Tamil Nadu to Conduct Multiple TET Exams Over the Next Two Years: All You Need to Know

The Tamil Nadu School Education Department is planning to conduct at least six Teacher Eligibility Tests (TETs) in the next two years to provide more opportunities for aspiring and in-service teachers. This move comes after the Supreme Court’s ruling, which reaffirmed that clearing TET is mandatory for all in-service teachers—without exception, even for promotions—except those with less than five years of service left.

Why Multiple TETs Are Being Planned

According to the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) guidelines, every state must conduct at least one TET annually to ensure a continuous supply of qualified teachers. However, Tamil Nadu has held only six regular TETs and one special TET in the last 12 years, leaving a significant backlog of aspirants.

With the latest SC order, the education department is now considering conducting three TETs per year. Officials also hinted that the exams will be of moderate difficulty to give more candidates a fair chance at qualifying.

Currently, the TET pass percentage in Tamil Nadu is only around 4.5%, which has raised concerns about teacher preparedness and training needs.

Special TET for In-Service Teachers?

There are ongoing discussions about holding a special TET exclusively for in-service teachers. While some legal experts believe such a move is possible, teacher associations argue it should only be considered if the pending review petition against the SC order fails.

“Conducting another exam for senior teachers feels unfair, but given the SC ruling, we may have no choice,” said J Robert, General Secretary of the Secondary School Teachers’ Association.

TET Exam Structure

The Tamil Nadu TET exam is conducted for 150 marks, and candidates must secure 60% (90 marks) to qualify. A 5% relaxation is available for candidates from certain reserved categories.

The syllabus covers:

• Child Development and Pedagogy
• Language Papers
• Subject Knowledge Papers (depending on the teaching domain)

Among these, many teachers find Child Development and Pedagogy particularly challenging. Teacher associations have urged the government to provide special training through DIETs (District Institutes of Education and Training) to support aspirants.

Growing Demand After SC Order

Since the SC order made TET mandatory for all teachers handling classes 1–8, including those in private schools, applications have surged. The Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB) recently issued a notification for TET, with the last date to apply being September 8.

Officials are also gathering data on teachers who have already cleared TET. However, associations worry that giving promotions to TET-qualified teachers while the majority are yet to clear the test may lead to resentment.

The Bigger Picture

• Tamil Nadu has conducted only seven TETs in 12 years, against the guideline of one per year.
• With multiple TETs planned in the next two years, both aspiring and in-service teachers will get more chances to qualify.
• The focus is also shifting toward teacher training to improve success rates in future exams.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Tamil Nadu TET

1. Who needs to clear TET in Tamil Nadu?
   All teachers handling classes 1–8 in both government and private schools must clear TET, except those with less than five years of service left.
2. How many times will Tamil Nadu conduct TET in the next two years?
   The School Education Department plans to conduct at least six TETs in two years, with around three exams per year.
3. What is the pass mark for Tamil Nadu TET?
   The exam is for 150 marks, and candidates need 60% (90 marks) to qualify. Reserved category candidates receive a 5% relaxation.
4. What subjects are included in the Tamil Nadu TET syllabus?
   The syllabus includes:

• Child Development and Pedagogy
• Language papers
• Subject knowledge papers (based on the teaching domain)

5. Why is Child Development and Pedagogy considered difficult?
   Many candidates struggle with this section because it requires conceptual clarity on child psychology, learning theories, and teaching methods.
6. Will there be a special TET for in-service teachers?
   The government is considering it, but it depends on the outcome of a pending review petition in the Supreme Court.

Also Read: Pathways to Becoming a School Teacher in India Under NEP 2020

About Post Author