What is The Difference Between PRT, TGT, PGT?

Thousands of aspiring teachers in our country often ask this question: What is the difference between PRT, TGT, and PGT? This is probably the most asked among candidates who aspire to become teachers someday. Understanding the differences between these terms is crucial for anyone who wants to pursue a career in the field of teaching, specifically in schools. In this article, we will try to clear the doubts from the candidates’ minds. The goal of this article is to define the differences between these three teaching levels by analyzing their eligibility, educational qualifications, salary structures, recruitment process, and job roles.

Introduction 

Teaching is a noble profession and it can shape the minds of our future generations. Many among us have always dreamt of becoming a school teacher because it provides an opportunity to impart knowledge and can help shape the societal structure. However, to pursue a teaching career in government and Private schools candidates must meet some specific qualifications and must qualify for a Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) conducted by central and state education boards. Additionally, the National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE) mandates a B.Ed qualification for teaching positions in schools. However, the level at which a candidate can teach depends on whether they qualify as PRT, TGT, or PGT. Candidates should remember that TGT, PGT & PRT  are not any eligibility criteria for teachers, rather these are teaching designations.

What is PRT, TGT & PGT?

Teaching positions in India are categorized according to the grade levels of the educator’s qualification. These classifications help in determining the level of expertise required for the grades and the subjects to be taught. Understanding these categories is essential for any aspiring teacher, it helps them to choose the right career path in education. Here we will try to distinguish the levels of teachers such as PRT, TGT & PGT.

1. Primary Teacher (PRT)

Teaching at the primary level classes requires patience, creativity, and a deep understanding of child behavior and child development. The primary teachers usually teach the classes between 1-5. To secure a position in primary schools as a teacher requires a specific set of skills and qualifications. We will discuss it further below

Educational Qualification of Primary Teacher

i) Higher Secondary in any stream.

ii) Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.) or Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.)

iii) CTET Paper I qualification is mandatory

Job Role of  Primary Teacher:

Responsible for teaching all subjects at the primary level and developing basic literacy and numeracy skills in students. PRTs mostly focus on foundational learning, covering basic subjects such as English, Mathematics, Environmental Science, and regional languages. They play a crucial role in developing early cognitive, social, and motor skills in children, ensuring a strong academic foundation for future learning. Additionally, PRTs often engage in co-curricular activities, helping students in holistic development.

Work Responsibilities of PRTs:

• Teaching fundamental subjects through interactive methods.
• Assessing student progress and adapting teaching methods accordingly.
• Encouraging cognitive, emotional, and social development among young learners.
• Developing lesson plans based on government curriculum guidelines.

2. Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT)

Teaching at secondary level classes requires subject expertise, strong pedagogical skills along with the ability to engage adolescents in critical thinking and enhance their problem-solving skills. Trained Graduate Teachers play a vital role in shaping the students’ careers by providing in-depth knowledge in their chosen subjects. The trained graduate teachers instruct the students of VI-X (Middle & Secondary School) classes.

Educational Qualification of Trained Graduate Teacher:

i) Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant subject.

ii) B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education) qualification.

iii) CTET Paper II qualification is required.

Job Role for Trained Graduate Teachers:

Specializes in specific subjects (Maths, Science, Social Studies, English, etc.) for middle and secondary school students. TGTs play a key role in guiding students to learn complex concepts in their subjects, ensuring a smooth transition from primary to higher secondary education.

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Work Responsibilities TGTs:

• Teaching specialized subjects to students based on the curriculum.
• Conducting assessments, projects, and assignments to evaluate student progress.
• Implementing innovative teaching strategies to make learning engaging.
• Providing career guidance and subject-specific counseling to students.

