The Haryana Board of School Education (HBSE) has issued a significant clarification for aspiring teachers, stating that the Aadhaar card is not a compulsory document for registering for the Haryana Teacher Eligibility Test (HTET) 2026. This announcement provides relief and flexibility to candidates who may not possess the biometric ID.
Multiple ID Options for HTET 2026 Application
In an official statement released on Wednesday, Munish Sharma, Secretary of the Board of School Education Haryana (BSEH), detailed the acceptable identity proofs. Applicants can complete the online application process using a range of government-issued documents. The acceptable IDs include the PAN card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving Licence. This move aligns with the Supreme Court's stance that while Aadhaar can be accepted as proof, it cannot be made mandatory for examinations.
Supreme Court Directive and Application Timeline
Secretary Sharma explained the board's decision, noting that the Supreme Court has not mandated Aadhaar for exams but permits its use as one of several valid identity proofs. Consequently, the HBSE has not made it compulsory for HTET 2026. The online application window for the examination is currently open and will close on January 4, 2026. Candidates are urged to complete their registrations before the deadline using any of the specified identity documents.
Furthermore, the board has scheduled a correction window for applicants. Candidates will be able to edit their submitted application details online on January 4 and 5, 2026. During this period, the following details can be modified:
- Personal information, photograph, signature, and thumb impression.
- Examination level and subject selection (for Level 2 and Level 3).
- Category, disability status, and home state details.
Exam Dates and Broader Context
The HTET 2026 examination is scheduled to be held on January 17 and 18, 2026. The test will assess eligibility for teaching positions at three levels: Primary Teacher (PRT), Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT), and Post Graduate Teacher (PGT). The application process commenced in late December 2025.
This clarification from the Haryana Board comes amidst a broader national trend where other examining bodies, like the National Testing Agency (NTA), have emphasized the importance of updated Aadhaar details for exams such as UGC-NET and JEE Main. However, the HBSE's decision reinforces the optional nature of Aadhaar for HTET, ensuring accessibility for all candidates with valid alternate IDs.
