DSSSB Exam Pattern – TGT, PGT, PRT and General Posts
Knowing the DSSSB exam pattern tells you how long you have, how many questions to expect and what a wrong answer costs. DSSSB prints the exam scheme in every advertisement, and the pattern is not the same for every post. The figures below come from DSSSB's most recent teaching advertisements and its published exam schemes.
Please note: DSSSB Master is an independent practice platform, not connected with DSSSB. DSSSB can change the scheme for any advertisement, so always check the advertisement for your post code on dsssb.delhi.gov.in.
DSSSB exam pattern at a glance
All three teaching exams below are one-tier, computer-based exams with multiple choice questions (MCQs) of one mark each.
| Post | Duration | Questions / marks | Sections |
|---|---|---|---|
| TGT Advt. 02/2024 | 2 hours | 200 MCQs / 200 marks | Section A: 100 marks (5 parts × 20) Section B: 100 marks, subject including teaching methodology/B.Ed. |
| PGT Advt. 10/2024 | 3 hours | 300 MCQs / 300 marks | Section I: 100 marks (5 parts × 20) Section II: 200 marks, post-graduation subject and teaching methodology |
| PRT – Assistant Teacher (Primary) Advt. 05/2025 | 2 hours | 200 MCQs / 200 marks | Section A: 100 marks (5 parts × 20) Section B: 100 marks, NCTE curriculum including teaching methodology |
| One-tier general posts DSSSB exam scheme | 2 hours | 200 MCQs / 200 marks | Five parts × 40 marks: General Awareness, Reasoning, Arithmetic, Hindi, English |
The topics in each part are listed on our DSSSB syllabus page.
Marking scheme and negative marking
- Negative marking. The TGT, PGT and PRT advertisements above all say that 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong MCQ answer.
- Language. Questions are bilingual (Hindi and English), except the language sections, which are in that language only.
- Dropped questions. If DSSSB removes a question, marks are worked out on a prorated basis.
Qualifying marks and the merit list
The same three advertisements set these minimum qualifying marks:
| Category | Minimum qualifying marks |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 40% |
| OBC (Delhi) | 35% |
| SC / ST / PwBD | 30% |
| Ex-servicemen | 5% relaxation in their category, subject to a minimum of 30% |
For these teaching posts the qualifying marks apply only to the subject section (Section B, or Section II for PGT). There is no qualifying mark in Section A, but the marks of both sections are added for the merit list. DSSSB also says the actual cut-off can be higher, depending on candidates' marks and the number of vacancies. In the PRT advertisement, a tie is broken first by marks in the subject section, then by age (older first).
One tier and two tier exams
DSSSB's 2023 exam scheme notice lists four exam codes: I-T-G (one tier, general), I-T-T (one tier, technical), II-T-T-I and II-T-T-II (two tier, technical). In both two-tier schemes, Tier-I is a 2-hour paper of 200 MCQs. Tier-II depends on the scheme. In II-T-T-I it is a 2-hour paper of 150 subject MCQs and 50 English MCQs. In II-T-T-II it is a 3-hour paper of 200 subject MCQs plus a 50-mark descriptive part in English (essay, letter writing and expansion of ideas).
Shifts, normalisation and answer keys
The exams are computer-based. When an exam runs in several shifts, DSSSB may normalise scores using a formula it published in 2018. After the exam, DSSSB puts draft answer keys on its website, and candidates can raise objections online within the time allowed.
How to prepare with the pattern in mind
- Practise under time. Two hours for 200 questions means about 36 seconds per question, so speed matters.
- Answer carefully. With 0.25 marks lost per wrong answer, random guessing can pull your score down.
- Secure the subject section first, since that is where the qualifying marks apply, but do not neglect Section A.
- Sit full mock tests. Try a timed DSSSB practice test and solve DSSSB previous year papers to get used to the real paper.
Frequently asked questions
Is there negative marking in the DSSSB exam?
Yes. The recent TGT (02/2024), PGT (10/2024) and PRT (05/2025) advertisements all deduct 0.25 marks for each wrong MCQ answer. Check the advertisement for your post, as the rule is stated there.
How long is the DSSSB TGT and PGT exam?
In the advertisements above, the TGT exam is 2 hours for 200 questions and the PGT exam is 3 hours for 300 questions. The PRT exam is 2 hours for 200 questions.
Is the DSSSB teaching exam one tier or two tier?
The recent TGT, PGT and PRT advertisements use a one-tier, computer-based exam. Some other DSSSB posts follow a two-tier scheme, so check the advertisement for your post code.
What are the minimum qualifying marks in DSSSB exams?
In these teaching advertisements they are 40% for General and EWS, 35% for OBC (Delhi) and 30% for SC, ST and PwBD, applied to the subject section. Ex-servicemen get a 5% relaxation, subject to a minimum of 30%.
Practise in the real exam format
Timed mock tests and real previous year questions for TGT, PGT and PRT. Start free.
Start free practice →Related pages
- DSSSB syllabus – Section A and Section B topics
- DSSSB previous year papers – practise by post, year and shift
- DSSSB practice test – free online mock tests and PYQs
- DSSSB Master home