TET: Will teachers get relief from the mandatory TET exam? A major update has emerged, the central government has sought a report from all states.

The Supreme Court's September 2025 judgment made it mandatory for all teachers to pass the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET). Since then, there has been uncertainty regarding the jobs and future of long-serving non-TET-qualified teachers. Teacher organizations and elected representatives have continuously demanded relief from the central government. Now, the central government has taken a significant step in this direction, raising hopes of relief for millions of teachers.

The Supreme Court's decision has affected millions of primary school teachers across the country. Teachers who have been teaching for years but have not yet passed the TET are under immense mental pressure, saying they are torn between focusing on teaching children and preparing for the exam. Meanwhile, teacher organizations intensified their demands for an exemption from the TET requirement from the central government.

Central Government Seeks Detailed Reports from States
Now, the Department of School Education and Literacy of the Ministry of Education has sought reports from all states. The ministry has requested complete details of teachers appointed before 2011 for classes 1 to 8. States have to provide this information by January 16th. A letter to this effect was sent to the Chief Secretaries of all states on December 31st. States have also been asked how many teachers were appointed before and after 2011, how many have passed the TET or CTET, and how many have not. Details regarding the age, educational qualifications, and training of the teachers have also been requested.

Millions of Teachers Hope for Relief
This move by the central government is expected to provide relief to approximately 1.2 million teachers. In Uttar Pradesh, there are about 186,000 teachers who have not passed the TET. In Rajasthan, about 80,000 third-grade teachers will be affected by this decision. In Madhya Pradesh, this number could reach approximately 300,000, while in Jharkhand, 27,000 primary teachers have not passed the TET.

What was the Supreme Court's crucial decision in this matter?
According to the Supreme Court's decision, such teachers would have to pass the TET within two years, failing which they might have to leave their jobs or be retired. However, some relief has been given to teachers who have only five years of service remaining.

This is why the CTET exam, scheduled for February 8, 2026, has received a record number of applications. This time, more than 2.5 million candidates have filled out the form. Now, all eyes are on the decisions of the central and state governments.

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