Ajay Sharma
Jammu, March 14
Notwithstanding clear cut directions from the Supreme Court, and subsequent orders from the Jammu and Kashmir government, the designated agency reportedly appears reluctant to conduct Teachers Eligibility Test (TET).
According to sources, aligning with the Right to Education (RTE) Act and a Supreme Court judgment, the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department officially designated the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) / State School Standards Authority (SSSA) as the nodal agency for conducting the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) across the Union Territory.
Issued under Government Order No. 82-JK (Edu) of 2026 dated February 23, 2026, the order stems directly from the Supreme Court’s verdict of September 1, 2025, in Civil Appeal No. 1385/2025″ it directed all schools defined under Section 2(n) of the RTE Act — except minority institutions (religious or linguistic) — must comply with TET requirements for teachers.
Sources expressed disappointment that, even after the apex court’s ruling and the J&K Government’s Order, the process has not started.
“Even after the Supreme Court’s order, why are our leaders and the Education Minister not taking the teacher’s test? It is mandatory,” the sources said and added that conducting the TET would reveal the true capabilities of in-service teachers, particularly those under the Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) scheme, and create opportunities for better-qualified candidates.
Sources further raised concerns about education quality in government schools.
Sources said, “Teachers take government salaries and fill their pockets, but children don’t get proper education. Why do the children of government teachers study in private schools?”
It further claimed that some ReT teachers may struggle to qualify, contributing to declining student enrolment in government institutions every year.
“If the government wants to bring improvement in government schools, the Education Minister should immediately order the TET test so that the intelligence, strength and capability of teachers is revealed. Well-educated people who are struggling should get a chance,” said sources, adding that the order explicitly directs JKBOSE/SSSA to operationalise the framework immediately, notify a detailed schedule, and submit a comprehensive action plan to the School Education Department at the earliest.
However, education officials maintained that the process is being delayed because of political pressure.
Many parents and stakeholders echoed the view that a transparent TET is essential to restore confidence in government schools and ensure only competent teachers remain in service.
They have urged the JKBOSE/SSSA to prioritise the exercise.