3. Post Graduate Teacher (PGT)

Teaching at the higher secondary level requires a deep understanding of the subject matter, along with analytical skills, and the ability to guide students toward higher education and career opportunities. PGTs play an essential role in helping students specialize in subjects that form the foundation for their professional aspirations. The Post Graduate teachers are responsible for teaching students of XI-XII (Higher Secondary School)

Educational Qualification of Post-Graduate Teacher:

i) Postgraduate Degree (Master’s) in a relevant subject

ii) B.Ed. qualification

Job Role of Post-Graduate Teacher:

Teaches specialized subjects at the senior secondary level and prepares students for higher education. PGTs are responsible for in-depth subject expertise, helping students excel in board exams and competitive entrance tests.

Work Responsibilities of PGTs:

• Delivering advanced subject knowledge and helping students with career preparation.
• Designing lesson plans that align with national and state-level academic standards.
• Conducting workshops, discussions, and practical experiments for experiential learning.
• Mentoring students for competitive exams such as NEET, JEE, UPSC, etc.

Key Differences Between PRT, TGT, and PGT

As we have discussed earlier PRT, TGT & PGT have their own different set of roles and steps to follow, which in the end distinguishes them from one another. The key differences between TGT (Trained Graduate Teacher), PGT (Post Graduate Teacher), and PRT (Primary Teacher) lie in their educational qualifications, the classes they teach, and salary structure. Here’s a breakdown:

Recruitment & Selection Process

Each of these positions is filled through competitive exams conducted by various government organizations such as KVS, NVS, DSSSB, State PSCs, and CBSE.

• For PRT: Candidates must clear CTET Paper I and meet the minimum D.El.Ed./B.El.Ed. qualifications.
• For TGT: Candidates need to qualify for CTET Paper II and hold a Bachelor’s degree + B.Ed.
• For PGT: Candidates must have a Master’s degree + B.Ed. and qualify for PGT recruitment exams.

Salary Range for PRT, TGT & PGT

Here we have provided salary details in government and private schools for positions of PRT, TGT & PGT

Additional: Government jobs include DA, HRA, pension, medical benefits, and job security.

What to Choose?

Choosing between PRT, TGT, or PGT depends on your educational qualifications, subject interest, and career aspirations:

• If you enjoy teaching young children and wish to build their fundamental skills, choose PRT.
• If you prefer subject-specific teaching for middle and secondary classes, choose TGT.
• If you want to teach at the highest school level and have a post-graduate specialization, choose PGT.

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Career Opportunities for PGT, TGT & PRT

Career opportunities for PRT, TGT & PGT are vast and extended across the large domains of government and private schools. Here we will provide details about some of the best institutes in India, where vacancies are posted regularly for PRT, TGT & PGT:

i) Central Government Schools

Kendriya Vidyalaya (KVS): Kendriya Vidyalaya Samiti is a central government organization managing schools across India. They offer excellent career opportunities for PRT, TGT & PGT teachers

Navodaya Vidyalaya (NVS): An autonomous body under the Ministry of Education runs residential schools under the name of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya across rural India. They recruit highly professional teachers for the betterment of their students.

Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): EMRS are government-funded residential schools under the Ministry of tribal affairs aimed at providing quality education to the tribal students of our nation. This school recruits PRT, TGT & PGT teachers with an attractive pay scale, additional allowances, and free accommodation.

Delhi Subordinate Service Selection School (DSSSB): This organization conducts recruitment exams for teaching and non-teaching positions in Delhi Government schools.

Army Public School (APS): Army Public School primarily provides education to the children’s of army personnel These schools follow CBSE curriculum and offer PRT, TGT, and PGT teaching opportunities through the AWES Online Screening Test (OST). Teachers receive competitive salaries, job security, and benefits similar to government jobs.

ii) State Government Opportunities 

• Various State Public Service Commissions (PSC) recruit TGT, PGT, and PRT teachers for government-run schools.
• SLST, BSTET, STET, and TET (WB Primary TET, JTET, BSTET) exams are required for eligibility in state government schools.

The demand for skilled teachers continues to grow, making PGT, TGT, and PRT careers highly rewarding. From traditional schools to online education, the avenues for career advancement are expanding, ensuring a bright future for passionate educators. If you aspire to become a government school teacher, start your preparation today with expert PRT, TGT, and PGT coaching and stay updated on the latest teaching job notifications.