The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the Teachers’ Eligibility Test (TET) is a mandatory requirement for school teachers seeking appointments or promotions. The verdict clarifies that teachers must qualify the TET to continue their service and pursue career advancement, with certain provisions for those nearing retirement. The ruling aims to ensure a standardized assessment of teaching competency across India, reinforcing the quality of education in compliance with the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih clarified that teachers currently in service must qualify for the TET within two years if they have more than five years left until retirement. Failure to do so may compel them to resign or opt for compulsory retirement with terminal benefits.
This provision ensures that existing teachers meet the same eligibility standards as newly appointed candidates, maintaining a uniform benchmark for teaching quality across schools.
The Supreme Court offered relief to teachers with less than five years to retire, stating that they are not required to clear the TET. However, the ruling notes that such teachers will not be eligible for promotions during this period.
This provision balances the objective of standardizing teacher qualifications with fairness for experienced personnel nearing the end of their careers.
The bench delivered the verdict after reviewing a batch of petitions from various states, including Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, questioning whether TET is mandatory for teaching service.
One of the appellants, Anjuman Ishaat-e-Taleem Trust, a recognized minority education society, had approached the Supreme Court against the State of Maharashtra. The petition challenged the state’s authority to mandate TET for minority institutions and sought clarity on how this requirement would impact their constitutional rights.
The Supreme Court referred the question regarding minority schools to a larger bench, recognizing the sensitive nature of mandating TET in institutions established and administered by religious or linguistic minorities.
The court emphasized that:
RTE provisions apply to all schools, except minority institutions, until a final verdict is issued.
The rights of minority schools will be considered subject to the answers formulated by the larger bench.
This ensures that the ruling respects constitutional safeguards for minority educational institutions while addressing the broader objective of teacher competency.
The Supreme Court’s decision has significant implications for both recruitment and promotions:
Teachers in service must now clear the TET within two years to remain eligible for promotions.
Newly recruited teachers must qualify TET as a mandatory condition for appointment.
Experienced teachers nearing retirement remain exempt from the test but cannot be promoted, ensuring consistency in the application of the policy.
The ruling aims to enhance accountability, standardize qualifications, and improve the quality of teaching across Indian schools.
By making TET mandatory, the Supreme Court reinforces the importance of teacher competency in delivering quality education. The verdict aligns with the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which mandates qualified and capable teachers for all recognized schools.
It also serves as a reminder for state governments and educational authorities to ensure regular assessments and compliance with national teaching standards.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s ruling underscores that the Teachers’ Eligibility Test (TET) is now a non-negotiable requirement for teachers in service and for appointments, with specific provisions for those approaching retirement. While the final decision on minority institutions is pending, the verdict sets a clear precedent for teacher accountability, promotions, and recruitment policies nationwide.
By enforcing these standards, India aims to strengthen its education system, ensuring that all teachers possess the necessary qualifications and skills to provide quality education to students.