NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has ruled that clearing the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is mandatory for teachers to remain in service or to be eligible for promotion.
The verdict applies even to those appointed before the law mandating the TET came into force.
A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan issued the order while hearing multiple civil appeals, including Anjuman Ishat-E-Talim Trust vs State of Maharashtra and Others, regarding the eligibility of teachers.
The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) had made TET compulsory on July 29, 2011, for appointments in classes 1 to 8.
The main question before the court was whether teachers appointed prior to this notification also need to clear TET to remain in service or be considered for promotion.
Detailed guidelines
Teachers appointed before the TET mandate and have less than five years of service left until superannuation may continue without clearing TET. However, they will not be considered for promotion unless they pass the exam.
Teachers in service before the mandate and having more than five years left until retirement must clear TET within two years. Failing to do so will result in compulsory retirement or termination, along with payment of retirement benefits.
The bench clarified that for retirement benefits, teachers must fulfill the required period of qualifying service. If there is any shortfall, the department concerned will decide on the matter as per rules.
Highlights of SC order
Aspiring teachers: Passing the TET is mandatory before applying for teaching jobs in Classes 1 to 8.
Serving teachers: If they have more than five years of service left, they must qualify the TET to continue or get promoted.
For those with less than five years of service left: They can continue without clearing the TET.