Mumbai, July 13 : Over two weeks after the Maharashtra Teachers’ Eligibility Test (TET) was cancelled following an alleged paper leak, the state government has not announced a fresh date for the examination, prolonging uncertainty for more than six lakh registered candidates, including a large number of serving teachers.
The Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) had scrapped the June 28 examination a day before it was scheduled to be conducted after reports of the alleged leak emerged. Since then, candidates have been waiting for an official announcement on the revised schedule.
The council has so far issued only a brief notice on its website asking candidates to ignore speculation regarding the new examination date and stating that any decision would be communicated through official channels.
The delay has emerged as a major concern for in-service teachers, who are required to qualify the TET by August 2028 in line with a Supreme Court direction. Those who fail to clear the examination within the stipulated period could eventually face compulsory retirement.
With the June examination expected to be the first of the two TETs usually conducted every year, many candidates now fear that any further delay could disrupt the examination calendar.
A senior MSCE official said the revised schedule would be announced only after the state government takes a final call. The government has constituted a committee to suggest measures for strengthening the security of examinations, particularly the TET, in the wake of the alleged paper leak.
The absence of clarity has also triggered speculation over the format of the postponed examination. Candidates are uncertain whether it will be conducted under the existing pattern or after changes recommended by the committee are implemented.
Teachers said they had spent months preparing for the examination while simultaneously handling classroom responsibilities, census work, Booth Level Officer (BLO) duties and other assignments entrusted by the government.
Several candidates said introducing a revised examination pattern at this stage would disadvantage those who prepared according to the existing syllabus. They added that adequate preparation time should be provided if any changes are made before the next examination.
Meanwhile, teachers’ organisations have renewed their demand for a separate TET for serving teachers, arguing that the present examination focuses more on theoretical knowledge than practical teaching experience. They have submitted representations to School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, seeking a dedicated eligibility test for in-service teachers.
