The Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) role, called Lecturer (School Cadre) in some Haryana notifications, is the senior-most subject-teaching post in a government senior secondary school. PGTs teach Classes 11 and 12, prepare students for the board examination and often for competitive exams, and are among the school's academic leaders. It is a role for candidates who hold a Master's degree, a B.Ed., and who want a teaching career with deeper subject work than a TGT position.
This guide covers how recruitment generally works, the eligibility rules to check, what selection typically looks like, a subject-wise syllabus outline, worked questions and a preparation plan. As with all state recruitments, several details (which agency conducts the process, marks, fees, dates, vacancy numbers) change by cycle. We do not invent them; we tell you to check the current advertisement.
Latest notification and how recruitment cycles work
PGT and Lecturer recruitment in Haryana has been handled by different agencies at different times. HPSC has been the recruiting body for school-cadre lecturer posts in earlier years, and HSSC has conducted teacher recruitment in others. The agency that runs the current cycle is named in the advertisement, so confirm it there.
What is generally consistent:
- Vacancies are sent by the Department of School Education, subject by subject.
- The advertisement lists the subjects, category-wise posts and the qualifications for each subject.
- The process combines an eligibility check (Master's, B.Ed., HTET Level 3), a written test, and, depending on the cycle, an interview or document-based merit stage.
- Results are subject-wise.
Because PGT notices can be subject-specific and irregular, the best approach is to prepare continuously and keep documents ready. Track pareeksha.in exam news for alerts.
What the job is and a day in the role
A PGT teaches one subject, in depth, to Classes 11 and 12. The stream structure of senior secondary means, for example, that a Physics PGT teaches Physics to science-stream students, while an Economics PGT may teach Economics to both commerce and humanities students.
A working week typically includes:
- Classroom periods across the two classes, including practical periods in science, computer science and other lab-based subjects.
- Preparing students for the Board of School Education Haryana (BSEH) examinations, setting internal assessments, and evaluating answer scripts.
- Guiding students on higher education and entrance exams, such as CUET, JEE, NEET, and state-level entrance exams, in whatever way school resources allow.
- Serving as a subject coordinator, exam superintendent, or in-charge of a house or a club.
Senior PGTs often become vice-principals or principals in due course. Because senior secondary schools are sometimes concentrated in larger towns, PGT postings can be in more accessible locations than primary school posts, though this is not a rule.
Post and vacancy structure
Vacancy counts vary by year and by subject, so we do not quote counts. The typical shape:
| Aspect | How it usually works |
|---|---|
| Post | PGT / Lecturer (School Cadre), Class 11 and 12 |
| Recruitment unit | Subject-wise |
| Typical subjects | Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, Commerce, Computer Science, Physical Education, Music, Home Science, Fine Arts (as advertised) |
| Reservation | As per Haryana government rules, subject-wise |
| Recruiting agency | HPSC or HSSC or the department, as stated in the advertisement |
A subject with fewer posts is more competitive per seat, but also attracts fewer applicants if the qualification is specialised. Study the previous cycle's result list, if available, to see the actual competition.
Eligibility
Educational qualification
The typical requirements are:
- A Master's degree in the concerned subject from a recognised university, with a minimum percentage (often around 50% or 55%, verify in the notice). For some subjects the notice specifies a degree in a specific set of subjects. For example, a Political Science PGT may require a Master's in Political Science, while a History PGT may require a Master's in History, and so on.
- A Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from an NCTE-recognised institution. For some vocational or performing arts posts the requirement can be different.
- A pass in the Haryana Teacher Eligibility Test (HTET) Level 3, which is meant for teachers of senior secondary classes. Some cycles have also considered the appropriate equivalent test; confirm this in the advertisement.
- Hindi or Sanskrit studied up to Matric standard, as with many Haryana posts.
The subject-matching rule is strict. A candidate with a Master's in Applied Physics may be treated differently from one with a Master's in Physics, and a Master's in Commerce may or may not match a "Business Studies" post. Read the eligible-degrees line in the advertisement, and check with the recruiting body's helpdesk if unclear.
Age limit
A minimum age and a maximum age on a stated date. The maximum is usually higher than for entry-level clerical posts. Relaxations apply to reserved categories, ex-servicemen, persons with disabilities and government employees as per Haryana rules. Use the notice for figures.
