In a major ruling, the Supreme Court declared that TET is mandatory for in-service teachers. This means that even those already working in schools must pass the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) within two years of their appointment. Otherwise, they will lose their eligibility to continue teaching under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
This directive applies nationwide and overrides any conflicting state rules, such as those previously followed in Assam.
Warning: If you are an in-service teacher and haven’t cleared TET, you are now at risk of losing your job.
What Is TET and Why Is It Mandatory?
The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is a central requirement set by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) for the recruitment of teachers in government and aided schools. It aims to ensure that all teachers possess a minimum level of professional competency.
Previously, many in-service teachers continued teaching for years without passing TET. But this judgment clarifies that TET is not optional — it’s essential, and the two-year deadline applies to everyone.
Why the Court Made TET Mandatory for In-Service Teachers
Key Reasons Behind the Verdict:
- To maintain and uplift quality in education.
- To ensure fair standards across all Indian states.
- To avoid hiring or regularizing unqualified teachers.
The Supreme Court bench—comprising Justices Aniruddha Bose and Sudhanshu Dhulia—reiterated that the NCTE has complete authority to define eligibility norms. The Right to Education Act is central legislation, and state rules that contradict it are not valid.
Assam’s 5-Year Rule Struck Down
The court was responding to multiple petitions regarding the Assam Teacher Eligibility Test Rules (2012), which allowed in-service teachers up to five years to clear TET. The petitioners claimed that TET should not apply to those already in the system.
However, the Supreme Court rejected this argument and made it clear:
“All teachers appointed under the RTE Act must pass TET within two years. Otherwise, the appointment is invalid.”
The Assam rule was struck down as it conflicted with the central RTE law. This sets a precedent that may affect similar state-specific rules across the country.
In-Service Teachers Without TET: What Happens Now?
If you’re a teacher who was hired without TET or haven’t passed it yet, here’s what you need to know:
- You cannot claim permanent employment without passing TET.
- You have two years from your appointment date to qualify.
- B.Ed or D.El.Ed alone is not enough — TET is now non-negotiable.
- If you fail to clear it, your position becomes legally invalid.
The Bigger Picture: Quality Over Quantity
The court emphasized that exempting in-service teachers from TET would defeat the purpose of the Right to Education Act, which was designed not just to provide education, but to provide quality education.
“Making TET mandatory ensures that students are taught by competent and qualified professionals,” the court stated.
Final Warning: No TET, No Job — Even for Experienced Teachers
This judgment acts as a wake-up call for all teachers who’ve been teaching for years without meeting eligibility norms. Whether you’re in a temporary, contract, or permanent post — if you haven’t cleared TET within the deadline, your job is now at risk.
Urgent Advice for Teachers Without TET or B.Ed:
- Start preparing for TET immediately if you haven’t already.
- Enroll in a B.Ed or D.El.Ed course if you lack formal teaching qualifications.
- Don’t assume your experience will protect you — the law now demands certification.
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