If you have a recognized university degree, then you can apply for the 2026 Graduate Teacher Recruitment and secure a permanent, pensionable position in the Sri Lanka Teachers’ Service. The Ministry of Education has announced a major recruitment drive to fill critical teaching vacancies across National and Provincial schools.
Selection Through Competitive Examination
This recruitment is conducted through a competitive written examination, general interview, and practical teaching test. Success requires thorough preparation in aptitude, general knowledge, and teaching demonstration skills.
Join Entrance Exam Preparation Classes Now
Don’t go into this unprepared! Join competitive exam preparation classes conducted by Yomal Watawala, designed specifically for this graduate teacher recruitment. Teaching Exam 2026
https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hr7lpVKkVtr3UNVuToiFy9?mode=gi_c
What You’ll Master:
✅ Aptitude Test (Logical & Numerical Reasoning)
✅ General Knowledge (Education Sector Developments)
✅ Teaching Demonstration Skills (5-Minute Lesson)
✅ Application Strategy & Document Preparation
Click here to join the WhatsApp group for class details and registration
⏰ Limited seats available – Register early!
What is the 2026 Graduate Teacher Recruitment?
The 2026 Graduate Teacher Recruitment is a government initiative to hire qualified degree holders as permanent teachers in Sri Lankan schools through a competitive examination process. This school-based recruitment targets vacancies in Sinhala, Tamil, and English mediums across multiple subjects.
Key Benefits of This Position
- Starting Salary: Rs. 64,440 per month (Grade 3-I on 14th step)
- Employment Type: Permanent and pensionable
- Salary Scale: GE 01-2025 (Rs. 53,060 – Rs. 66,600)
- Additional Benefits: Government allowances and increments
- Career Growth: Clear progression through efficiency bar examinations
- Job Security: Lifetime employment with pension benefits
Graduate Teacher Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Gazette Publication | February 02, 2026 | – |
| Online Application Opens | February 20, 2026 | 9:00 AM |
| Online Application Closes | March 05, 2026 | 9:00 PM |
| Application Portal | www.doenets.lk | – |
| Written Examination | To be announced | – |
⚠️ Important: The application system closes strictly at the deadline. Late applications are never accepted. No amendments are allowed after submission.
Graduate Teacher Selection Process 2026
Complete Three-Stage Examination Process
The selection involves three competitive stages. Only candidates who successfully pass each stage proceed to the next.
Stage 1: Written Competitive Examination
The written exam consists of two multiple-choice question papers:
Paper 1: Aptitude Test (50 MCQs)
- Logical reasoning
- Analytical thinking
- Numerical reasoning
- Problem-solving skills
Paper 2: General Knowledge (50 MCQs)
- Education sector developments in Sri Lanka
- Educational reforms and modernization since 2010
- Current affairs related to education
- National education policies
Pass Requirement: Minimum 40% marks on EACH paper individually
Important: The medium (Sinhala/Tamil/English) you choose for this exam will be recorded as your official recruitment medium.
Stage 2: General Interview
This is a document verification stage where officials will:
- Verify your original educational certificates
- Check your degree transcript for credit requirements
- Assess physical and mental fitness for teaching
- Confirm your identity and eligibility
Note: This stage is not scored but is mandatory.
Stage 3: Practical Teaching Test
This is the most critical stage of the selection process.
Format: 5-minute teaching demonstration
Total Marks: 25
Pass Mark: 10 out of 25
Evaluation Criteria
The practical test evaluates you on multiple categories:
- Personality and voice projection
- Clarity of explanation
- Time management
- Presentation technique and teaching methodology
Critical Rule: You must score a minimum of 2 marks in EVERY individual category. Scoring 0 or 1 in even one category results in automatic failure of the entire practical test.
Why Professional Exam Preparation Matters
The Challenge
This is a highly competitive examination with thousands of graduates applying for limited positions. Success requires:
- Strategic preparation for aptitude and reasoning questions
- Deep knowledge of education sector developments since 2010
- Mastery of 5-minute teaching demonstration techniques
- Understanding of evaluation criteria and scoring systems
Your Competitive Advantage
Yomal Watawala’s preparation classes provide:
✅ Structured curriculum covering all exam components
✅ Practice tests with time management strategies
✅ Teaching demonstration coaching with video feedback
✅ Previous exam patterns and question analysis
✅ Application guidance for provincial selection strategy
✅ Interview preparation and document checklists
✅ Peer learning community of fellow applicants
Join the WhatsApp group now for class schedule and registration
Don’t wait until applications open – start preparing today!
