SC timelines for in-service teachers to acquire TET qualification under RTE Act extended

What happened: Supreme Court extended TET compliance timelines and clarified eligibility

The Supreme Court of India extended the deadline for in-service teachers to acquire Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) qualification under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. The Supreme Court also clarified how some in-service teachers—who have limited remaining service—may continue without acquiring TET, while restricting promotion until TET is acquired.

Background and earlier position: TET as a minimum qualification under the RTE Act

The Supreme Court’s judgment dated 01.09.2025 held that TET is one of the minimum qualifications prescribed under Section 23 of the RTE Act, 2009. The Court further held that TET is mandatory for appointment as a teacher in schools covered under the RTE Act. The Court also directed eligible teachers to acquire the prescribed TET qualification within the timeline specified in the 01.09.2025 judgment.

What changed now: deadline extended and TET exams directed to be conducted periodically

After dealing with review petitions, the Supreme Court issued a 29.05.2026 judgment extending the timeline for acquisition of TET qualification from 31.08.2027 to 31.08.2028. The Court also observed that the appropriate Governments and authorities should endeavour to conduct the TET periodically—preferably twice every year—with an interval of approximately six months between successive examinations. The purpose of periodic TET conduct was to give eligible in-service teachers a reasonable opportunity to comply with the minimum qualification.