UP Special TET Eligibility 2026, Primary & Upper Primary Criteria, Age Limit, and RCI Registration

UP Special TET Eligibility 2026 guidelines lay down the mandatory standards for special educators and in-service teachers aiming to teach Children with Special Needs (CWSN) across primary (Classes 1–5) and upper primary (Classes 6–8) schools in Uttar Pradesh. Conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission (UPESSC), Prayagraj, the Special Teacher Eligibility Test ensures that educators working with CWSN possess specialized pedagogical training recognized by the state and central regulatory bodies.

Unlike standard teaching eligibility tests, meeting the UP Special TET Eligibility 2026 demands double validation—an academic teaching degree combined with active professional registration under the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).

UP Special TET Eligibility 2026

The Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission published the official notification for the Special Teacher Eligibility Test (Special TET) 2026 on September 3, 2026, launching the online application portal via One Time Registration (OTR). Check complete UP Special TET Eligibility 2026 and  details on qualification, age limit, RCI registration, CRR number, and rules for primary & upper primary.

UP Special TET 2026 Notification Overview

UP Special TET 2026 is an eligibility test conducted for teachers and assistant teachers currently working in primary and upper primary schools across Uttar Pradesh, as well as Special Educators for Children with Special Needs (CWSN). Passing this exam is a mandatory qualification as per the orders of the Supreme Court of India.

UP Special TET 2026 Notification

UP Special TET 2026 Notification gives all the rules and guidelines for teachers working in state-run, local body, aided, and special schools. All candidates must complete One Time Registration (OTR) on the UPESSC website before filling out the online application.

UP Special TET 2026 Notification PDF

UP Special TET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility conditions depend on the post and teaching level:

1. Primary Level (Classes 1 to 5)

• Undergraduate Degree: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.

• Special Professional Training: 2-year Diploma in Education (D.Ed.) in Special Education or an equivalent qualification approved by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).

• Registration: Valid RCI Registration Certificate along with a live Central Rehabilitation Register (CRR) Number.

• In-Service Candidates: Teachers employed in elementary schools on a daily wage or contractual basis by state-run schools, local bodies, or state-aided institutions are eligible.

2. Upper Primary Level (Classes 6 to 8)

• Undergraduate Degree: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.

• Special Professional Training: Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Special Education or an equivalent degree approved by RCI.

• Registration: Mandatory RCI Registration Certificate featuring an active CRR number.

• In-Service Candidates: Teachers or special educators working in upper-primary schools under the UP Basic Education Council or Secondary Education Council.

Age Limit and Relaxations in UP Special TET Eligibility 2026

The age criteria for UP Special TET 2026 accommodate both fresh applicants and contractual teachers serving under various government schemes.

• Standard Age Requirement: Candidates generally must be between 21 and 40 years of age as calculated on the benchmark date prescribed by UPESSC.

• Contractual Special Educators Relaxation: Special teachers working on a daily wage or contractual basis in state-run or aided schools enjoy an upper age limit cap relaxed up to 60 years of age as of November 3, 2026.

UP Special TET Mandatory Prerequisites: RCI CRR Number and eHRMS Code

To pass the verification process during online form submission, two essential credentials must be verified:

1. Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) CRR Number: Every candidate holding a D.Ed. or B.Ed. in Special Education must be registered in the Central Rehabilitation Register. The application portal invalidates submissions without a legitimate CRR registration number.

2. eHRMS Code for In-Service Teachers: Regular or contractual teachers currently working under Uttar Pradesh government primary or secondary school setups must input their official eHRMS (electronic Human Resource Management System) code while filling out the form.

UP Special TET 2026 Key Takeaways

1. Validate RCI Status: Ensure your RCI registration is current and your Central Rehabilitation Register (CRR) number is active before starting your application.

2. Double-Check Level Standards: D.Ed. Special Education qualifies you for Primary (1–5), whereas B.Ed. Special Education qualifies you for Upper Primary (6–8).

3. Contractual Relief: Contractual special educators up to 60 years old can appear for the test to satisfy state compliance standards.

4. Complete OTR First: Complete your One Time Registration (OTR) on upessc.up.gov.in before logging in to access the UP Special TET 2026 application link.