Eligibility Criteria for Graduate Teacher Exam 2026
1. Age Requirement
You must be under 40 years of age as of February 10, 2023.
Eligible Birth Date Range: February 10, 1983, to February 10, 2005
2. Educational Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from a UGC-recognized university
- Critical Requirement: At least one-third (1/3) of your total degree credits must be in the subject you’re applying to teach
- Pass in Sinhala or Tamil at G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination
3. Employment Status
Generally, you should not have been in government service as of February 10, 2023.
Special Provision (Note 3): You are eligible if you:
- Completed your degree between February 10, 2023, and June 30, 2025, OR
- Were in public service on February 10, 2023, but have formally resigned with approval
4. Physical and Mental Fitness
All candidates must be physically and mentally fit to serve in any part of Sri Lanka if required by administrative necessity.
5. Disability Quota
A 3% quota is reserved for persons with permanent disabilities who meet minimum examination requirements and are deemed fit for teaching duties.
Available Teaching Subjects 2026
You can strategically apply for multiple subjects:
- Up to 2 subjects in A/L and 13-year continuous education category
- Up to 2 subjects in G.C.E. O/L category
Science and Mathematics Subjects
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- Combined Mathematics
- Science for Technology
- Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
Technology Stream Subjects
- Engineering Technology
- Bio Systems Technology
- Agricultural Science
- Science for Technology
Commerce and Humanities Subjects
- Accounting
- Economics
- Geography
- History
- Logic and Scientific Method
- Political Science
- Business Studies
Language Subjects
- Sinhala Language and Literature
- Tamil Language and Literature
- English Language
- French
- Chinese
- German
- Hindi
- Japanese
Modern Vocational Subjects
- Event Management
- Fashion Designing
- Graphic Designing
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Health and Social Care
- Child Psychology
- Food and Nutrition
- Entrepreneurship
How to Apply for Graduate Teacher Recruitment 2026
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Visit the Official Portal
Go to www.doenets.lk starting February 20, 2026, at 9:00 AM
2. Navigate to Application Section
- Click on “Our Services” menu
- Select “Online Applications – Recruitment Exams”
- Choose “Graduate Teacher Recruitment 2026”
3. Complete the Online Form
- Fill all fields in English only
- Provide accurate mobile number and email address
- All notifications will be sent via SMS and email
- Select your subject preferences carefully
- Choose your provincial preferences
4. Pay Application Fee
Exam Fee: Rs. 2,700
Payment Methods:
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
- Bank of Ceylon (BOC) online banking
- BOC teller payment
Important: Keep your payment receipt for verification purposes.
5. Submit Application
Review all details carefully before submission. No amendments are allowed after submission.
6. Download and Print
After successful submission:
- Download your application PDF
- Print a hard copy
- Get your signature certified by a Justice of Peace (JP)
- Keep this for your interview
School-Based Recruitment: The 5-Year Rule
This recruitment follows a school-based placement model, meaning you will be appointed to a specific school where a vacancy exists.
Important Service Conditions
No Transfer Policy: No transfers will be granted under any circumstances until completion of five (5) years of service.
Why This Matters:
- You’re committing to serve a specific school community
- Regional teacher shortages will be addressed
- Educational stability in rural and remote areas
Strategic Implication: Choose your provincial preferences very carefully, as you’ll be stationed there for at least 5 years.
Provincial Selection Strategy
Choosing Your Provinces
Home Province: Select your home province as first preference for convenience
Additional Province (Safety Net): If vacancies don’t exist for your subject/medium in your home province, you can select one additional province as backup.
Eastern Province Restriction
Important for Non-Residents: If you are NOT a permanent resident of the Eastern Province, you can ONLY apply for the following subjects in that province:
- Science
- Mathematics
- English
- Information Technology
- Technology
- Counseling
Applications for other subjects will be rejected if you’re not an Eastern Province resident.
