Fresh data from the Maharashtra school education department has revealed that more than 1.1 lakh teachers aged above 50 years in government and private schools do not possess the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) qualification. This comes in the backdrop of a Supreme Court ruling issued in September 2025, which makes TET mandatory even for a large section of in-service teachers. The development has created widespread concern across the teaching community, with many fearing potential job insecurity.
I am writing about this issue because it directly affects the livelihoods of lakhs of experienced teachers and also has implications for the stability of the school education system. Clarity on how the state plans to implement the ruling is crucial, both for teachers and for students who depend on a steady teaching workforce.
Supreme Court Ruling and Its Impact
The Supreme Court’s September 2025 ruling states that TET qualification is compulsory not only for new teachers but also for many existing in-service teachers. This means that teachers who were appointed years ago without the requirement of TET must now clear the exam to continue in service.
For Maharashtra, this ruling has massive implications.
Nearly 90% of Teachers Affected
According to state data:
- Maharashtra has a total of 4,95,437 teachers
- Over 4.4 lakh teachers will now have to clear the TET
- This amounts to nearly 90% of the state’s teaching workforce
Such a large-scale requirement has raised questions about feasibility and timelines.
Over 1.1 Lakh Teachers Above 50 Years
Among those who must clear TET:
- Nearly 1.1 lakh teachers are above 50 years of age
- Many of them still have around 15 years of service left
For this age group, preparing for and clearing a competitive eligibility test can be especially challenging.
Uncertainty Due to Lack of State-Level Clarity
So far, the Maharashtra school education department has not issued a clear order on:
- Deadlines for clearing TET
- Consequences for failure
- Any relaxation or exemptions
This lack of clarity has increased anxiety among teachers.
Deadline Mentioned in Data
Data accessed indicates that teachers will have to clear TET by September 2027 to retain their jobs. However, teachers’ unions are demanding official confirmation and detailed guidelines.
Concerns Raised by Teachers’ Associations
Teachers’ bodies have highlighted:
- Advanced age of many affected teachers
- Heavy workload and limited time for preparation
- Need for special provisions or exemptions
They argue that experienced teachers should not be treated at par with fresh entrants.
Government’s Stand So Far
The state government has acknowledged receiving the data and is expected to examine the implications. Discussions are likely on:
- Possible relaxation for senior teachers
- Support mechanisms such as training and coaching
- Phased implementation
Why This Issue Matters
From my perspective, this is not just about qualification, but about balancing quality education with fairness. While teacher quality is important, policies must also recognise years of experience and service.
A sudden and rigid implementation could lead to staff shortages and disruption in schools.
Possible Way Forward
Some practical options include:
- Age-based relaxation
- Multiple attempts without penalty
- Free coaching and study material
- Extended timelines
These steps can reduce fear and ensure smoother compliance.
