The State Post Graduate Teacher (STPGT) recruitment examination has once again pushed the Teachers Recruitment Board, Tripura (TRBT), into controversy. Thousands of unemployed youths across the state have expressed anger over alleged errors in question papers, incorrect answer keys, and what they describe as administrative indifference.
The fresh controversy has raised serious questions about the credibility and transparency of teacher recruitment in Tripura. Aspirants allege that repeated delays and flawed processes have already pushed many candidates beyond the age limit for government jobs.
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Exam Held on December 7 Sparks Dispute
The dispute centres on the STPGT examination conducted on December 7. Soon after the exam, candidates claimed that several questions across subjects were incorrect. The situation worsened after TRBT published the tentative answer key.
Aspirants alleged that the answer key contained multiple wrong answers. Following prescribed procedures, they submitted objections along with academic references and documentary proof. They expected the board to correct the mistakes before releasing the final key.
However, candidates allege that TRBT ignored all objections. The board released the final answer key without making any changes. This move intensified accusations of arbitrariness and lack of accountability.
Bengali Paper Draws Strong Objections
In the Bengali subject paper, candidates flagged serious factual errors. One disputed question asked about the period of composition of Kamalakanta’s Daptar by Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay. TRBT’s final answer key identified the year as 1875.
Candidates rejected this claim and cited established literary history. They pointed out that the essays were first published in the journal Bangadarshan from Bhadra 1280 of the Bengali calendar, which corresponds to 1873 AD. Based on this timeline, aspirants argue that the answer provided by TRBT is historically incorrect.
They further alleged that other options in the question were also wrong, leaving only one academically valid answer that the subject experts rejected.
Sanskrit Question Raises Academic Concerns
Another controversial question involved the authorship of the classical Sanskrit treatise Dhvanyaloka. TRBT’s answer key named Anandavardhana as the sole author.
Candidates disputed this claim, stating that Dhvanyaloka consists of three parts—Karika, Vritti, and Tika. While Anandavardhana authored the Vritti and Abhinavagupta wrote the Tika, the Karika has no known author.
Aspirants cited Kavyajijnasa by Atul Gupta, a book included in the official syllabus, which clearly mentions that the Karika was composed by an anonymous author. Despite syllabus-based references, candidates allege that TRBT failed to acknowledge the correct academic position.
Alleged Errors Across Multiple Subjects
Candidates insist that these issues are not limited to one or two subjects. They claim that similar errors appear in several papers, raising doubts about the qualifications and competence of the subject experts involved.
As a result, the controversy has shifted from individual mistakes to a broader debate on institutional responsibility and academic integrity.
Aspirants Allege Harassment by Authorities
Several candidates alleged that when they approached TRBT and the Education Department for redressal, officials behaved insensitively. Some aspirants claimed that staff forcibly removed them from offices and threatened police action.
They described such behaviour as a violation of democratic norms and administrative responsibility.
Calls for Reform and Transparency
The issue has wider implications for Tripura’s education system. Teacher recruitment plays a critical role in academic quality, yet repeated controversies have weakened public trust.
Aspirants fear that favouritism and personal interests may influence recruitment outcomes, although authorities have not announced any official inquiry so far.
Candidates have demanded the immediate release of a corrected answer key and a fair reassessment process. They warned that failure to act would lead to mass protests, including gherao of TRBT and the Education Department.
TRBT Stands by Its Decision
TRBT has maintained that candidates may seek judicial intervention. The board has stated that it cannot alter decisions taken by subject experts. It also clarified that it does not grant government jobs and only conducts examinations such as TET-I, TET-II, STGT, and STPGT.
Delays Continue to Haunt Aspirants
Notably, most teacher recruitment processes in Tripura end up in prolonged litigation. Cases often move from the High Court to the Supreme Court. As a result, the recruitment cycle frequently takes nearly six years to complete.
Candidates argue that such delays deprive them of crucial working years, service benefits, and post-retirement security.
The ongoing STPGT controversy has once again highlighted the urgent need for recruitment reforms, accuracy, transparency, and time-bound processes in public employment.
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