Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Tamil Nadu Assembly Seeks Permanent TET Exemption for Teachers
Tamil Nadu lawmakers want some experienced government teachers to be excused from taking a test called TET.
The proposed exemption would cover teachers appointed before 23 August 2010.
Officials said about 3,28,701 teachers could be affected by the test rule.
Many of them have worked continuously for 15 to 20 years.
The state says making them take the test now could put their jobs and promotions at risk.
The Assembly asked the Union Government to change part of the Right to Education law.
It also requested rules from the National Council for Teacher Education to make the exemption possible.
The resolution passed after support from several political parties.
The Tamil Nadu Assembly adopted a resolution seeking a full, permanent TET exemption for government teachers appointed before 23 August 2010.
School Education Minister A Rajmohan said approximately 3,28,701 government teachers could be affected by the requirement.
The minister said many affected teachers have completed 15 to 20 years of uninterrupted service.
The resolution asks the Union Government to amend Section 23 of the Right to Education Act 2009 and issue supporting NCTE guidelines.
Members from the DMK, AIADMK, CPI, CPI(M) and PMK supported the resolution, which passed by voice vote.
- Who
- The Tamil Nadu Assembly, School Education Minister A Rajmohan, government school teachers appointed before 23 August 2010, and the Union Government.
- What
- The Assembly adopted a resolution seeking a full and permanent exemption from the Teacher Eligibility Test for eligible teachers.
- When
- The resolution was moved and adopted on Tuesday; the articles do not specify the calendar date.
- Where
- The resolution was adopted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in Chennai and seeks action by the Union Government.
- Why
- Tamil Nadu says requiring long-serving teachers to pass TET could affect their employment, promotions, other benefits and livelihoods.
Permanent Exemption for Experienced Teachers
Mandatory TET Requirement
Job security and career progression
Permanent Exemption for Experienced Teachers
Tamil Nadu ministers and supporters argue that teachers with 15 to 20 years of uninterrupted service should not risk their jobs, promotions or benefits because of a newly required examination.
Mandatory TET Requirement
The minister said TET is a mandatory qualification under the Right to Education Act, and referred to a recent Supreme Court ruling concerning serving teachers' eligibility for promotion and continued service.
Changing the national framework
Permanent Exemption for Experienced Teachers
The Assembly wants the Union Government to amend Section 23 of the Right to Education Act and enable the exemption through official National Council for Teacher Education guidelines.
Mandatory TET Requirement
The proposed exemption would require changes at the Central level because the existing legal and regulatory framework establishes TET as a mandatory qualification.
Division of authority over education
Permanent Exemption for Experienced Teachers
DMK member and former state minister E V Velu said some of the current difficulty might have been avoided if education had been placed on the state list.
Mandatory TET Requirement
The articles do not report a response from supporters of retaining the current division of authority.
- Affected teachers
- Approximately 3,28,701 government school teachers
- Appointment cutoff
- Before 23 August 2010
- Requested exemption
- A full and permanent exemption from the Teacher Eligibility Test
- Relevant legislation
- Section 23 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009
- Requested regulatory action
- National Council for Teacher Education guidelines supporting the exemption
- Protected benefits
- Employment, promotions and other existing service benefits
- Assembly outcome
- Passed by voice vote after support from multiple parties
Sources
Tamil Nadu Seeks TET Exemption for 3.28 Lakh Teachers Appointed Before 2010 - All Updates
TN Assembly Adopts Resolution to Exempt TET for Teachers Appointed Before Aug 2010
3.28 lakh Tamil Nadu teachers face job risk over TET, state seeks permanent exemption
