Archive · 3 Jan 2026
Kerala revises K-TET guidelines after Supreme Court ruling
The Kerala government has updated the rules for the Kerala Teachers’ Eligibility Test (K-TET) after the Supreme Court said that all school teachers must pass this test.
Now, people who pass K-TET Category I or II can become Lower Primary or Upper Primary teachers.
Those who pass Category III can become High School teachers and be promoted to Headmasters.
High School language teachers need both Category III and IV.
Before, people with higher degrees like PhD or MEd didn’t need to take K-TET, but now they do.
The rules for promotions to Higher Secondary School Principal remain the same.
The government is also waiting for a final decision from the Supreme Court on a review petition about these rules.
Kerala government issued revised K-TET guidelines following Supreme Court rulings.
K-TET Category I and II holders eligible for Lower and Upper Primary teacher posts.
K-TET Category III required for High School Teacher posts and promotions to Headmasters.
High School language teachers must have both K-TET Category III and IV.
Exemption from K-TET for higher qualifications like PhD or MEd has been withdrawn.
- Who
- Kerala government
- What
- Issued revised K-TET guidelines for teacher appointments and promotions
- When
- January 2, 2026 (based on the date in the article)
- Where
- Kerala, India
- Why
- Following Supreme Court judgments making Teachers’ Eligibility Tests mandatory
Kerala Government
Supreme Court
Exemption for Higher Qualifications
Kerala Government
Previously exempted candidates with higher qualifications like PhD or MEd from K-TET, but now requires them to clear the relevant K-TET category.
Supreme Court
Mandated that all school teachers must pass the Teachers' Eligibility Test, including those with higher qualifications.
- Supreme Court Ruling Date
- August 7, 2023 and September 1, 2025
- K-TET Category I
- Eligible for Lower Primary (LP) teacher appointments
- K-TET Category II
- Eligible for Upper Primary (UP) teacher appointments
- K-TET Category III
- Eligible for High School Teacher posts and promotions to Headmasters and HSST posts
- K-TET Category IV
- Required for High School language teachers along with Category III
- CTET Exemptions
- Continue for LP and UP teacher appointments
- Review Petition
- Pending before the Supreme Court
Sources
Kerala issues fresh K-TET guidelines after Supreme Court ruling
Fresh KTET guidelines in Kerala after Supreme Court ruling
Kerala Revises K-TET Rules For Teacher Recruitment And Promotions After Supreme Court Mandates
Kerala Govt To File Review Petition In SC Against K-TET Verdict Affecting Pre-2010 Teachers
