Centre Seeks State Data on TET Impact; Decision on Pre-2011 Teachers Under Consideration

Centre asks states to submit data on teachers affected by TET mandate after Supreme Court ruling. Relief for teachers appointed before 2011 under consideration.

Union Ministry of Education has asked all states and Union Territories to submit details of teachers affected by the mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) requirement, a move that could bring relief to a large number of in-service government teachers across the country.

This exercise follows Supreme Court’s September 2025 ruling, which made TET compulsory for teachers teaching Classes 1 to 8. The verdict led to concerns among teachers who were appointed years before the TET framework came into force and had continued in service under earlier recruitment rules.

Relief Sought for Teachers Appointed Before TET Introduction

Centre is examining the impact of the ruling on teachers appointed prior to 2011, when TET was introduced under the Right to Education Act. States have been asked to provide data on the number of such teachers, their years of service, age profile, and whether they possess TET or CTET qualifications.

The information will be used to assess whether exemptions or relaxations can be considered for teachers recruited before the TET requirement became mandatory.

Large Number of Teachers Affected Nationwide

Initial estimates indicate that more than 12 lakh teachers across states could be affected by the current interpretation of the TET mandate. Many of them have been teaching for over a decade and were never required to qualify TET at the time of their appointment.

State governments have conveyed that enforcing the rule retrospectively could affect staffing in government schools and delay promotions of experienced teachers.

Next Steps

The Ministry of Education is expected to review the submissions from states before taking a final decision. Any clarification or policy change is likely to apply at the national level and will determine how the TET requirement is implemented for in-service teachers going forward.