Required Documents for Interview
Prepare these documents in advance:
Mandatory Documents
- Printed online application (JP-certified signature)
- Original degree certificate
- Original degree transcript showing credit breakdown
- G.C.E. Ordinary Level certificate
- National Identity Card
- Birth certificate
- Payment receipt (Rs. 2,700 exam fee)
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- University Registrar’s letter confirming 1/3 credit requirement (if not clear on transcript)
- Resignation approval letter (if previously in government service)
- Disability certificate (for quota applicants)
Career Progression After Appointment
Three-Year Probation Period
Once appointed, you’ll enter a mandatory probation period with these requirements:
Year 1-3 Requirements
- Satisfactory teaching performance
- Pass the 1st Efficiency Bar (EB) examination
- Attain required Official Language Proficiency level
- Complete mandatory training programs
After Confirmation
Permanent Status Benefits:
- Confirmed permanent position
- Pension eligibility
- Annual increments
- Promotion opportunities
- Transfer eligibility (after 5 years)
- Further career advancement through efficiency bar exams
Exam Preparation Timeline
Immediate Action (Now – February 19)
Week 1-2: Foundation Building
- Join Yomal Watawala’s preparation classes
- Assess your current aptitude and reasoning skills
- Begin studying education sector developments
- Gather all required documents
Week 3-4: Intensive Preparation
- Practice timed aptitude tests
- Master general knowledge topics
- Begin teaching demonstration practice
- Complete application draft
Week 5-6: Application & Polish
- Submit application (February 20 – March 5)
- Continue mock tests and practice sessions
- Refine teaching demonstration
- Document organization for interview
After Application Submission
Pre-Exam Phase:
- Daily practice tests
- Group study sessions through WhatsApp
- Teaching demonstration refinement
- Interview preparation
Join preparation classes to access structured study materials and guidance
Expert Tips for Successful Application
Before Applying (Preparation Phase)
1. Verify Your Transcript
- Confirm your transcript clearly shows the 1/3 credit requirement
- If unclear, obtain an official letter from your University Registrar
- Have this ready before the application deadline
2. Choose Subjects Strategically
- Review vacancy tables for your preferred provinces
- Select subjects where you have strong academic background
- Consider demand in your chosen province
3. Gather All Documents
- Original certificates
- Certified copies
- Recent passport-size photographs
- JP certification arranged in advance
During Application (Submission Phase)
4. Avoid Last-Minute Rush
- Don’t wait until March 5 deadline
- System congestion is common in final 48 hours
- Submit at least 3 days early (by March 2)
5. Double-Check Everything
- Mobile number and email (for notifications)
- Subject codes and provincial preferences
- Personal details and NIC number
- Remember: No amendments after submission
6. Payment Confirmation
- Complete payment and save receipt
- Screenshot confirmation for backup
- Note payment reference number
After Application (Preparation Phase)
7. Exam Preparation
- Join preparation classes immediately
- Practice aptitude and reasoning questions
- Study education sector developments since 2010
- Prepare teaching demonstration content
8. Document Organization
- Create a file with all required documents
- Make certified copies in advance
- Prepare University Registrar letter if needed
9. Teaching Demonstration Practice
- Practice 5-minute lessons on your subjects
- Record yourself and review
- Focus on voice, clarity, and time management
- Remember: You need minimum 2 marks in ALL categories
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Application Stage Mistakes
❌ Waiting until last day: System crashes are common due to high traffic❌ Wrong subject selection: Not checking if you meet the 1/3 credit requirement
❌ Ignoring provincial restrictions: Applying for restricted subjects in Eastern Province
❌ Incorrect contact details: Missing exam notifications due to wrong number/email
❌ Incomplete payment: Not keeping payment receipt for verification
Examination Stage Mistakes
❌ Ignoring 40% rule: You need 40% in BOTH papers individually, not just combined
❌ Wrong exam medium: Not realizing the exam medium becomes your recruitment medium
❌ Poor time management: Not practicing timed aptitude tests before exam
❌ Lack of preparation: Assuming general knowledge without studying education sector specifics
Practical Test Mistakes
❌ Going over 5 minutes: Strict time limit enforced
❌ Ignoring one category: Remember, even one zero in any criteria means total failure
❌ No preparation: Assuming teaching skills alone are sufficient
❌ Poor voice projection: Not practicing in a classroom-like setting
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I apply if I completed my degree in 2024?
A: Yes, if you completed your degree between February 10, 2023, and June 30, 2025, you qualify under the special “Note 3” provision.
Q2: What if my transcript doesn’t show credit breakdown clearly?
A: You must obtain an official letter from your University Registrar confirming that at least 1/3 of your total credits are in the subject you’re applying for.
Q3: Can I apply for subjects in multiple provinces?
A: Yes, you select a home province and can add one additional province as backup. However, your appointment will be school-based in one location.
Q4: What happens if I fail one paper but pass the other?
A: You will not qualify for the next stage. You must score minimum 40% in EACH paper independently.
Q5: Can I change my subject choices after submission?
A: No. The application explicitly states that no amendments are allowed after online submission.
Q6: Is work experience required?
A: No, work experience is not a requirement. Fresh graduates can apply.
