HTAT Semi Direct Exam 2026 notification has been released by the State Examination Board, Gujarat State, Gandhinagar, for filling 3,264 Head Teacher (Class-III) vacancies through promotion under the Semi Direct quota. Interested candidates can check vacancy details, eligibility, selection process and other details regarding the exam from the article.
HTAT Semi Direct Exam 2026
The State Examination Board, Gujarat State, Sector-21, Gandhinagar has released Advertisement No. RPB/HTAT SCE/2026/9293-9300, dated 1st August 2026, for the “Mukhya Shikshak Abhiyogyata Kasoti-2026” (Special Competitive Examination for Promotion to the Post of Head Teacher), commonly known as HTAT. This is a promotion-based examination, not a fresh direct recruitment, meant for eligible teachers already working in the cadre of Lower Primary Teacher or Upper Primary Teacher, Class-III, to get promoted to the post of Head Teacher, Class-III, in the Directorate of Primary Education, District Primary Education Committees, and Municipal Primary Education Committees.
Under the Head Teacher, Class-III Recruitment Rules, 2016 (as amended in 2025), the ratio for filling Head Teacher vacancies through Direct Recruitment, Promotion, and Semi Direct (Special Competitive Exam) has been fixed at 1:1:2. As per the Directorate of Primary Education’s instructions, the Semi Direct quota vacancies (not exceeding 11,000 in total) are being filled through this Special Competitive Examination. The online application process will be conducted at http://ojas.gujarat.gov.in, and the last date to complete the registration is 25th August 2026.
Also Read: BPCL Non-Management Recruitment 2026 Notification Out for 154 Technician, Operator & More Vacancies
SEB HTAT Semi Direct Exam 2026 — Summary
The examination shall be conducted in a single stage of written examination consisting of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), based on the Head Teacher (Class III) (Special Competitive Examination) Rules, 2026, notified by the Education Department on 4th May 2026.
| HTAT Semi Direct Exam 2026 — Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | State Examination Board, Gujarat State, Gandhinagar |
| Exam Name | Mukhya Shikshak Abhiyogyata Kasoti (HTAT) – Semi Direct 2026 |
| Advertisement No. | RPB/HTAT SCE/2026/9293-9300 |
| Post | Head Teacher, Class-III (by Promotion) |
| Vacancies | 3,264 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Registration Period | 11th August to 25th August 2026 |
| Fee Payment Period | 11th August to 27th August 2026 |
| Probable Exam Date | 4th October 2026 |
| Medium of Exam | Gujarati |
| Official Website | www.ojas.gujarat.gov.in / www.sebexam.org |
HTAT Semi Direct Exam 2026 — Important Dates
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 1st August 2026 |
| Advertisement Published in Newspapers | 3rd August 2026 |
| Online Registration Period | 11th August to 25th August 2026 |
| Fee Payment Period (Net Banking) | 11th August to 27th August 2026 |
| Probable Date of Examination | 4th October 2026 |
HTAT Semi Direct Exam 2026 Vacancy Details
A total of 3,264 vacancies are to be filled through this Semi Direct (Special Competitive) Exam, comprising 3,125 vacancies in district-level primary education committees and 139 vacancies in municipal (Nagar) primary education committees. The overall category-wise distribution is given below.
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 217 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 515 |
| General (Bin Anamat) | 2,532 |
| Total | 3,264 |
District-wise Vacancy Distribution (Select Districts)
| District | SC | ST | General | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | 10 | 10 | 77 | 97 |
| Amreli | 10 | 1 | 103 | 114 |
| Anand | 7 | 6 | 107 | 120 |
| Banaskantha | 12 | 8 | 103 | 123 |
| Bharuch | 5 | 37 | 52 | 94 |
| Bhavnagar | 8 | 1 | 125 | 134 |
| Dahod | 12 | 126 | 179 | 317 |
| Kheda | 9 | 8 | 143 | 160 |
| Kutch | 22 | 12 | 175 | 209 |
| Panchmahal | 8 | 81 | 115 | 204 |
| Surendranagar | 16 | 1 | 130 | 147 |
| Vav Tharad | 16 | 11 | 136 | 163 |
Note: The complete district-wise and Nagar (municipal)-wise vacancy break-up for all 34 districts and 20 municipal areas is available in the official notification.
