The Supreme Court extended the timeline for in-service teachers to clear the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) from two years to three years, offering significant relief to thousands of educators across India.
Following the court’s order dated May 29, 2026, the Odisha School & Mass Education Department issued a directive to the Director of Elementary Education, Odisha, Bhubaneswar, to ensure compliance. The letter, signed by Additional Secretary Sri Jadumani Mahala, instructed all District Education Officers (DEOs) and Block Education Officers (BEOs) to take necessary action.
The extension came after the Supreme Court modified paragraph 217 of its earlier judgment in Anjuman Ishaat-E-Taleem Trust & Others vs. State of U.P. The revised timeline allows teachers who have not yet cleared TET to obtain the qualification by August 31, 2028.
The directive emphasised that all in-service teachers must clear TET within the new three-year period. The decision aims to standardise teacher eligibility across states and strengthen the quality of education.
Officials confirmed that the School & Mass Education Department has circulated the order to all concerned authorities for immediate implementation. The move ensures that teachers receive adequate time to fulfil mandatory qualification requirements without disrupting classroom operations.
