PGT. These are a few noteworthy ones:

1. Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS): Excellent educational opportunities are offered by the central government-run KVS schools.
2. Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS): NVS schools serve gifted children from rural areas and are residential.
3. State Education Departments: Recruitment for government schools is handled differently in each state.
4. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE): TGTs and PGTs are frequently needed for a variety of topics in schools connected to the CBSE.

Conclusion

Aspiring teachers should embody the practice journey with willpower, knowing that their efforts will contribute to shaping younger minds and building a higher society. TGT and PGT recruitment approaches offer a gateway to enjoyable coaching careers. Candidates can secure their preferred positions with clear information on eligibility criteria, a structured method of preparation, and regular attempts. Teaching isn't just a career; it's a dedication to nurturing destiny, so the role of TGTs and PGTs is pretty great.