The issue surfaced in the state assembly this week when a legislator from the Samajwadi Party sought the government’s position. Education Minister Sandeep Singh said a ruling by the Supreme Court of India makes TET compulsory nationwide for teachers up to junior high level. He confirmed the state has filed a review petition challenging aspects of the decision, though legal analysts believe the chances of relief are limited because similar pleas from other states have already been dismissed.
The court’s September 2025 judgment directed that teachers with more than five years of service remaining must pass TET within two years under the Right to Education framework. Those who fail may have to resign or opt for compulsory retirement. The ruling effectively set a compliance deadline of September 2027 for most states.
Teacher unions say the decision has created widespread concern. Representatives announced protest plans, including black-armband demonstrations and district-level gatherings outside education offices, followed by a national rally at Ramlila Maidan in early March. Leaders argue that experienced teachers should not face job loss over a qualifying test, particularly those appointed before July 2011, when TET became mandatory under norms issued by the National Council for Teacher Education.
The controversy also highlights eligibility hurdles. Many affected teachers hold diplomas such as BTC or B.P.Ed but lack graduation degrees required to sit the exam. Officials estimate nearly 80,000 teachers may not meet eligibility criteria, complicating compliance.
Meanwhile, the Central Board of Secondary Education conducted the Central Teacher Eligibility Test earlier this month, with roughly 50,000 teachers from UP appearing. Results are awaited, and the schedule for the state-level test is expected later this year.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said experienced educators’ qualifications should not be disregarded and noted that the government provides regular training. However, unless legal relief is granted, authorities may ultimately be required to enforce the national mandate.
With deadlines approaching and legal proceedings ongoing, the fate of nearly two lakh teachers remains uncertain, placing the state’s primary education system at a critical juncture.
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