The Andhra Pradesh government is currently examining a proposal to conduct a special Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) exclusively for in-service teachers. If approved, this move could benefit nearly one lakh teachers across the state.
The proposal was recently submitted to the government following requests from teacher MLCs and teacher associations who sought a separate TET for serving teachers. State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) director M V Krishna Reddy confirmed to TOI that the school education commissionerate has forwarded the request to the government, which is yet to make a decision.
This demand arises in light of the Supreme Court's directive that in-service teachers covered under the norms must obtain TET qualification by August 31, 2028. Currently, serving teachers take the same TET examination as candidates aspiring for teacher jobs through the District Selection Committee (DSC).
Teacher representatives have argued that a separate examination for in-service teachers would help them obtain the mandatory qualification without competing with the large number of DSC aspirants. They have also pointed out that the TET examination is considered challenging and have requested a dedicated opportunity for serving teachers. Officials estimate that nearly one lakh teachers could benefit if the government agrees to the proposal. However, no decision has been taken so far.
If the proposal is approved, the government will announce details regarding eligibility, examination schedule, and other modalities at a later stage.