Nationality and domicile
Indian citizenship is required. Haryana government recruitment has a residence-based reservation or preference in various forms. Check whether the certificate of a Haryana resident or the proof of a category certificate in the state format is needed.
Application process
- Register on the recruiting body's official portal and complete the One-Time Registration or profile if the portal requires it.
- Select the PGT advertisement and the subject.
- Enter academic details (graduation, Master's, B.Ed.), HTET Level 3 roll number and score, and category details.
- Upload photograph, signature and documents.
- Pay the fee as per the category. Fee amounts are given in the advertisement, so verify.
- Submit and save the application PDF.
Documents to prepare early: Class 10 certificate for date of birth, Master's marksheets and degree, B.Ed. marksheets and degree, HTET Level 3 certificate, category certificate, Haryana residence certificate if needed, experience certificate if marks are allotted, ID proof and, where applicable, the no-objection certificate for candidates already in government service.
Selection stages
Common building blocks, to be verified against the current advertisement:
- Eligibility scrutiny. Master's percentage, B.Ed., HTET Level 3 validity and subject match.
- Written examination. An objective test with general sections and a large subject component. In some cycles there is a two-part structure: a general paper followed by a subject paper for shortlisted candidates.
- Interview or personality test (in some cycles) or a merit method that uses written-test marks plus other stated weightage.
- Document verification and medical. Originals are checked, and medical fitness may be required.
Because HTET marks and academic marks have had weightage in some Haryana teacher recruitments, read the "method of selection" paragraph carefully. It can decide how much effort goes into raising your HTET score versus preparing for the subject test.
Detailed syllabus
Part 1: Pedagogy and teaching aptitude
- Educational psychology: growth and development, Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, Kohlberg. Adolescent psychology is emphasised at this level, including identity formation, peer influence, stress and guidance.
- Learning theories: behaviourist, cognitive and constructivist. Motivation, memory and transfer of learning.
- Teaching methods, lesson planning, assessment, use of ICT, classroom management, and evaluation, including diagnostic and remedial work.
- Inclusive education, gender sensitivity and the needs of children with special needs.
- Education policy: RTE Act, 2009, NEP 2020, the National Curriculum Framework and school-level evaluation reforms.
Part 2: General awareness, reasoning and aptitude
- Current affairs (national and Haryana), Indian polity, history, geography and economy basics.
- Haryana GK: history from the Indus-Saraswati sites of Rakhigarhi and Banawali to the state's formation on 1 November 1966; the districts and divisions; major rivers and canals; fairs; industry and agriculture; state schemes; sports achievements.
- Logical reasoning and mathematical aptitude at graduation level.
Part 3: Language ability
- English and Hindi comprehension, grammar and vocabulary. Even when you are a science or commerce PGT, the language section can be a decisive component.
Part 4: Subject knowledge (Master's level, oriented to Classes 11 and 12)
The subject portion is at Master's level, so study the Class 11 and 12 textbooks first, and then the university-level content.
- Physics: mechanics, thermodynamics, waves and optics, electromagnetism, modern physics, semiconductors and electronics, statistical and quantum concepts as per Master's coverage.
- Chemistry: physical (thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, electrochemistry), inorganic (periodic trends, coordination compounds, s, p, d and f blocks) and organic (reaction mechanisms, named reactions, biomolecules, polymers).
- Mathematics: algebra, real and complex analysis, calculus and differential equations, vector calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics, and numerical methods.
- Biology (Botany and Zoology): cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, physiology, ecology and evolution, plant and animal diversity, biotechnology.
- Economics: micro and macroeconomics, Indian economy, statistics for economics, public finance, international trade and development.
- Political Science: political theory, Indian government and politics, comparative politics, international relations and public administration.
- History and Geography: ancient to modern Indian history, world history, physical and human geography, climatology, geomorphology, economic geography and cartography basics.
- Commerce and Business Studies: accounting, business laws, management, marketing, banking and finance, taxation and auditing.
- Computer Science: programming (C, C++, Python or Java as the syllabus specifies), data structures, DBMS, operating systems, networks and computer organisation.
- English, Hindi and Sanskrit: literature, grammar, criticism, language history and pedagogy.
