AP teachers seek relaxations in Special TET norms
Andhra Pradesh teacher unions pressed the state government to ease Special TET rules for in-service teachers, calling for a common lower qualifying mark and subject-specific exams. They cite Supreme Court requirements and disparate scoring across subjects, and threatened protests if their demands ar
Key takeaways
- Union leaders in Andhra Pradesh pressed for reduced, uniform qualifying marks for in-service teachers taking the Special TET.
- They also demand separate examinations for each teaching subject instead of a combined Mathematics and Science test.
- The push references a Supreme Court judgment affecting teachers appointed before 2010 and seeks RT Act amendments for exemptions.
What Happened
Leaders of multiple teacher unions in Andhra Pradesh held a press conference to press the state government for changes to the Special Teacher Eligibility Test norms. They urged a lower, common qualifying threshold for in-service teachers and sought separate examinations aligned with each teaching subject. The call comes after a Supreme Court judgment tied to teachers appointed before 2010 created difficulties for thousands of teachers who must qualify in TET to remain in service or to be promoted.
Under the current framework, general candidates must achieve 60% (90 marks out of 150) to qualify, with relaxation for certain categories such as BC, SC, ST, and persons with disabilities. The UTF requests similar consideration for in-service teachers. A separate issue raised is the combined Mathematics and Science TET paper; the unions contend that the state uses a single examination for subjects that are taught by distinct subject specialists. They note that Social Studies, Telugu, English, and Hindi teachers receive 60 marks for their subjects, while Mathematics and Science teachers receive only 20 marks from their specialised subjects, creating a disadvantage for experienced teachers who may not be proficient in allied subjects.
The UTF called on the state to obtain permission from the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) to modify the qualifying criteria and the examination pattern. They also asked the state to raise the issue with the Centre and pursue an amendment to Section 23(1) of the Right to Education Act to exempt teachers appointed before 2010 from the TET requirement. They announced a protest event, “Chalo Vijayawada,” scheduled for September 3, and warned of intensified agitation if their demands were not met.
Additionally, the Andhra Pradesh Teachers Federation (APTF) opposed the current guidelines for the Special TET, saying the exemptions and relaxations it sought had not been incorporated. A teachers’ member of the Legislative Council, Borra Gopi Murthy, criticized the Special TET as presently structured for placing an unfair burden on experienced in-service teachers, especially those appointed before 2011. He argued that teachers with 20–25 years of service and those in their 50s would struggle to prepare for the exam while managing professional and family responsibilities.
Why It Matters
The unions’ push targets a broad policy frame governing who qualifies to teach in government schools and under what standard, potentially affecting thousands of teachers who were recruited decades ago. If accepted, the proposed relaxations could alter the required marks and the structure of exams, with potential ripple effects on promotions and continued service. The agitation plan signals organized labor activity around education policy and the interaction between state and central authorities over TET norms and exemptions.
Background
The issue centers on the Special Teacher Eligibility Test norms in Andhra Pradesh and the implications of a Supreme Court judgment regarding teachers appointed before 2010. The current qualifying framework requires high marks for general candidates and provides relaxations for certain categories. The debate includes how subject-specific qualifications are weighed within a combined Mathematics and Science paper, and whether exemptions should be extended to in-service teachers who were hired long ago.
Key Facts
- Unions demanded lower, common qualifying marks for in-service teachers taking the Special TET.
- Current general qualifying standard is 60% (90 marks out of 150); relaxations exist for BC, SC, ST, and persons with disabilities.
- They criticized a combined Mathematics and Science TET paper and argued for separate subject-specific examinations.
- Maths and Science teachers currently receive 20 marks from their specialised subjects; others receive 60 marks for their subjects.
- They want NCTE permission to modify qualifying criteria and exam patterns; seek Centre support and Section 23(1) RT Act amendment to exempt pre-2010 appointees.
- “Chalo Vijayawada” is planned for September 3 as part of intensified agitation if demands are unmet.
- APTF and a teachers’ MLC voiced opposition to the current guidelines and the burden on experienced teachers.
- Concerns include teachers with 20–25 years of service and those in their 50s facing difficulties balancing preparation with duties and family responsibilities.
- The publication date is August 25, 2026, 06:17 pm IST.
What Happens Next
The report notes planned protests and ongoing lobbying to obtain exemptions and modifications from central authorities, as well as possible political action by teacher unions if their requests are not addressed. The timeline referenced includes a September 3 action in Vijayawada, contingent on government response.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