Q7: Can I apply if I’m currently in private sector employment?
A: Yes, the restriction is only on those who were in government service as of February 10, 2023 (with exceptions under Note 3).
Q8: Will I get transferred after 5 years automatically?
A: No. After 5 years, you become eligible to apply for transfers, but they are not automatic.
Q9: Can I appear for the exam in English medium?
A: Yes, exams are available in Sinhala, Tamil, and English mediums. However, the medium you choose becomes your official recruitment medium.
Q10: What if I have a disability?
A: There is a 3% quota for persons with disabilities. You must meet minimum examination requirements and be deemed fit for teaching duties.
Q11: How difficult is the aptitude test?
A: The aptitude test requires practice. Join preparation classes to master logical reasoning, numerical problems, and time management strategies.
Q12: What topics are covered in general knowledge?
A: Focus on education sector developments, reforms, and modernization initiatives in Sri Lanka since 2010, plus current educational policies.
Salary Scale and Allowances
GE 01-2025 Salary Scale
Initial Appointment: Grade 3-I (Class III, Grade I (a))
Starting Point: 14th step of the salary scale
Monthly Salary: Rs. 64,440
Full Salary Scale Progression
Rs. 53,060 – 800 x 6 – 940 x 7 – 1080 x 2 – Rs. 66,600
Annual Increments: Regular increments based on efficiency bar completion
Additional Benefits
- Cost of Living Allowance
- Government service allowances
- Pension contributions
- Medical benefits
- Leave entitlements
- Festival advances
Understanding the 1/3 Credit Requirement
This is the most commonly misunderstood eligibility criterion.
What Does 1/3 Credit Mean?
If your degree is 120 credits total, you need at least 40 credits in the specific subject you’re applying to teach.
Example 1: Biology Teacher Application
Total Degree Credits: 120
Biology-related credits needed: 40
Qualifying courses: General Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Zoology, Botany
Example 2: English Teacher Application
Total Degree Credits: 90
English-related credits needed: 30
Qualifying courses: English Literature, Linguistics, Communication, Writing Skills, British Literature, American Literature
What If It’s Not Clear?
If your transcript doesn’t break down credits by subject clearly:
- Visit your university’s Registrar office
- Request an official letter confirming your subject credits
- Get it on university letterhead with official stamp
- Bring this to your interview
Download Official Documents
Official Gazette
Full details available in Gazette No. 2474/19, published February 2, 2026
Download: https://documents.gov.lk/view/extra-gazettes/2026/2/2474-18_S.pdf
Application Portal
Official Website: www.doenets.lk
Open: February 20, 2026 (9:00 AM)
Close: March 05, 2026 (9:00 PM)
Contact Information
Department of Examinations
Official Website: www.doenets.lk
Technical Support: Available during application period
Help Desk: Contact through official portal
For Exam Preparation & Class Registration
Preparation Classes: Yomal Watawala
Registration: Join WhatsApp Group
Course Duration: Until exam date
Focus Areas: Written exam, practical test, interview preparation
Class Format: Live sessions, practice tests, teaching demonstration coaching
Conclusion: Your Path to a Teaching Career Starts Now
The 2026 Graduate Teacher Recruitment represents a rare opportunity to enter the Sri Lanka Teachers’ Service with permanent, pensionable status through a competitive examination. With a starting salary of Rs. 64,440, clear career progression, and job security, this is an attractive career path for graduates seeking stability and social impact.
Key Takeaways
✅ Selection through competitive written exam, interview, and practical test
✅ Application opens February 20, 2026 – don’t miss the window
✅ Professional exam preparation significantly improves success rates
✅ Verify your 1/3 credit requirement before applying
✅ Choose provinces strategically – 5-year no-transfer rule applies
✅ Submit application early to avoid technical issues
✅ Prepare thoroughly for all three selection stages
Your Next Steps
- Join preparation classes NOW – Don’t wait for applications to open
- Review eligibility against the checklist above
- Gather documents and verify transcript credits
- Mark calendar for February 20 application opening
- Submit application early (by March 2 recommended)
- Continue intensive preparation through exam date
Start Your Preparation Today
Click here to join Yomal Watawala’s WhatsApp group for entrance exam preparation classes
✅ Expert guidance for aptitude and reasoning
✅ Education sector general knowledge mastery
✅ Teaching demonstration coaching
✅ Mock tests and practice materials
✅ Application strategy and document support
The application window is brief – February 20 to March 5. Your classroom and a secure teaching career await. Join preparation classes now and give yourself the competitive advantage.
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Last Updated: February 5, 2026
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