Jammu, May 31, 2026: Several teacher organizations and educators in Jammu & Kashmir have voiced strong opposition to any proposal that would make the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) mandatory for teachers who have already been serving in government schools for many years.
The organizations maintain that TET should remain a compulsory qualification for new teacher recruitment, ensuring that only eligible and qualified candidates enter the teaching profession. According to them, such a requirement would help maintain educational standards and improve the overall quality of teaching in schools.
However, teachers argue that imposing the same eligibility test on educators who have already completed 15 to 20 years or more of service is unfair and unnecessary. They contend that experienced teachers have already demonstrated their competence through years of classroom teaching, professional performance, and dedicated service to students.
Representatives of various teacher groups stated that experience, service records, and work performance should be given due recognition. They believe that teachers who have spent decades serving in government schools should not be required to clear an eligibility examination designed primarily for fresh entrants to the profession.
The organizations also raised questions regarding the treatment of long-serving government employees in other sectors. They asked whether officers, judges, or employees in other government departments are required to undergo similar eligibility examinations after decades of service. According to them, any policy affecting teachers should be based on fairness and practical considerations.
Key Demands of Teacher Organizations
TET should be mandatory only for future teacher recruitment.
Teachers who have already completed 15–20 years or more of service should be exempted.
Experience, performance, and service records should be recognized as indicators of professional competence.
The government should consult stakeholders before implementing any policy affecting serving teachers.
Educational reforms should strengthen quality without undermining the morale of experienced educators.
Appeal to the Government
Teacher organizations have appealed to the government and concerned authorities to review the matter carefully and engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders before taking any final decision. They emphasized that improving the quality of education is a shared responsibility involving the government, teachers, parents, and society.
The organizations reiterated that they support measures aimed at enhancing educational standards but believe that policies should be balanced, practical, and respectful of the contributions made by long-serving teachers.
They further stated that any reform in the education sector should focus on improving learning outcomes while ensuring that experienced educators are treated fairly and their years of service are duly valued.
Disclaimer: This news report is based on the views, concerns, and demands expressed by teacher organizations, teachers, and education-sector representatives. The opinions mentioned in this report are those of the concerned stakeholders and should not be considered the official position or decision of the Government, Education Department, Judiciary, or any other authority. Any final policy decision regarding TET or related service matters rests with the competent government and constitutional authorities.
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