Kerala PSC HSST Botany 2026 – Age Limit, Qualification & Eligibility Rules

Kerala PSC has released the updated notification for the post of Higher Secondary School Teacher (Junior) in Botany (Cat. No. 716/2025). Eligible candidates must meet the educational and other criteria as per the Kerala Higher Secondary Education Department. This blog provides complete details on HSST Botany Eligibility Criteria, qualifications, age limit, and other requirements for applicants, helping you check if you qualify before applying online.

Kerala PSC HSST Botany Notification 2026 PDF Download Official

The official Kerala PSC HSST Botany 2026 notification PDF provides complete information about the qualifications and eligibility requirements for the Higher Secondary School Teacher (Junior) post in Botany. Candidates can check HSST Botany Eligibility Criteria including educational qualifications, age limits, and experience conditions directly from the PDF to ensure they meet all conditions before applying online, reducing errors and improving the chances of selection.

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Kerala PSC HSST Botany Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Age Limit & Qualification Details

Candidates applying for the Kerala PSC Higher Secondary School Teacher (Junior) – Botany post must strictly satisfy the eligibility conditions prescribed in the official notification. The complete HSST Botany Eligibility Criteria including method of appointment, age limit, educational qualifications, SET requirement, exemptions, and weightage rules are explained below.

Method of Appointment

• Direct Recruitment through Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC)

Age Limit (as on 01 January 2025)

• Minimum Age: 20 years
• Maximum Age: 40 years
• Eligible candidates must be born between 02.01.1985 and 01.01.2005 (both dates inclusive)

Age Relaxation:

• SC/ST/OBC candidates are eligible for age relaxation as per Kerala PSC rules
• Upper age limit up to 43 years is allowed for qualified Ministerial Staff under the Higher Secondary Education Department for direct recruitment to HSST (Junior), as per GO(P) No. 36/2005/Gl.Edn dated 04.02.2005

Educational Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Botany (or concerned subject) with minimum 50% marks from any University in Kerala or a recognized equivalent qualification

Teacher Training Qualification

• B.Ed in Botany from a Kerala University or equivalent
• If unavailable:

• • B.Ed in the concerned faculty

  • B.Ed in any subject from a recognized Kerala University
    OR

• M.Sc.Ed in Botany with minimum 50% marks from NCERT Regional Institutes of Education

State Eligibility Test (SET) Requirement

• Candidates must have passed the State Eligibility Test (SET) for Higher Secondary School Teachers conducted by the Government of Kerala or its authorized agency

SET Exemptions

Candidates are exempted from SET if they have:

• Passed NET / JRF
• Passed SLET for College Lecturers conducted by Govt. of Kerala
• Acquired Ph.D / M.Phil / M.Ed in the concerned subject (from Kerala Universities or recognized equivalents)
• Completed 10 years of approved High School teaching service in General Education Subordinate Service

Weightage Marks for Non-Qualifying Degrees

Additional weightage marks will be awarded for non-qualifying higher degrees (claimed in application and acquired before last date):

• M.Phil (Non-Qualifying): 2 marks
• Ph.D (Non-Qualifying): 4 marks
• Both M.Phil & Ph.D: 5 marks
• Post Doctoral Fellowship: 2 marks

Weightage is applicable only if these degrees are not counted as essential qualifications.

Marks Relaxation

• 5% relaxation in Post-Graduation marks for SC/ST and Differently Abled candidates as per G.O.(Ms) No. 288/15/Gl.Edn dated 13.11.2015

Additional Eligibility Conditions

• Rule 10(a)(ii) of Part II KS&SSR is applicable
• Equivalent or higher qualifications recognized by Government or PSC will be accepted
• Degrees/Diplomas must be from UGC-approved universities or institutions established by law
• In case of caste/community mismatch between SSLC application, Gazette Notification and valid certificates must be produced during verification

Kerala PSC HSST Botany Recruitment 2026 – Selection Procedure

• Examination Stage: Eligible candidates must appear for the written/OMR/online test, covering Botany, teaching skills, and general knowledge. Admission tickets are generated after OTR profile confirmation.
• Ranked List Preparation: Kerala PSC prepares a merit-based list, factoring in weightage for M.Phil, Ph.D., and Post-Doctoral degrees.
• Document Verification: Candidates must produce original certificates for age, education, experience, and community. Any discrepancies may result in disqualification or disciplinary action.
• Final Selection & Appointment: Appointments are made from the ranked list as vacancies arise. The list is valid for 1–3 years or until a new list is published.
• Reservations: 4% of vacancies are reserved for Differently Abled candidates (G.O.(P) No.5/2023/SJD).
• Exemptions: Candidates with NET/JRF, SLET, Ph.D/M.Phil/M.Ed, or 10 years of approved high school teaching service are exempted from the test.

Kerala PSC HSST Botany 2026 Latest Vacancy Update

• Total Vacancies: As per the Kerala PSC HSST Junior Botany notification, vacancies are anticipated and will be reported during the ranked list period
• Rank List Period: The Kerala PSC Botany HSST Junior ranked list will be valid for at least one year and may continue up to three years or until a new list is issued
• Advice & Appointment: Eligible candidates will be advised for appointment from the active ranked list based on departmental vacancy reports
• Differently Abled Reservation: 4% horizontal reservation is applicable in accordance with G.O.(P) No. 5/2023/SJD dated 01.10.2023

How to Apply Online for Kerala PSC Botany HSST Recruitment 2026

• Registration: Candidates must complete One Time Registration (OTR) on www.keralapsc.gov.in before applying.
• Login & Apply: Registered users can log in with User ID and password and click ‘Apply Now’ for the post.
• Photograph & ID Proof: Upload a recent passport-size photo (taken within six months) with name/date printed. AADHAAR card should be linked as ID proof.
• Verification & Accuracy: Ensure all personal and educational details are correct; the application is provisional and cannot be edited after submission.
• Exams: Candidates must submit confirmation for any written/OMR/online test through their profile. Admission Tickets can be downloaded within the stipulated period.
• Deadline: Submit applications by 04 February 2026, 12:00 midnight.
• Documents: Originals for age, qualification, experience, and community must be produced when called.
• Non-Compliance: False information may lead to disqualification or disciplinary/legal action as per Kerala PSC rules.

Kerala PSC HSST Botany 2026 Pay Scale & Benefits

Candidates appointed as HSST Junior Botany teachers will receive a salary of ₹45,600 – ₹95,600/-, along with standard government allowances and benefits.