The Indian government has decided to extend the validity period of qualifying certificate for Teachers Eligibility Test (TET). The certificate will now be valid for lifetime rather then being only for 7 years. This provision will be in force from backdated to 2011.
The Union Education Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank made this announcement over his official twitter handle. He mentioned that this is an positive step towards increasing employment opportunities and encouraging candidates to make career in teaching field.
The National Council for Teachers Education (NCTE) in september 2020 proposed the extension for validity of TET certificate. However, the government kept a hold on this decision for consideration with experts. And now, the provision is approved by the education ministry.
The ministry of education has also issued directives for the States and Union territories (UTs) to take necessary action in order to re-validate or re-issue fresh certificates for candidates whose validity period of 7 years has already elapsed.
The guidelines dated 11th february 2011 issued by the NCTE layed down the orders that TET certificate would be valid for 7 years from passing the Test. This orders are now dismissed by the indian government with new guidelines being in-effect from June 3, 2021 onwards.
Qualification in Teachers Eligibility Test is one of the most important criteria for any candidate to be eligible as a teacher in schools. TET is conducted at both Central and State level every year. The central or CTET is valid across the country and teachers are hired on its basis in schools.
The CTET is conducted by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). This year due to the pandemic, the CTET and state TET are deferred with no tentative dates. CBSE is still considering to hold the eligibility test but no announcement has been officially made yet.