The Andhra Pradesh School Education Department released the Special APTET for In-Service Teachers – August 2026 notification on August 24, specifically for teachers who are already working in eligible institutions. The notification and information bulletin were issued on August 24, with the online application process commencing on August 25.
The key point for applicants is that this is not a regular APTET examination open to all candidates. The Special APTET is restricted to certain categories of serving teachers who meet the prescribed qualifications.
According to the information bulletin, in-service teachers who are regular employees or have been appointed on Minimum Time Scale can apply, provided they possess the minimum qualifications prescribed for the relevant paper. Eligibility applies to teachers working in Government and Local Body schools, APREIS, Government Welfare Societies Residential Schools, AP Model Schools, private aided schools, and other Government departments.
The paper a teacher can take depends on the level and post.
Paper I is meant for teaching Classes I to V in regular schools. Secondary Grade Teachers (SGTs) and LFL Head Masters working in Government and Local Body schools who have both D.El.Ed and B.Ed qualifications are permitted to appear for Paper I.
Paper II is for teaching Classes VI to VIII. School Assistants, Trained Graduate Teachers (TGTs), Language Pandits and Head Masters of High Schools are permitted to appear for Paper II. School Assistants working as Primary School Head Masters have to appear for Paper II in their concerned subject.
The bulletin also specifically states that SGT candidates having both D.El.Ed and B.Ed qualifications are eligible for both Paper I and Paper II.
The qualification obtained through this examination is intended to fulfil the mandatory TET requirement for continuing in the present post or seeking promotion to the next higher post, as specified in the notification. However, the Special APTET qualification cannot be used for future direct recruitment. Candidates seeking to participate in direct recruitment must qualify through regular APTET or CTET.
Applications can be submitted from August 25 to September 24, 2026, with a fee of Rs 1,000 for each paper.
Teachers planning to apply should therefore first verify their service status, institution, post and educational qualifications before submitting the application. The official APTET portal is tet2dsc.apcfss.in.