The HSA (High School Assistant) English is a teaching position that involves teaching English to students in classes 8 to 10 in Kerala's government and aided high schools.These teachers play a crucial role in enhancing students' proficiency in English and preparing them for board exams. If we want to get this post we have to go through HSA English exam conducted by Kerala PSC. If you're aiming to become an HSA (High School Assistant) English teacher in Kerala's government and aided schools, this guide will walk you through the qualification requirements, exam details, career growth, and more.
To qualify for the Kerala PSC HSA English Teacher post, candidates must meet certain educational and certification requirements:
Educational Qualification:
Candidates must possess a degree in English (BA English) or any equivalent degree recognized by the university.
B.Ed. degree in English is also mandatory, as it provides specialized training in teaching methods.
Candidates must pass the Kerala Teacher Eligibility Test (KTET), a mandatory exam for teaching positions in Kerala government schools.
Generally, candidates should be between 18 and 40 years(Candidates born between 02 January 1984 and 01 January 2006 (both dates inclusive) are eligible to apply under the 18-40 age category)However, SC, ST, OBC, and ex-servicemen are eligible for age relaxation(
The basic salary of an HSA English teacher falls under the pay scale determined by the Kerala government. The salary varies depending on experience, qualifications, and promotions. The starting salary for an HSA English teacher typically ranges between ₹41300 to ₹ 87000 per month, depending on the entry level and experience. Teachers receive an annual increment in their salary based on the number of years in service and their performance. In addition to the basic salary, HSA English teachers are entitled to various allowances provided by the government:
Dearness Allowance (DA):
A cost-of-living adjustment allowance is provided to offset inflation. This amount is revised periodically.
House Rent Allowance (HRA):
Teachers receive HRA, which varies depending on the location of the school (urban, semi-urban, or rural areas).
Medical Allowance:
Coverage for medical expenses, including reimbursement for hospitalization and treatment costs under government-approved schemes.
Travel Allowance (TA):
Teachers posted in remote or rural areas may receive travel allowances to compensate for commuting expenses.
Other Allowances:
Festival allowance and special allowances during exam duties or additional responsibilities may also be provided.
The core responsibility of an HSA English teacher is to teach English language and literature to high school students
Prepare lesson plans in accordance with the Kerala State Education Board's syllabus. Lessons need to cover grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing, and English literature.
Conduct classes, deliver lectures, and engage students with interactive activities to improve their English language skills, including speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
Prepare and conduct internal tests, assignments, and term-end exams to evaluate the students' understanding of the material.
An HSA teacher is also involved in various administrative tasks as part of the school’s staff:
Collaborate with school management, other teachers, and administrative staff to plan academic activities, functions, and events.
Participate in professional development programs organized by the education department or other educational bodies to improve teaching techniques and methodologies
Motivate students to participate in debates, essay writing, and other extracurricular activities that enhance language skills.
Promotions for HSA (English) teachers in Kerala occur in stages and are based on years of service and experience. The promotion ladder is as follows:
From HSA to Senior HSA: After gaining sufficient experience and years of service as an HSA, teachers are promoted to Senior HSA.
High School Headmaster/Headmistress: Senior HSAs with several years of experience can qualify for the position of headmaster or headmistress.
Promotion to Higher Secondary Schools: HSAs can also be promoted to the position of Higher Secondary School Teacher (HSST) after fulfilling specific requirements. Experience is a key factor, and candidates with more job experience are eligible to write the HSST exam conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
Earning a postgraduate degree in English (MA English) increases the likelihood of promotion since a master’s degree is mandatory for the higher secondary teacher position.
Administrative Roles in the Education Department: HSAs can advance to administrative roles such as District Educational Officer (DEO) or Assistant Educational Officer (AEO). Promotions to these roles are based on job experience, seniority, and passing various exams.
The Kerala PSC (Public Service Commission) releases notifications for HSA English vacancies on its official website. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply:
Create a Profile on Kerala PSC Thulasi Portal:
Register on the Kerala PSC official website (thulasi.psc.kerala.gov.in) by providing necessary details like your name, contact info, and qualifications.
Look for Notifications:
Check for HSA (English) vacancies and exam notifications on the website. These are released periodically based on the demand for teachers.
Submit the Application:
Once the notification is out, apply online through the portal by filling out the form and uploading documents
HSA is a state-wide exam and each district has a separate rank link. Based on that, appointments are made in the districts. The notification of this post is expected in the end of 2024 because the last exam for this post was held in 2022. The rank list came in 2023. It's rank list will expire in 2026. Notification may be sometime in this year. If it does not come this year, there will be a notification in the first months of 2025.Anyway there will be HSA English exam by mid 2025
The syllabus is vital for success in PSC exams as it provides a clear structure for what to study, ensuring focused and efficient preparation. By following the syllabus, candidates can prioritize important topics, manage their time effectively, and avoid wasting energy on irrelevant content. It also builds confidence, knowing you're covering the essential areas likely to appear in the exam. A strong understanding of the syllabus ensures you are aligned with the examiners' expectations, significantly improving your chances of success. To get HSA English syllabus CLICK HERE
Make sure to identify all the topics with the available syllabus and study the questions from the most important sections. Write mock tests.Challenger App is a mobile app that provides study video classes, previous year question papers, daily mock tests of 100 marks etc. The classes of the best teachers are arranged according to the syllabus. As such around 10 lakh students are studying using this app and many people have entered the job.