TET Exemption for Teachers? Will Dharmendra Pradhan’s Order Bring Big Relief After Supreme Court Verdict?

Teachers TET Exemption: Following the historic Supreme Court verdict on Teachers’ Eligibility Test (TET) on September 1, 2025, significant discussions have erupted within the education sector. All eyes were on the central government for their next step regarding the implications of this judgment. Finally, breaking the silence, a crucial response has emerged from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. According to reports, the Education Minister held a special meeting with BJP MP Arun Kumar Sagar to discuss the long-standing issues faced by teachers regarding TET and explore potential solutions.

Demand for Exemption from TET

During this significant meeting with the Education Minister, MP Arun Kumar Sagar submitted a memorandum on behalf of the Primary Teachers’ Association of Uttar Pradesh. The memorandum highlighted several specific demands in the interest of the teachers, with the primary focus on the appointment timeline.

The core demand is to grant a complete exemption from the TET requirement for primary teachers appointed before July 29, 2011. The rationale provided is that when these teachers were originally recruited prior to this date, there was no legal mandate or rule requiring TET qualification. Therefore, imposing subsequent regulations on them retrospectively is viewed as unjust.

Current Challenges Faced by Teachers

The memorandum further detailed that enforcing TET on veteran teachers has led to various professional and financial hardships. The negative impact is primarily visible in two key areas:

• Salary and Allowances: Due to not clearing the TET, the increments, various government allowances, and other basic benefits of many experienced teachers are being affected or withheld.
• Promotions: Despite having years of experience, many teachers are facing stagnation in their careers. Their promotions are being stalled solely due to the new TET regulations, causing frustration and demotivation among the workforce.

Minister’s Assurance and Directives

After listening intently to the points raised by MP Arun Kumar Sagar, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reportedly expressed a positive stance. According to media reports, he assured the MP that the government would consider the matter with due seriousness. It is understood that the Education Minister has already issued necessary instructions to the concerned department to address the issue promptly.

MP Arun Kumar Sagar expressed his gratitude for the Minister’s proactive approach and remains confident that countless teachers across the country will soon find relief from this protracted issue.

While reports of the Minister’s instructions have created a positive atmosphere, the affected teachers cannot be entirely at ease until an official written notification or circular is issued by the government. The key question remains whether teachers appointed before July 29, 2011, will indeed be exempted from TET, and if so, when this will be implemented. However, this development at the central level has undoubtedly kindled a new ray of hope within the teaching community.