DSSSB PGT English Syllabus 2026 (and TGT): Exam Pattern, Age Limit and Eligibility
By Nakul Grover, Limitless Literature · DSSSB PGT and TGT English · Last checked: 4 November 2026
Quick answer: DSSSB recruits PGT English teachers for Delhi government schools through a one-tier computer-based test of 300 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours. Section A has 100 general questions (reasoning, general awareness, English, Hindi and numerical ability, 20 each) and Section B has 200 English questions at post-graduate level, including teaching methodology. Each question carries 1 mark and 0.25 is deducted for a wrong answer. You need a Master’s in English with 50% plus a B.Ed, and the upper age limit is 30 years, with relaxations as per the rules. There is no interview.
DSSSB PGT and TGT English at a Glance
| Recruiter | Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) |
| Latest PGT English advertisement | No. 01/2025, dated 4 July 2025. Post codes 05/25 (PGT English, Male, 64 posts) and 06/25 (PGT English, Female, 29 posts). Applications ran from 8 July to 7 August 2025. |
| Latest TGT English advertisement | No. 06/2025, dated 3 October 2025, Directorate of Education. Post codes 57/25 (Male, 869 posts) and 58/25 (Female, 104 posts). Applications closed on 7 November 2025. |
| Exam | One-tier computer-based test; no interview |
| Official website | dsssb.delhi.gov.in (applications on dsssbonline.nic.in) |
DSSSB PGT English Exam Pattern
| Section | Subjects | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | General Awareness, Reasoning, English Language, Hindi Language, Numerical Ability and Data Interpretation (20 each) | 100 | 100 |
| B | English (post-graduate level) including teaching methodology | 200 | 200 |
| Total | 300 | 300 |
- Time: 3 hours.
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
- Minimum marks in Section B: 40% for General and EWS, 35% for OBC, 30% for SC, ST and PwBD candidates.
Section B alone is two-thirds of the paper, and its minimum marks decide whether you are considered at all. English is where the selection is won.
What the DSSSB English Section Covers
DSSSB does not publish a topic-by-topic English list. The advertisement says Section B covers the post-graduate qualification in the subject and teaching methodology. In practice that means an MA English syllabus, and the same core that every PGT English board tests:
| Area | Study and practise here |
|---|---|
| British literature from Chaucer to the moderns: periods, authors, works and dates | Chaucer, Shakespeare, Dickens guides; British literature mind maps |
| Romantic and Victorian poetry | Romantic age questions, Victorian poets questions |
| American literature | American literature questions, Frost and Miller guides |
| Indian writing in English | Indian literature questions, Indian literature mind maps |
| Literary criticism and theory | 500+ literary criticism questions, 1000+ literary theory questions |
| Language, linguistics, prosody and grammar | Language and prosody questions |
| Teaching methodology (English language teaching) | Revise your B.Ed notes on methods and approaches to teaching English |
For the shared syllabus across KVS, NVS, EMRS and UP PGT, see the PGT English guide.
DSSSB TGT English Exam Pattern
| Section | Subjects | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | General Awareness, Reasoning, Numerical Ability, Hindi Language, English Language (20 each) | 100 | 100 |
| B | English, including teaching methodology | 100 | 100 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Time: 2 hours. Negative marking: 0.25 for each wrong answer. Minimum qualifying marks apply to Section B; merit is on Sections A and B together, with no interview.
DSSSB PGT and TGT English Eligibility and Age Limit
| Post | Qualification | Upper age |
|---|---|---|
| PGT English | Master’s in English with at least 50% plus a B.Ed (or an integrated B.A.B.Ed, B.Sc.B.Ed or B.Ed-M.Ed) | 30 years |
| TGT English | Bachelor’s with English studied for at least two years and 50% marks, or a Master’s in English with 50% in either degree, or a 4-year integrated B.El.Ed / B.A.B.Ed; plus a B.Ed; plus CTET | 30 years |
Age relaxation: 5 years for government servants, and relaxations for reserved categories as per the rules. Sources: DSSSB Advertisements 01/2025 and 06/2025. Check the latest advertisement before you apply.
How to Prepare for DSSSB PGT English
- Treat it as an MA English exam. 200 questions on English means the whole post-graduate syllabus is fair game: periods, authors, criticism, theory and language.
- Guard the Section B minimum. Your general score does not count if you miss the English cut-off, so English comes first.
- Use the negative marking. With −0.25 on 1-mark questions, any question where you can rule out one option is worth answering.
- Do not drop Section A. Hindi, reasoning and numerical ability are 60 easy marks for those who practise them weekly.
- Train your speed. 300 questions in 180 minutes leaves about 36 seconds a question. Full timed tests are the only way to get used to it.
DSSSB PGT English: FAQ
What is the DSSSB PGT English exam pattern?
A one-tier computer-based test of 300 questions for 300 marks in 3 hours. Section A has 100 general questions and Section B has 200 English questions, including teaching methodology. There is no interview.
What is the age limit for DSSSB PGT English?
The upper age limit is 30 years, with 5 years’ relaxation for government servants and relaxations for reserved categories as per the rules.
Is there negative marking in DSSSB PGT?
Yes. 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
What is the minimum qualifying mark in DSSSB PGT English?
In Section B, 40% for General and EWS, 35% for OBC, and 30% for SC, ST and PwBD candidates.
Is CTET required for DSSSB PGT English?
No. CTET is required for DSSSB TGT, not for PGT.
