Bhubaneswar, Sep 2: In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India on Monday declared that the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) mandatory for all school teachers across the country.

The ruling applies to both newly appointed and in-service teachers, including those who joined prior to 2012. Teachers who fail to qualify the TET within two years will face compulsory retirement, with terminal benefits.

The apex court clarified that teachers with less than five years of service remaining before retirement are exempt from the TET requirement for continuation. However, they must pass the test if they wish to be considered for promotion. The judgment stems from a case originating in Maharashtra and is now applicable nationwide.

Reacting to the verdict, Odisha’s School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond stated that the department will interpret the ruling carefully and ensure that teachers' interests are protected. He emphasized that the government will also monitor how other states respond to the directive.

Minister Gond acknowledged that many teachers were appointed before the implementation of OTET (Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test), when no such qualifying exam was in place.

With new guidelines now in effect, the department will deliberate on the best course of action to ensure compliance while safeguarding the careers of long-serving educators.

The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to impact thousands of teachers across India. It reinforces the importance of standardized qualifications in the education sector and aims to elevate teaching standards nationwide.

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