Prayagraj – A single‑judge bench of the Allahabad High Court has turned down a petition filed by 221 Shikshamitras who sought permission to sit for the Special Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2026.
Petition and Its Representatives
The application, led by Wasim Ahmed together with 220 fellow Shikshamitras, was heard before Justice Manju Rani Chauhan. After reserving judgment on 24 September, the court delivered its verdict, denying the request.
Contentions Raised by the Petitioners
Lengthy Teaching Experience
Advocate Jain Abbas, appearing for the petitioners, highlighted that many Shikshamitras have served in basic‑education schools for more than 26 years. Their responsibilities, he argued, go beyond classroom instruction to include election‑related duties, census activities, vote counting, school administration, examination supervision, and departmental training.
Exclusion from the Special TET
The group maintained that despite their extensive service and the training they have undergone, they were barred from the Special TET—a test that regular in‑service teachers and special educators were permitted to take. They asserted that clearing the exam is crucial for safeguarding their teaching positions, especially after the Supreme Court’s order mandating a TET for all educators.
The Court’s Analysis
Objective of the Special TET
The bench observed that the Special TET was introduced as a transitional measure for specific categories of in‑service teachers who fell under the TET requirement after their appointment. It is not intended as a universal entitlement for every teacher eligible for the regular TET.
Legal Status of Shikshamitras
While acknowledging that Shikshamitras are eligible to appear for the ordinary TET, the court held that this eligibility does not automatically grant them a right to participate in the Special TET.
Final Decision
Considering the statutory framework and the limited scope of the Special TET, Justice Chauhan dismissed the petition, thereby refusing to extend Special TET 2026 eligibility to the 221 Shikshamitras.
The petition filed by Wasim Ahmed and his colleagues was consequently dismissed by the Allahabad High Court.