How to approach the subject portion: use the syllabus in the advertisement as your master list. For each unit, note the key definitions, formulas and diagrams. Then solve questions in exam style. A Master's-level test often includes conceptual and application questions, not only formula-recall.
A unit-wise method for the subject portion
Master's-level syllabi are long, and the fastest way to lose months is to read every unit with equal attention. A more efficient way is to sort each unit into one of three kinds.
- Core units appear in almost every paper and are the base of the Class 11 and 12 books, such as mechanics and electricity in Physics, or national income and demand-supply in Economics. Read these twice and solve at least 40 questions per unit.
- Extension units go beyond the school books but are natural extensions, such as thermodynamic potentials in Physics or public finance in Economics. Study the definitions, the main results and two solved examples for each.
- Peripheral units are rarely tested and are read once, mostly for definitions and names.
Keep one notebook per subject with a page per unit: five definitions, three formulas or diagrams, and two "confusable pairs" (for example, elasticity versus slope, or mitosis versus meiosis). Reviewing these pages weekly is more effective than rereading chapters.
Exam pattern (typical structure, verify)
| Component | Typical structure |
|---|---|
| Format | Objective multiple-choice test |
| Sections | Pedagogy and general aptitude plus language and subject |
| Subject weightage | Usually the largest share of marks |
| Negative marking | May apply; verify |
| Additional weightage | HTET score, experience or socio-economic marks in some cycles (verify) |
| Interview | Present in some cycles, absent in others |
Salary, pay level and career growth
PGT is paid at a pay level above TGT in the Haryana government's teacher pay structure. The advertisement states the pay level and the entry basic pay, and allowances such as dearness allowance and house rent allowance are added according to the state's rules. Do not rely on an old figure; check the notice and the latest pay orders for the exact amounts.
Career growth: PGT can be promoted to posts like Vice-Principal and Principal in government senior secondary schools under the service rules. Lecturers may also move towards administrative roles in the education department, such as District Education Officer positions, through the promotion or selection route defined for those posts. Some PGTs pursue a PhD and move to college-level posts through the HPSC Assistant Professor route.
Previous-year trend discussion
Without quoting cut-offs:
- The number of eligible candidates is usually large in mainstream subjects (English, Hindi, Political Science, Economics, History, Commerce), so competition is concentrated there. In subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Computer Science, the pool can be smaller, though the posts are also fewer in number.
- The subject paper decides most results. Questions are Master's-level and often mix theory and application; simply reading the class 12 books usually is not enough.
- The pedagogy and language sections are lower-effort and high-scoring. Candidates who neglect them lose easy marks.
- Where HTET marks carry weightage in the merit, a modest HTET score can be a hidden disadvantage. Check whether the current process gives such weightage, and plan retakes accordingly.
Worked practice questions
Q1. Differentiate x squared times sin x with respect to x. Using the product rule: d/dx (x squared sin x) = 2x sin x + x squared cos x.
Q2. A photon of energy 5 eV falls on a metal of work function 2 eV. What is the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted photoelectron? By Einstein's equation, K.E. max = photon energy minus work function = 5 - 2 = 3 eV.
Q3. What is the hybridisation of each carbon atom in ethene (C2H4)? Answer: sp2. Each carbon forms three sigma bonds (two with hydrogen, one with the other carbon) and one pi bond, with a trigonal planar arrangement and bond angle of about 120 degrees.
Q4. If the price elasticity of demand for a good is greater than 1 and its price falls, what happens to total revenue? Answer: It rises. When demand is elastic, the percentage rise in quantity demanded is larger than the percentage fall in price.
Q5. Which Constitutional amendment added the words "Socialist", "Secular" and "Integrity" to the Preamble? Answer: The 42nd Amendment, 1976.
Q6. How many daughter cells, and of what ploidy, result from one complete meiotic division of a diploid cell? Answer: Four haploid cells. Meiosis involves two successive divisions after a single round of DNA replication.
Q7. The Battle of Plassey, which laid the foundation for British political control in Bengal, was fought in which year? Answer: 1757, between the East India Company (led by Robert Clive) and Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal.
Q8. Convert the decimal number 25 into binary. 25 = 16 + 8 + 1, which gives 11001.
Q9. Evaluate the definite integral of 2x dx from 0 to 3. The integral is x squared evaluated between 0 and 3, so 9 - 0 = 9.
