Tamil Nadu Assembly adopts resolution seeking exemption from TET

School Education Minister Rajmohan. File | Photo Credit: R. Ragu The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Tuesday (August 25, 2026) unanimously adopted a resolution seeking an amendment to Section 23 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, to exempt teachers appointed before August 23, 2010, from appearing for the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET).The resolution, moved by School Education Minister Rajmohan, urged the Union government to take legal steps and issue a circular or notification through the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).Recalling the NCTE’s August 23, 2010, order making it compulsory for intermediate and graduate teachers to clear the TET, he said 3,28,701 teachers, who had been working for 15 to 20 years, were now facing a situation where they could get promotions only if they cleared the TET, following the Supreme Court’s order on the issue.“They also face the prospect of termination of service. Moreover, the Supreme Court, in its order, had directed the teachers to clear the TET by August 31, 2028. This will affect teachers who have completed 15 to 20 years of service and are nearing retirement,” Mr. Rajmohan said.Meanwhile, teachers’ associations welcomed the resolution.Tamil Nadu Graduate Teachers Federation general secretary P. Patrick Raymond called the resolution a major step. However, there is time left only till August 31, 2028, under the Supreme Court verdict. “A mere resolution alone will not provide a permanent solution. The resolution should be sent to the Union government, with a model amendment Bill, and all MPs from Tamil Nadu should urge the Centre to act on it,” he said.Tamil Nadu Government Employees and Teachers Welfare Association chairman S. Arunan said Tamil Nadu, like other States, should consider reducing the qualifying marks to 40% in the special TET for in-service teachers. Published - August 25, 2026 11:05 am IST