Teacher Eligibility Test status of private school teachers to be checked in Maharashtra

Pune: After government and aided schools in the state, the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) qualification of teachers in private unaided and self-financed schools will now also be checked. Under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, teachers who teach Classes 1 to 8 must have passed the TET. The education department is therefore set to begin collecting information on the TET eligibility of private school teachers.

So far, action on TET eligibility had largely been limited to teachers in government and aided schools. Information on private school teachers will now also be gathered through the UDISE system. Under a Supreme Court ruling, serving teachers of Classes 1 to 8 have been given time until August 2028 to meet the TET eligibility requirement.

More than seven lakh teachers work in schools of all managements in the state. Once it is known how many private school teachers are TET-eligible, further action will be planned.

Meanwhile, Sandip Kamble, president of the Yuva Shaikshanik Nyay Sanghatana, said a deep and impartial inquiry into the TET paper leak case was necessary. He said it should also be examined whether wrong means were used to pass the TET. The certificates and documents of teachers who have passed the CTET so far should be officially verified, he said. Strict action should be taken against those responsible if irregularities are found. To keep faith in the examination process, the truth of the whole matter should be brought before the public as soon as possible, he said.

Separately, the period for document verification and confirmation of admission for students selected by lottery under the RTE 25 per cent admission process has been extended. For the students' convenience, the period has now been extended to between April 21 and April 30, 2026. Primary Education Director Sharad Gosavi gave the information in a press note.