Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) Now Compulsory for Teachers: Supreme Court Dismisses All Review Petitions

In a major development for the education sector, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed all review petitions challenging its earlier judgment that made the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) mandatory for in-service teachers. However, the Court has granted a one-time extension for teachers to obtain the required qualification.

Supreme Court's Major Decision

A Bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan dismissed multiple review petitions filed by various state governments, teachers' associations, and individual teachers. The petitions sought reconsideration of the Court's earlier judgment making TET compulsory for eligible in-service teachers.

TET Remains Mandatory

• TET is a mandatory qualification for eligible in-service teachers.
• Teachers must clear TET to continue in service where applicable.
• TET is also compulsory for promotion in service.
• The Court emphasized maintaining quality education standards.

Deadline Extended to 31 August 2028

Considering the practical difficulties faced by teachers and the need to maintain continuity in elementary education, the Supreme Court has extended the deadline for obtaining TET qualification.

Earlier Deadline	Revised Deadline
31 August 2027	31 August 2028

The Court extended the compliance period from 2 years to 3 years, giving teachers an additional year to qualify the examination.

Important Directions Issued by the Court

• States and competent authorities should conduct TET examinations regularly.
• TET should preferably be conducted twice every year.
• There should be approximately six months between two examinations.
• Teachers must be given sufficient opportunities to obtain the qualification.

No Further Extension

The Supreme Court has clearly stated that:

No further request for extension of time will be entertained.

This means the deadline of 31 August 2028 is likely to be the final opportunity for eligible teachers to acquire the TET qualification.

Important 

The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is compulsory for eligible in-service teachers and has dismissed all review petitions challenging the requirement. While granting relief through a one-year extension, the Court emphasized that quality education for children must remain the top priority.

Teachers covered under the judgment should now prepare to obtain the TET qualification by 31 August 2028.

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Read Here Conclusion Of Order