Q10. According to Maslow's hierarchy, which need lies just above physiological needs? Answer: Safety needs. The order is physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem and self-actualisation.
Month-by-month preparation plan
This plan assumes that you already hold the qualifications and HTET Level 3, and have about six months.
Month 1: Syllabus and baseline. Print the syllabus, mark strong and weak units, and take a subject diagnostic test. Also check the HTET weightage rule and the validity of your certificate.
Month 2: Subject, first pass (part one). Take the first half of the units. For each: read, make short notes, solve 20 to 30 questions.
Month 3: Subject, first pass (part two). Complete the remaining units. In parallel, spend 30 minutes daily on pedagogy.
Month 4: Pedagogy, language and general awareness. Put full focus on CDP, teaching methods, English and Hindi grammar, reasoning and Haryana GK.
Month 5: Subject, second pass and mock tests. Revise weak units, take weekly full-length mocks, and analyse each wrong answer.
Month 6: Revision. Two mocks per week, quick revision using notes, current affairs and Haryana GK, and interview preparation if the process may include one: your subject's recent developments and teaching philosophy.
Books and resources
- NCERT textbooks for Classes 11 and 12 in your subject, followed by standard Master's-level textbooks for depth.
- UGC NET material for your subject can serve as a syllabus-aligned practice source, even though PGT questions vary.
- Guides for pedagogy and child development for HTET, along with NEP 2020 and RTE summaries.
- A Haryana GK reference and monthly current-affairs digest.
- Practice mock tests, including the ones on pareeksha.in for general sections, to build speed and accuracy.
Common mistakes
- Treating the exam like a school-level test. Master's depth is needed.
- Ignoring the pedagogy and language sections, which are the easier marks.
- Not confirming that the Master's degree and its subjects match the notice.
- Letting HTET certificate validity lapse or ignoring that HTET marks can have weightage.
- Preparing from too many books instead of one core text plus regular practice.
- Not practising with a timer, so that the subject section takes too long.
- Waiting for the notice before starting. Teacher recruitment can be irregular, and the preparation is long.
Comparison with sibling Haryana exams
| Aspect | HPSC PGT / Lecturer | HSSC TGT | HPSC Assistant Professor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classes / level | 11 and 12 | 6 to 10 | Degree college |
| Qualification | Master's, B.Ed., HTET Level 3 (verify) | Graduation, B.Ed., HTET Level 2 (verify) | Master's with NET/PhD |
| Subject depth | Master's oriented to school | Graduate | Master's and research |
| Pedagogy | Important | Important | General teaching and research aptitude |
If you are eligible for several posts, the subject preparation for PGT overlaps strongly with the college-level exam, and pedagogy overlaps with TGT.
Frequently asked questions
Is PGT the same as Lecturer in Haryana? The school-cadre Lecturer post and PGT have been used for senior secondary teaching roles. Read the advertisement to see which term and cadre is meant.
Which HTET level is needed for PGT? Level 3 is meant for PGT, but always verify.
Is B.Ed. compulsory? For most academic subjects, yes. Some subjects such as fine arts or music may have different requirements.
Can I apply with a Master's degree in a related subject? Only if the advertisement lists it as an eligible degree.
Is there an interview? It depends on the cycle. Read the selection method.
Is there negative marking? The advertisement and the admit card specify the marking scheme.
Do HTET marks count? In some Haryana teacher recruitments, they have. Verify in the current method of selection.
How is the merit list prepared? As the advertisement says, generally a combination of written marks and any stated additional marks.
What is the difference between PGT and Assistant Professor? PGT teaches senior secondary school students and needs B.Ed. and HTET, while Assistant Professor teaches in colleges and needs NET or PhD.
How early should I start? If you are targeting the next cycle, start now. Six to nine months of steady preparation is reasonable for most candidates.
Related reads
- HSSC TGT teacher guide
- HPSC Assistant Professor guide
- Haryana HTET guide
- HSSC CET Group C guide
- Latest recruitment news
Final word
The PGT exam is won by a strong subject base, steady pedagogy revision, and careful attention to eligibility. Keep your documents and HTET certificate in order, prepare by units, and test yourself regularly. pareeksha.in mock tests can help with timed practice, and the news page can help you follow new notifications.
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