Several states are holding special Teacher Eligibility Tests for teachers already in service over the next few weeks. The reason is a Supreme Court ruling: passing TET is now required for in-service teachers to keep their jobs and for any promotion. Here is what the rule says and where the exams stand.
What the Supreme Court said
- TET applies to in-service teachers too. In Anjuman Ishaat-e-Taleem Trust, the court held that qualifying TET is a mandatory condition for continuing in service, and so also for promotion.
- If you have more than five years of service left, you must pass TET or you cannot continue in service. On 29 May 2026, ruling on review petitions from states and teachers’ groups, the court extended the deadline by a year, to 31 August 2028. It said no further extension will be given.
- Promotion needs TET whatever your remaining service.
- States should hold TET twice a year, about six months apart, so teachers get a fair chance, the court said.
Special TETs so far
| State | Status |
|---|---|
| Telangana | Special TGTET for in-service teachers, a computer-based test scheduled between 16 and 21 November in the state’s press note. Some reports say it has moved to 22 November, so check your hall ticket for the date. |
| Andhra Pradesh | A special TET for in-service teachers is listed on the state’s TET and DSC portal |
| Uttar Pradesh | Special TET for working teachers already held; answer key out, as reported |
| Tamil Nadu | Special TET on 20 December, as reported |
| Madhya Pradesh | Exam for in-service teachers on 20 December, as reported; only about 34,000 applied |
If you are a working teacher
- Work out your remaining service. If you have more than five years left, you have until 31 August 2028 to pass.
- Take the first chance you get. States are expected to hold the test more often, but each attempt you miss leaves fewer before the deadline.
- Want a promotion? You need TET whatever your remaining service.
- Follow your own state’s notice. Each state sets its own dates, papers and pass marks.
Sources: Supreme Court judgment of 29 May 2026 in State of U.P. v. Anjuman Ishaat-e-Taleem Trust (Review Petition Diary No. 53434/2025, 2026 INSC 597); Telangana School Education press note Rc. No. 444 dated 1 October 2026; AP TET-DSC portal; Dainik Bhaskar and other reports for Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