HTAT Semi Direct Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Experience & Service Requirement
A candidate must have:
- Worked for not less than five years in the cadre of Lower Primary Teacher or Upper Primary Teacher, Class-III, in the subordinate service of the Directorate of Primary Education, District Primary Education Committees, or Municipal Primary Education Committees
- Passed the qualifying examination for computer knowledge in accordance with the Gujarat Civil Services Computer Competency Training and Examination Rules, 2006
- Appeared for and passed the Head Teacher Aptitude Test (HTAT) as prescribed by the Government
Educational Qualification
- A Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Science, or Commerce, along with a two-year certificate course in Primary Teachers Course; OR a one-year degree in Special Education; OR a Bachelor’s degree in Education; OR
- A Higher Secondary Certificate along with a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education or a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Education
- Basic knowledge of computer application as prescribed in the Gujarat Civil Services Classification and Recruitment (General) Rules, 1967
- Adequate knowledge of Gujarati or Hindi, or both
HTAT Semi Direct Exam 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| SC/ST Candidates | Rs. 250/- |
| General Category Candidates | Rs. 350/- |
The fee once paid shall not be refunded under any circumstances, and service charges will be applicable additionally. Fee can be paid online through ATM-Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, or Wallet between 11th August 2026 and 27th August 2026.
How to Apply for HTAT Semi Direct Exam 2026
- Visit the official website: http://ojas.gujarat.gov.in
- Click on “Apply Online”
- Fill in Personal Details in the Application Form
- Fill in Educational Details completely
- Click “Save” to generate the Application Number
- Upload Photo (5 cm height x 3.6 cm width) and Signature (2.5 cm height x 7.5 cm width) in JPG format (max 10 KB each)
- Click “Confirm Application” after previewing the form
- Pay the requisite fee online through the payment gateway
- Download and print the confirmation/hall ticket once available
Note: The entire form must be filled in English. Details such as name, surname, date of birth, and category cannot be corrected by the Board after submission, so candidates must fill the form carefully.
HTAT Semi Direct Exam 2026 Centre & Medium
- The examination will be held at centres within Gujarat State, as decided by the State Examination Board based on the number of registered candidates.
- The medium of the question paper will be Gujarati.
- Candidates will not be allowed to carry any electronic communication device, including laptops, tablets, cellular phones, calculators, pagers, or iPods, into the examination hall.
HTAT Semi Direct Exam 2026 Selection Process
- The State Examination Board shall prepare a merit list of successful candidates based on total marks obtained, subject to the number of vacancies requisitioned by the concerned District/Nagar Education Committee.
- Merely qualifying (obtaining minimum passing marks) does not confer any right to promotion; promotion shall be granted strictly in proportion to the number of vacant posts indicated in the requisition.
- Results will be published in two parts: Part I for successful candidates (in order of merit) and Part II for unsuccessful candidates, both showing names, seat numbers, and total marks obtained, on the notice board and official website.
- Appointment of selected candidates shall be made strictly in order of merit, subject to the appointing authority being satisfied about the candidate’s suitability.
FAQs
How many vacancies are announced under HTAT Semi Direct Exam 2026?
A total of 3,264 Head Teacher (Class-III) vacancies are to be filled through promotion under the Semi Direct quota.
What is the last date to register for HTAT Semi Direct Exam 2026?
The online registration window is open from 11th August 2026 to 25th August 2026.
What is the application fee for HTAT Semi Direct Exam 2026?
The fee is Rs. 250/- for SC/ST candidates and Rs. 350/- for General category candidates.
What is the passing standard for HTAT Semi Direct Exam 2026?
The passing standard is 40% of total marks for general candidates, with a 5% relaxation (35%) for SC/ST candidates.
When is the HTAT Semi Direct Exam 2026 likely to be held?
The probable date of examination is 4th October 2026.
Is HTAT Semi Direct Exam 2026 a fresh recruitment?
No, it is a promotion-based Special Competitive Examination for eligible Lower Primary Teachers/Upper Primary Teachers, Class-III, to be promoted to the post of Head Teacher, Class-III.
