TET Now Compulsory for Teachers; SC Grants Two Years to In-service Teachers

The Supreme Court in its latest judgment has made it compulsory for teachers to pass the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET). Additionally, serving teachers appointed before the RTE Act, 2009, who have more than 5 years of service remaining, will have to pass the TET exam in two years.

TET Now Compulsory for Teachers

The Supreme Court has made it compulsory for teachers seeking appointment as well as serving teachers appointed before the implementation of the RTE Act, 2009, who have more than 5 years of service remaining, to pass the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET). The Supreme Court bench further clarified that teachers who have 5 years or less of service remaining can continue to be employed as teachers even without passing the TET exam. However, such teachers will not be considered for promotion. Teachers who fail to pass the TET exam within two years will have to "quit service or take compulsory retirement".

The Supreme Court said that the TET requirement for teachers will not apply to minority schools or institutions for the time being. A larger bench of the court will decide on the applicability of TET in minority schools.

The verdict was delivered by a Supreme Court bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan while hearing a batch of petitions on TET eligibility for teachers on September 1, 2025.

TET Applicability: RTE Act

As per the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act), it is mandatory for teachers to obtain TET qualification. This applies to all aspiring teachers as well as working teachers.

Two Years for In-Service Teachers to Clear CTET or TET

Serving teachers who have more than 5 years of service left will have to clear the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) or any state TET exam, as applicable, in the next two years to continue in service. Failing which, such teachers will have to leave their service.

NCTE Decision on TET/ CTET

In 2011, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) made CTET or TET mandatory for candidates for teacher recruitment in government schools.