Madhya Pradesh Teachers Boycott TET Forms Over Eligibility Confusion

In Madhya Pradesh, a boycott has been called by teacher organisations, urging in-service teachers not to fill the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) forms until their demands are met. This comes after the application process began a week ago, with not a single in-service teacher reportedly filling the examination form. The last date to apply is September 4.

The primary concern of the teachers is the lack of clarity on who among existing teachers is required to appear for TET. This issue stems from the Supreme Court's September 2025 ruling, which made TET qualification mandatory for in-service teachers as well. The court rejected review pleas filed by states and teacher organisations in May 2026, stating that the RTE framework requires existing teachers to acquire the prescribed qualification within the stipulated period.

The Madhya Pradesh government has sought relief for around 70,000 teachers appointed between 2005 and 2009, arguing that eligibility examinations conducted in 2005 and 2008 should be treated as equivalent to TET. However, teachers are still confused about who has to take the exam and who is exempt. They are also objecting to the difficulty level of the examination, which they claim does not match earlier assurances that the examination would be based on Classes 1-8.

Teachers have raised several concerns, including the online examination, examination fee, leave on the exam day, and travel allowance. They are also demanding clarity over whether those who have already cleared TET/CTET will have to appear again, and whether teachers appointed through different recruitment schemes between 1988 and 1998 fall under the requirement. The syllabus is another major concern, with teachers questioning the inclusion of certain subjects and the weightage given to each.

The Adhyapak Shikshak Sangh president, Jagdish Yadav, stated that teachers have not filled the form and will not do so until their demands are met. He also announced plans for a protest in Delhi on August 30. A delegation from the Adhyapak Shikshak Sanyukt Morcha met with the school education minister and DPI commissioner, Abhishek Singh, on Monday. The minister assured that he would discuss the demands with the department and the Employees Selection Board and seek a legally valid solution.

The school education minister, Uday Pratap Singh, stated that the commissioner of public instruction has approached the Supreme Court to seek relief for the teachers. The minister's statement has given hope to the teachers, who are waiting for a resolution to the issue. The boycott of the TET forms is a significant development, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days.

The Madhya Pradesh government needs to address the concerns of the teachers and provide clarity on the eligibility criteria for the TET. The government should also consider the demands of the teachers and work towards finding a solution that is acceptable to all parties involved. The issue is not just about the TET, but also about the future of the education system in Madhya Pradesh.

In conclusion, the boycott of the TET forms by in-service teachers in Madhya Pradesh is a significant issue that needs to be addressed urgently. The government and the teacher organisations need to work together to find a solution that is fair and reasonable. The future of the education system in the state depends on it.