The Supreme Court of India has recently delivered a significant judgment on the Teachers’ Eligibility Test. A bench led by Justices Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan ruled that qualifying TET is a mandatory requirement not only for fresh appointments but also for teachers already in service who seek promotions. The court clarified that even those who have more than five years left before retirement must qualify. The decision has far-reaching implications for the teaching community and for the education system at large.
What is TET?
The Teachers’ Eligibility Test was introduced under the provisions of the Right to Education Act, 2009. Its central purpose is to establish a minimum benchmark of knowledge and pedagogy for teachers who aspire to serve in government and government-aided schools. It ensures that children, who are at the heart of the education system, are guided by individuals who meet professional teaching standards.
The test is conducted both at the central level (CTET by CBSE) and at the state level (such as UPTET, HTET, JTET, and others). Candidates apply depending on the region where they wish to serve.
Eligibility Criteria
The requirements differ according to the level of teaching.
Level Minimum Qualification
Primary (Class I–V)
Senior Secondary with at least 50% marks along with a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) OR Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed). Final year students may also apply.
Upper Primary (Class VI–VIII)
Graduation with a 2-year D.El.Ed OR Graduation with 50% marks and B.Ed OR Senior Secondary with 50% marks and 4-year B.El.Ed OR Graduation with 50% marks and 1-year B.Ed in Special Education. Final year students are also permitted.
Structure of the Examination
TET consists of two papers. Candidates seeking to teach at the primary level appear for Paper I, while those aspiring to teach at the upper primary level attempt Paper II.
Paper For Subjects Covered
Paper I For Classes
I–V Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics, Environmental Studies
Paper II For Classes VI–VIII
Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics and Science (for science teachers) OR Social Studies (for social studies teachers)
Examination Pattern
Duration: 2.5 hours for each paper
Total Questions: 150, all multiple-choice
Marking: One mark for each correct answer, no negative marking
Qualifying Marks
General category: 60% (90 out of 150 marks)
Reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC, etc.): 55% (82 out of 150 marks)
Why TET Matters?
Teaching is not simply about passing on information. It involves understanding child psychology, applying pedagogy effectively, and cultivating an environment where children learn to think critically. Without a proper filter, anyone with a degree could claim the role of a teacher. TET ensures that teachers possess both subject knowledge and teaching aptitude.
Its significance can already be observed in states where the exam has been strictly implemented. Classrooms show better discipline, learning outcomes have improved, and parents have developed more trust in the education system. Teachers too have found greater confidence in their role after clearing the test, as it validates their professional readiness.