The Telangana High Court has ruled that passing the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is compulsory for candidates applying for Special Education Teacher posts in the state. The court clarified that the TET qualification is a minimum requirement under the Right to Education (RTE) Act and cannot be waived, even for special educators. This decision settles a long-standing confusion regarding recruitment eligibility and aligns special education appointments with the same standards followed for general teachers.
I’m writing about this because this ruling has a significant impact on both aspiring teachers and the education system. Special educators play a crucial role in supporting children with disabilities, and the court’s decision underscores the importance of maintaining professional and academic standards. It ensures that every teacher, regardless of specialisation, meets a consistent level of teaching qualification. For many candidates who were previously exempted or uncertain about TET requirements, this judgement brings both clarity and a new challenge—to qualify through TET before applying for posts.
What the Telangana High Court Said
A bench led by Justice Surepalli Nanda delivered the judgement while hearing petitions filed by candidates who were appointed as special educators without TET qualification. The petitioners argued that their B.Ed. in Special Education should be considered sufficient for eligibility. However, the court rejected this argument, stating that TET is a statutory requirement under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.
The court emphasised that the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has clearly laid down TET as a mandatory qualification for all teaching posts, including those in special education. Without TET, appointments cannot be treated as valid.
Background of the Case
The issue arose when several candidates with special education degrees were appointed in government and aided schools without clearing TET. Later, objections were raised by other applicants and education authorities, leading to a series of legal petitions. The case reached the High Court after the Commissioner and Director of School Education questioned the appointments made without TET eligibility.
This ruling now settles the matter and directs the authorities to ensure that future recruitments strictly follow NCTE norms. Teachers already working without TET may be required to qualify in the next available test to continue in service.
Why the Court’s Decision Matters
The judgement highlights an important principle—that standards in teacher qualification must remain uniform, regardless of the subject or specialisation. Special education, though distinct in its teaching approach, still demands the same foundational understanding of pedagogy that TET ensures.
By making TET mandatory, the court aims to:
- Strengthen teacher quality and accountability
- Ensure that children with special needs receive education from trained and qualified professionals
- Maintain uniform eligibility criteria across all categories of teaching posts
This also supports the government’s goal of improving inclusive education standards as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which focuses on integrating special education into mainstream schooling with skilled teachers.
Reaction from the Education Community
The ruling has drawn mixed responses. While many education experts have welcomed the court’s stance as a step towards maintaining quality and fairness, some teacher associations have expressed concern over the immediate impact on existing special educators who lack TET qualification. They have requested a grace period or special provision to help in-service teachers appear for TET without losing their jobs.
Education activists, however, have supported the judgement, pointing out that students with disabilities deserve the same quality of teaching as any other child. They believe that ensuring all teachers pass TET is an important move towards equality and professional accountability.
The Road Ahead
Following the judgement, the Telangana School Education Department is expected to issue revised recruitment guidelines for upcoming teacher posts, ensuring TET remains a mandatory qualification. The ruling also sets a precedent for other states, reinforcing the legal necessity of TET for all teaching categories, including special education.
For aspiring teachers, this means additional preparation and dedication to clear the TET before applying. While it may seem like a challenge, it ultimately helps build a stronger foundation for a career in education and ensures that only qualified, well-trained teachers enter the system.
