Table of Contents
Kerala PSC has announced the HSST Botany Exam 2026, and the exam date has already been confirmed. Since the exam structure has been officially released, preparation should strictly follow it. Along with studying the syllabus, candidates must plan their preparation in a strategic manner. Understanding the right study tips, preparation techniques, and topic-wise materials will help in effective preparation. Here are some useful HSST Botany Exam preparation tips to score well.
Kerala PSC HSST Botany Notification 2026 Highlights
| Kerala PSC HSST Botany Notification 2026 | |
| Job Type | Government Job |
| Post Name | Higher Secondary School Teacher |
| Category Number | 716/2025 |
| Subject | Botany |
| Notification Release Date | December 31, 2025 |
| Application Starts | December 31, 2025 |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Apply | February 04, 2026 |
| Official Website | www.keralapsc.gov.in |
Kerala PSC HSST Botany Preparation Tips 2026
1: The first recipient of the ‘Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna’ award?
Proper planning and consistent study are essential to score well in the Kerala PSC HSST Botany Exam 2026. Candidates should prepare strictly as per the syllabus and exam pattern, using the right study materials and regular revision. Below are some effective preparation tips to improve performance.
1. Refer the Official Syllabus
Always begin preparation by downloading the official Kerala PSC HSST Botany syllabus. Identify all topics clearly and ensure your study plan strictly follows the prescribed syllabus without skipping any area.
2. Understand the Exam Pattern
Know the exam pattern, total questions, marks distribution, duration, and negative marking. This helps in managing time effectively and preparing according to the weightage of each section.
- Total Marks: 100
- Total Questions: 100 (Objective Type – MCQs)
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Mode of Exam: Offline (OMR-based)
- Negative Marking: 0.33 marks for each wrong answer
| Part | Module / Section | Main Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | Core Subject (Botany) | Plant anatomy, physiology, taxonomy, genetics, ecology, plant biotechnology, microbiology, evolution, molecular biology, and applied botany | 70 Marks |
| Part II | Research Methodology & Teaching Aptitude | Teaching aptitude – nature, objectives, methods, teaching aids, evaluation; Research aptitude – meaning, steps, ethics, types of research, thesis writing, seminars, papers, workshops | 10 Marks |
| Part III | General Studies | Indian Constitution – Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Duties, Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, Centre–State Relations, Emergency & Amendment Provisions | 5 Marks |
| Social Welfare Legislations & Programmes | RTI Act, Prevention of Atrocities Acts, Food Security Act, Environmental Acts, Employment Guarantee Programme, Organ/Blood Donation, etc. | 5 Marks | |
| Renaissance in Kerala | English education, reform movements (SNDP, NSS, etc.), social revolts, role of press, literature, women’s movements, Renaissance leaders, literary figures | 10 Marks | |
| Part IV | General Knowledge & Current Affairs | Current events (national/international), Kerala-specific facts, awards, policies, schemes, science, literature, education, health, technology | 10 Marks |
3. Collect the Right Books
Choose NCERT and SCERT textbooks as primary sources. Add standard reference books only where needed. Avoid using too many books to prevent confusion and ensure focused preparation.
4. Start Learning Systematically
Begin studying topic-wise as per the syllabus. Complete one topic at a time and move forward only after understanding the concepts clearly to build a strong foundation.
5. Maintain Study Notes
Prepare short and clear notes while studying. These notes should include definitions, diagrams, formulas, and key points that are useful for quick revision before the exam.
| Topics | Download PDF |
| Plant Pathology | |
| Phycology | |
| Pteridology | |
| Bryology | |
| Embryology | |
| Classification of Gymnosperms | |
| Coniferopsida | |
| Gymnosperms – General Characteristics | |
| Forest Botany | |
| Gymnology | |
| Paleobotany | |
| Mycology – part 2 | |
| Mycology – part 3 | |
| Translation | |
| Morphology of Bacteria | |
| Polymerase Chain Reaction | |
| Classification of fungi | |
| Basidiomycotina | |
| Fungal association | |
| Zygomycota | |
| Palynology | |
| P.K. K Nair, Father of Palynology | |
| Palynology in relation to Taxonomy | |
| Microbial Genetics | |
| Economic importance of fungi | |
| Natural Products |
6. Highlight Important Points
Mark important terms, scientific names, and frequently asked concepts. Highlighting helps in faster revision and improves memory retention during the final stages of preparation.
7. Prioritise the Core Subject
Since Botany carries the highest marks, allocate more study time to core subject topics like genetics, physiology, ecology, and biotechnology to improve overall score.
8. Follow Previous Question Papers
Study previous Kerala PSC question papers to understand question trends, difficulty level, and frequently repeated topics. This helps in focused and smart preparation.
| Paper | Question Paper |
| 059/2022 | |
| 050/2018 | |
| 045/2017 |
9. Attempt Mock Tests
Regular mock tests improve speed, accuracy, and confidence. They also help identify weak areas and reduce exam fear by simulating the real exam environment.
| Mock Test Series | Link |
| Series 1 | |
| Series 2 | |
| Series 3 | |
| Series 4 | |
| Series 5 |
10. Read Newspaper Daily
Daily newspaper reading helps cover current affairs, science-related news, education updates, and government policies, which are useful for General Knowledge sections.
11. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
Make it a habit to revise current affairs daily. Focus on national, international, Kerala-specific events, science, education, and government schemes.
12. Use Easy Study Tricks
Use simple memory techniques like mnemonics, flow charts, and diagrams to remember complex biological processes and scientific terms effectively.
13. Learn OMR Pattern & Rules
Understand how to properly fill OMR sheets, marking rules, and common mistakes to avoid. This prevents errors that may lead to loss of marks.
14. Follow a Strict Study Schedule
Prepare a realistic daily study timetable and follow it strictly. Consistency is more important than studying for long hours irregularly.
15. Dedicate Sufficient Study Time
Allocate adequate time daily for preparation without distractions. Regular focused study sessions improve concentration and overall preparation quality.
16. Practice Daily Recall
Spend time recalling what you studied the previous day. This strengthens memory and helps retain concepts for a longer period.
17. Do Daily and Weekly Revision
Daily revision reinforces learning, while weekly revision helps in long-term retention. Revision is essential to avoid forgetting studied topics.
18. Use Video Lectures & PDFs
Collect quality video lectures and PDF notes from reliable sources. These help in understanding difficult topics and offer alternative explanations.
19. Attend Online Classes
If required, attend online classes for expert guidance and structured learning. They are useful for clearing doubts and staying disciplined.
20. Join Telegram / WhatsApp Groups
Joining exam-focused groups helps you receive updates, study materials, mock tests, and notifications related to Kerala PSC exams.
21. Check Previous Answer Keys
Analyzing previous answer keys helps understand correct approaches, common mistakes, and the level of precision required in answers.
22. Analyze Previous Exams
Study previous exam analysis to know topic weightage, repeated questions, and important areas that need special attention.
23. Focus on Accuracy
Since negative marking is applicable, focus on accuracy rather than attempting all questions. Avoid blind guessing during the exam.
24. Revise Before Exam Day
Use your short notes and highlighted points for final revision. Avoid learning new topics at the last moment to prevent confusion.
25. Manage Stress
Maintain good physical and mental health during preparation. Take short breaks, get enough sleep, eat properly, and avoid stress. A healthy routine improves concentration, memory, and overall exam performance.
