Overview
The Non-Government Teachers' Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) is a statutory body in Bangladesh, set up in 2005 under the Non-Government Teachers' Registration and Certification Authority Act, 2005. It runs a competitive Teacher Registration Examination and issues registration certificates to those who pass. Only registered and certified candidates can be recommended by NTRCA for entry-level teaching posts in non-government schools, colleges, madrasas and technical and vocational institutions.
The examination has been held 18 times, from the 1st in 2005 to the 18th, announced on 2 November 2023. The facts below come from the 18th examination notice (in Bangla). NTRCA had not published a notice for a 19th examination on its site as of October 2026, so check the latest notice before you apply.
Who can apply
Eligibility depends on the post you apply for. The notice lists every post with its exam subject, the types of institution, and the minimum qualification under the latest MPO (government salary support) policy, usually a relevant bachelor's or master's degree, with set class or CGPA requirements.
Candidates who are still awaiting results ("appeared") cannot apply.
A candidate with a foreign degree must show an equivalence certificate from the relevant equivalence committee or Ministry of Education division at the viva.
Levels or stages
The examination is held at three levels, each with its own question papers:
School level
Assistant teacher posts in secondary schools and madrasas, in subjects such as Bangla, English, social science, business studies, mathematics, physical science, biology, agriculture, home economics, ICT, fine arts, and physical education, plus assistant maulavi posts.
School level 2
Trade instructor, ebtedayi maulavi, ebtedayi teacher (general) and ebtedayi qari posts.
College level
Lecturer, instructor (technical and non-technical) and demonstrator posts.
Exam pattern
Candidates pass through three stages in order: a preliminary test, then a written examination, then a viva.
| Stage | Format | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary test | 100 multiple-choice questions, marked by OMR machine | 100 | 1 hour |
| Written examination | Written paper in the subject of the post | 100 per subject | 3 hours per subject |
| Viva voce | Interview | 20 | - |
Preliminary test. Each correct answer earns 1 mark and each wrong answer loses 0.25 marks. The paper covers Bangla, English, general mathematics and general knowledge, 25 marks each.
Written examination. Answers in Bangla, English or other language subjects must be written in that language; other subjects may be answered in Bangla or English. Candidates are called to the viva in merit order based on written marks, in the number set by the rules.
Viva. Candidates must bring original certificates, mark sheets, admit cards and their national ID card. Failing to show the originals cancels the candidacy.
Syllabus
NTRCA publishes the syllabus for the preliminary and written tests on its website, including a separate syllabus for school level 2. Some written papers combine subjects; for example, the physical science paper covers physics and chemistry, and the biology paper covers botany and zoology.
Marking and results
The final result is based on the written and viva marks. NTRCA states that there is no re-evaluation or re-examination of preliminary or written answer scripts. Within 90 days of the final result, NTRCA sends each successful candidate's certificate to the district education office of the permanent address given in the application.
Important dates
For the 18th examination (2023 cycle), online applications ran from 9 November 2023 to 30 November 2023. Preliminary and written test dates are announced later in national newspapers, on the NTRCA website and by SMS.
How to apply
Read the notice and pick the post that matches your qualification.
Apply online through NTRCA's Teletalk application site, uploading a photo and signature. Details cannot be changed after you submit.
Pay the exam fee by SMS from a Teletalk prepaid mobile, following the steps in the notice. An application is not accepted until the fee is paid.
Download your admit card when you receive the SMS. Admit cards for each later stage are issued only to those who pass the previous stage.
After the exam
The registration certificate itself is not a job. Under the Ministry of Education's circular of 25 January 2024 (which replaced the 2015 circular), NTRCA collects vacancies from non-government institutions, takes online applications from registered candidates, and recommends candidates for appointment by merit and preference through an automated process. In 2026 NTRCA also ran a separate recruitment examination for institution heads and assistant heads, with an MCQ test followed by a viva.
Preparation tips
Build speed and accuracy for the preliminary test, since wrong answers cost 0.25 marks.
Prepare all four preliminary subjects evenly; each is worth 25 marks.
Study the official syllabus for your post's written subject, including any combined papers.
Keep all admit cards and original documents safe for the viva and for collecting your certificate.
Does passing the NTRCA exam give me a teaching job?
No. It gives you a registration certificate. Jobs come later through NTRCA's merit-based recommendation process for vacant posts.
Is there negative marking in the preliminary test?
Yes. In the 18th examination, each wrong answer cost 0.25 marks.
Can I ask for my written script to be re-checked?
No. NTRCA's notice states that there is no re-evaluation or re-examination of answer scripts.