India Supreme Court extends TET deadline to 2028 for teachers

The Supreme Court of India ruled that all government teachers must pass the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) to retain their service and be eligible for promotion. The court extended the deadline for teachers who have not yet passed the exam from 31 August 2027 to 31 August 2028, giving an additional year for preparation. The order applies nationwide, affecting roughly 2 million teachers, including about 1.86 lakh in Uttar Pradesh and 1.5 lakh in Madhya Pradesh. The bench rejected petitions seeking exemptions for teachers appointed before the 2009 Right‑to‑Education Act and directed every state to conduct TET at least twice a year, stating that no further extensions will be granted.

The decision has prompted mixed reactions: teacher unions have expressed strong opposition, while education officials emphasize the need for qualified teachers to improve the quality of primary education.