Kerala PSC HSST Zoology Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Age, Qualification & Relaxation Details

Kerala PSC has released the eligibility criteria for the Higher Secondary School Teacher (Junior) – Zoology post. Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet all educational qualifications, age limits, and experience requirements. This blog provides a detailed breakdown of the official HSST Zoology eligibility criteria, helping aspirants confirm their qualification and apply confidently.

Kerala PSC HSST Zoology Exam Notification 2026 – PDF Link

To confirm whether you meet the required qualifications, age limits, and experience, check the Kerala PSC HSST Zoology 2026 notification PDF. The official document provides complete eligibility details to ensure only qualified candidates apply.

Kerala PSC HSST Zoology 2026 Exam PYQs – Download PDF

HSST Zoology Exam 2026 – Key Notification Details

Kerala PSC HSST Zoology Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Age, Qualification & Details

Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced the HSST Zoology recruitment 2026 (Category 717/2025). Candidates planning to apply must carefully check the eligibility criteria, including age, educational qualifications, State Eligibility Test (SET) requirements, and exemptions. Find HSST Zoology Eligibility Criteria here!

1. Method of Appointment

• The post is filled through Direct Recruitment.

2. Age Limit

• General Age Range: 20 – 40 years
  Only candidates born between 02.01.1985 and 01.01.2005 are eligible.
• Relaxation:

• • Usual relaxation applies for SC/ST/OBC candidates.

  • Ministerial staff under HSE Department can apply up to 43 years (as on 01.01.2025) for direct recruitment. [G.O.(P) No.36/2005/Gl.Edn]

Note: Other age relaxations follow Part II General Conditions of Kerala PSC rules.

3. Educational Qualifications

A. Essential Qualifications

1. Master’s Degree in Zoology or relevant subject with minimum 50% marks from a Kerala University or an equivalent qualification recognized by a Kerala University.
2. B.Ed Degree in the concerned subject from a Kerala University or equivalent.

3. • If no B.Ed in the subject is available, B.Ed in the concerned faculty will be accepted.

   • If neither is available, B.Ed in any subject obtained via a regular course from a Kerala University will be considered.

4. Alternatively, M.Sc.Ed in the subject with 50% marks from a Regional Institute of Education (RIE) under NCERT.
5. State Eligibility Test (SET) clearance is mandatory for Higher Secondary School Teachers, unless exempted (see below).

B. Exemptions from SET

• Candidates with SLET (College Lecturer) clearance in Kerala.
• NET / JRF qualified candidates.
• Candidates holding Ph.D / M.Phil / M.Ed (subject to Kerala University recognition).
• Teachers with 10 years of approved High School teaching service in Kerala.

4. Non-Qualifying Degrees & Weightage

• Additional degrees beyond the essential qualification earn weightage marks for ranking:

  • M.Phil (Non-Qualifying): 2 marks

  • Ph.D (Non-Qualifying): 4 marks

  • Both M.Phil & Ph.D (Non-Qualifying): 5 marks

  • Post-Doctoral Fellowship: 2 marks

Weightage is only awarded for degrees claimed in the application on or before the last date.

5. Relaxation in Marks

• SC/ST/Differently-Abled candidates get 5% relaxation in Postgraduate marks as per G.O.(Ms) No.288/15/Gl.Edn.

6. Special Notes

• Candidates with M.Ed in the concerned subject are exempted from B.Ed requirement.
• Degrees/diplomas must be awarded by UGC-approved universities or recognized institutions under Indian law (Parliament / State Legislative Assembly).
• Candidates with differences in caste/community records must provide Gazette notification and relevant certificates during verification.

Kerala PSC HSST Zoology 2026 Vacancy Info

The number of vacancies is anticipated, meaning the exact count will be confirmed once the department reports them. 4% of vacancies are reserved for differently-abled candidates according to G.O.(P) No.5/2023/SJD dated 01.10.2023.

The ranked list generated from this recruitment will be valid for a minimum of one year and up to three years, or until a new list is issued. Candidates on this list will be considered for appointment as vacancies arise over the list’s validity period. Applying ensures inclusion in the ranked list, but appointment depends on actual vacancies, so being listed does not guarantee immediate selection.

Kerala PSC HSST Zoology 2026 – Selection Criteria & Ranked List Procedure

• Exam: Candidates may appear for a written, online, or OMR-based test, and only those who confirm participation can take the exam.
• Verification: Shortlisted candidates must produce original certificates for education, age, caste/community, and experience.
• Interview (if applicable): Assesses teaching ability, subject expertise, and communication skills.
• Merit List & Appointment: Ranked List is prepared using academic qualifications, test scores, interview performance, and weightage for additional degrees. Appointments are made according to merit and available vacancies.
• Disqualification: Providing false information or documents may lead to cancellation of candidature, debarment, or disciplinary action. SC/ST/Differently-Abled candidates receive 5% relaxation in postgraduate marks.

Kerala PSC HSST Zoology Recruitment 2026 – How to Submit Application

• Apply online only via the official Kerala PSC website: www.keralapsc.gov.in
• One Time Registration (OTR) is mandatory:

• • Existing users: log in with User-ID and password

  • New users: create profile and upload a recent photograph (taken within 6 months) with name and date printed at the bottom

• Click “Apply Now” for the HSST Zoology post under the notification link
• Ensure accuracy of all personal, educational, and experience details; applications cannot be edited or deleted once submitted
• No application fee is required
• If a written/OMR/online test is part of the selection:

  • Submit confirmation to appear via your profile

  • Download admission ticket in the last 15 days before the exam

  • Failure to confirm will lead to rejection

• Compliance with Part II – General Conditions is mandatory; non-compliance may lead to rejection
• Providing false information can result in disqualification, debarment, or disciplinary action
• Candidates with an AADHAAR card should link it in their profile as ID proof
• Last date to submit application: 04.02.2026, 12:00 midnight

HSST Zoology Kerala PSC Salary 2026 – Government Pay & Allowances

Candidates selected for Kerala PSC HSST Zoology can expect a salary ranging from ₹45,600 to ₹95,600, in addition to all government allowances and perks. The compensation package includes Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other statutory benefits as per govt rules