CTET vs KVS vs DSSSB: Which is Better for Teaching Aspirants in 2026?

Everything becomes confusing when you understand that CTET is not a job but a certificate of eligibility. KVS and DSSSB are real recruitment organizations, which hold exams to recruit teachers. CTET cannot be compared to either KVS or DSSSB since they have dissimilar purposes. But knowing the connection between the three is all you need to plan your career wisely.

CTET is the Central Teacher Eligibility Test, which is administered by CBSE on a biannual basis. It is obligatory in the case of applying to school teaching jobs in the central government, including KVS, NVS, and DSSSB. You cannot apply to the posts of PRT or TGT without passing CTET Paper I or Paper II.

KVS Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan is a system of 1200+ schools (run by the central government) in India and other countries. DSSSB is the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board that recruits teachers to work with government schools in Delhi. Both need to be qualified in CTET, but the working conditions, transfer policy, and career development are very different.

Also Read: KVS/NVS/DSSSB Vacancies for CTET 2026 Qualified Candidates

The Real Difference Among CTET, KVS, and DSSSB

This table brings out the most sought-after information for the aspirants; these three are not alternatives, but they work in a hierarchy. CTET is the base qualification, which has a lifetime validity and thus becomes a one-time investment in your teaching career. KVS and DSSSB are at the second level, as they have their own recruitment exams independently. Though the validity of CTET is lifetime, that is, in case you fail in the KVS or DSSSB exam now, you can retake the test in the forthcoming recruitment process without the need to take CTET again. The next important thing is that although CTET qualifies you to work in various organisations at once, every KVS or DSSSB recruitment is independent; passing in either KVS or DSSSB does not provide an advantage in the other.

The biggest confusion among aspirants is treating these three as alternatives. Here's why you should not:

Source: CBSE, KVS, and DSSSB official notifications 2025-2026

Which Offers Better Career- KVS or DSSSB?

In both, the salary structure is based on the 7th Pay Commission. KVS PRT basic salary is Rs 35,400, TGT is Rs 44,900, and PGT is Rs 47,600. DSSSB also provides the same basic remuneration. The in-hand salary is Rs. 50000 to 82000 per month based on position, city, DA and HRA.

Nevertheless, KVS offers opportunities for transfers on a nationwide basis. You are assigned to work in various states as well as in other countries. There are no transfers of DSSSB teachers, and they work only in Delhi. DSSSB will be ideal for those who want stability in Delhi. KVS would be a better fit if you like exploring new places.

Career progression differs. In KVS, teachers, principal, assistant commissioner, and deputy commissioner are promoted by means of departmental exams. The teachers in DSSSB are also promoted to the principal level, but the promotion hierarchy is not the same as KVS.

Which Exam Is Tougher- CTET, KVS, or DSSSB?

The easiest exam out of all is the CTET, as it is a qualifying exam with no negative marking and reduced cutoffs. The majority of applicants pass CTET within 2-3 months of focused preparation. KVS and DSSSB are both difficult because of negative marking as well as intense competition. KVS introduces the pressure of the interview and demonstration classes at later stages of the exam. DSSSB is more subject-based, with 50 per cent weightage on specific teaching subjects alone.

Consider what you would like to be ten years down the line. DSSSB promises that in case stability in one city is important due to family commitments, one can be assured. In case you are highly energetic and like exploring new places, KVS is the place. Quite a number of aspirants prepare for the two concurrently because there are numerous overlaps in their syllabus, and the two are also similar in negative marking. With your CTET qualification, you have both opportunities, and it is up to you to decide whether you want to take two tiers exam with interview, i.e. KVS or one tier exam with more in-depth subject matter, i.e. DSSSB.

Also Read: How to Get Teacher Jobs in Private Schools After CTET: DPS, DAV, Amity

What I can suggest is that this choice is a decision that will totally depend on your situation and ambition. CTET is anyway important, so first focus on clearing that. Post that you can analyse KVS and DSSSB according to your preference for stability or diversity. They both present great government jobs with job security and good remuneration.

If you have any questions regarding the difference between CTET, KVS or DSSSB, drop your queries in the CollegeDekho QnA section . Stay tuned to our page for more updates on Teacher recruitment exams!