SNS KASHMIR
New Delhi, May 29: In a significant relief to lakhs of in-service teachers across the country, the Supreme Court has reportedly granted time till August 2028 for teachers to acquire the mandatory Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) qualification.
The development comes amid growing concern and protests from teachers’ organizations and several state governments following the apex court’s earlier ruling that made TET qualification compulsory for teachers teaching Classes 1 to 8 in non-minority educational institutions.
The matter pertains to the implementation of provisions under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, and notifications issued by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), which prescribe TET as a minimum qualification for teachers.
The Supreme Court, in its landmark judgment delivered in September 2025, had held that in-service teachers who still have more than five years of service remaining must clear the TET examination to continue in service and remain eligible for promotions.
Following the judgment, several state governments and teachers’ associations approached the Supreme Court seeking review and relaxation, arguing that lakhs of experienced teachers appointed before the enforcement of TET norms would face uncertainty regarding their careers and livelihoods. Reports suggest that more than 25 lakh teachers across India could be affected by the ruling.
During the hearing of review petitions, the apex court reportedly extended the deadline till August 2028, providing substantial relief to serving teachers and allowing them additional time to qualify the examination.The court, however, reiterated the importance of maintaining quality standards in school education and observed that children have a constitutional right to quality education under Article 21A of the Constitution.
The bench maintained that qualified teachers are essential for strengthening the education system. The issue has triggered widespread debate across the country, particularly in states where a large number of teachers were appointed before TET became mandatory. Teachers’ bodies had expressed concern that implementation of the earlier deadline could lead to mass retirements, shortage of staff, and disruption in school education.
Several states, including Tamil Nadu and Kerala, had sought reconsideration of the ruling, highlighting administrative and practical difficulties in ensuring that all in-service teachers clear the examination within the original timeframe.
Education experts believe that the extension till August 2028 will provide teachers adequate opportunity to prepare for the examination while allowing governments to organize special training and support programmes for in-service educators.The matter continues to remain under judicial consideration, and further directions from the Supreme Court are expected in the coming months”