DSSSB TGT Exam Pattern 2026: Sections, Marks and Timing

The Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) recruits Trained Graduate Teachers (TGTs) for Delhi government schools under the Directorate of Education and other bodies such as the New Delhi Municipal Council. The DSSSB TGT exam pattern 2026 is a single computer-based test of 200 objective questions for 200 marks, to be finished in 2 hours, with 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.

This page explains each section of the paper, the marking scheme, the minimum qualifying marks, how the final merit list is prepared and how to plan your 120 minutes. It applies to the TGT posts under Advertisement No. 06/2025 and the TGT (Computer Science) post under Advertisement No. 03/2026, and it flags what is still pending for each.

Table of Contents

DSSSB TGT Exam Pattern 2026 at a Glance

Which DSSSB TGT Recruitments Follow This Pattern

Two TGT recruitments are running at the same time, and both use the same one-tier scheme. Their schedules are different, so check which one you applied for.

Exam dates come from DSSSB schedule notices and can change. Track the notices section on the official DSSSB website and your registered email. The e-admit card shows your exact date, shift and centre.

Key Changes and Clarifications to Know

• One tier only: Both current advertisements prescribe a single exam for TGT posts. Some older pages still describe a two-tier scheme, so follow the official notification.

• Qualifying marks apply only to Section B: The notice clearly states that there is no minimum qualifying mark in Section A. Several pages still describe the cut-off as an overall percentage.

• Teaching methodology is part of Section B: The 100 subject questions include questions on teaching methodology and B.Ed concepts. This applies to every TGT subject, including Computer Science.

• Normalisation may apply: Because the CBT runs over several shifts, DSSSB may normalise scores using its published formula before preparing merit.

Section-wise DSSSB TGT Exam Pattern

The paper has two sections. Section A tests general ability and language and is the same for every TGT subject. Section B tests the subject you applied for.

Section A: General Ability and Languages

Section A carries 100 marks across five equal parts of 20 questions each. General Awareness covers current affairs, history, geography, polity, economy and general science. Reasoning and numerical ability test speed with standard aptitude topics. The Hindi and English parts test grammar, vocabulary and comprehension, and each language part is set only in that language.

Section A has no separate qualifying mark, but its marks are added to Section B for the final merit list. Treat it as a scoring section, not a formality.

Section B: Subject Concerned

Section B carries 100 marks and decides whether you qualify at all. Questions come from your teaching subject at graduation level, along with pedagogy and teaching methodology. The table below shows what Section B covers for each post.

For the topic-wise list of each section, see the DSSSB TGT syllabus.

DSSSB TGT Marking Scheme and Negative Marking

• Correct answer: 1 mark for each question.

• Wrong answer: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong MCQ answer.

• Unattempted question: The notice prescribes a deduction only for wrong answers, so a question you leave blank does not reduce your score.

• Invalid questions: If DSSSB drops a question, it is not evaluated and your score is calculated on a pro-rata basis out of the maximum marks.

• Normalisation: Scores from different shifts may be normalised before the merit list is drawn up.

• No re-evaluation: DSSSB does not re-check answer sheets. Your only window is the online objection period after the draft answer key is released.

DSSSB TGT Minimum Qualifying Marks

To be considered for selection, you must reach the minimum qualifying percentage in Section B. Section A has no minimum, but it still counts in your total.

These are minimums, not cut-offs. The actual cut-off for selection is usually much higher and depends on vacancies and the marks of other candidates. Compare your mock scores with the DSSSB TGT cut-off from previous cycles as a benchmark only.

How the Final Merit List Is Prepared

DSSSB adds your Section A and Section B marks (normalised, if required) to get a score out of 200. Only candidates who clear the Section B minimum enter the merit list. Selection then follows category-wise merit against the vacancies of each post code, followed by e-dossier scrutiny by the user department.

Worked Example

Take two UR candidates applying for the same post:

• Candidate A: Section A 70 and Section B 60, so the total is 130. Section B is above 40, so Candidate A is ranked on 130.

• Candidate B: Section A 85 and Section B 38, so the total is 123. Section B is below 40, so Candidate B is out of the merit list despite a strong Section A.

The lesson is simple: Section A can lift your rank, but only Section B gets you onto the list.

Tie-break Rules

If two candidates in the same category have equal total marks, DSSSB places them in this order:

1. The candidate with more marks in the subject-specific section (Section B) ranks higher.

2. If those are also equal, the candidate older by date of birth ranks higher.

3. If the dates of birth are also the same, the candidate whose first name comes first in English alphabetical order ranks higher.

What the Exam Pattern Means for You

• Section B carries double weight in practice: It is half your total and also the qualifying gate. Give it at least half your preparation time.

• Each wrong guess costs a quarter mark: Four wrong answers cancel one correct answer. With four options per question, as in previous DSSSB papers, a blind guess has only a small positive expected value and adds risk. A guess after ruling out one or two options is far safer.

• Both languages are compulsory: The Hindi and English parts are set only in their own language. If one of them is weak for you, start it early, because 20 marks are at stake in each.

• Speed matters: 200 questions in 120 minutes gives you about 36 seconds per question. Quick Section A work leaves more time for longer subject questions.

• Pedagogy is a hidden scoring area: Teaching methodology questions sit inside Section B. Candidates who skip pedagogy, especially those without a B.Ed background, often lose easy marks here.

How to Plan Your 120 Minutes

DSSSB does not fix sectional time limits, so you can move between sections freely. The split below is a suggested starting point. Adjust it after a few full-length mocks.

Some candidates prefer to start with Section A to settle their nerves. Either order works if you practise it in mocks and keep Section B time protected.

Exam-Day Rules That Affect Your Paper

• Mock test link: DSSSB provides an official mock test and online exam instructions on its website. Try it once to get used to the screen layout.

• Question language: Questions are bilingual (Hindi and English), except the language parts, which are only in the language concerned.

• Prohibited items: Calculators, mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, earbuds, electronic watches and metallic items are not allowed. Carrying them can lead to debarment.

• Dress code: The notice asks for light, half-sleeved clothes without big buttons and slippers or low-heeled sandals. Shoes are not allowed.

• Answer key objections: Draft answer keys are displayed after the exam. Objections are accepted only online within the stated window.

How to Prepare for This Pattern

1. Weeks 1 to 6, build Section B: Cover your subject at graduation level, with pedagogy alongside. Keep a short notebook of formulas, definitions and teaching methods.

2. Weeks 3 to 8, add Section A daily: Spend 45 to 60 minutes a day on reasoning and numerical ability, with 20 minutes of current affairs and alternate days of Hindi and English grammar.

3. Weeks 7 to 10, practise in sections: Take timed sectional tests, aiming for accuracy above 85% before chasing more attempts.

4. Final phase, full-length mocks: Take two to three full mocks a week in the 200-question, 120-minute format, analyse each the same day and revise from an error log.

Older pages may still show outdated qualifying rules or a two-tier scheme, so always follow the latest notification on the DSSSB website.