Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test Postponed After Alleged Paper Leak

The Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) scheduled for June 28, 2026, has been postponed following an alleged paper leak. The decision was announced by the Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) after a raid in Bhiwandi, Thane district, where authorities found individuals in possession of questions purportedly similar to those from the actual exam.

According to Thane district administration, the breach came to light in the early hours of June 27 when police acted on intelligence. A case has been registered against three individuals in connection with the incident.

The MSCE stated in a release: "Given the gravity of the situation and the necessity for an in-depth probe, the exam scheduled for June 28, 2026, has been postponed." The council reiterated its commitment to conducting the examination with complete transparency.

The development drew sharp reactions from political leaders, particularly from the Congress party. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, described the alleged leak as "theft of the youth's future" in a post on X. He wrote, "Another paper leak. Another exam cancelled. This time, Maharashtra's TET. The country's education and examination system has been turned into a system of extortion, leaving every youngster in the country insecure."

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also expressed concern, urging the youth to raise their voices against what she termed a pattern of exam irregularities. She pointed to previous incidents involving NEET, CBSE, SSC, and CUET, and criticized the BJP-led government for lack of accountability.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera alleged that the government has presided over nearly 90 exam paper leaks, calling it a "shameful century." He stated, "For this government, paper leaks have become an industry that it profits from. But for India's youth, they mean years of hard work, sacrifice and hope being destroyed."

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not yet issued a formal response to the allegations. The TET is a crucial exam for aspiring teachers in Maharashtra, and its postponement has caused uncertainty among candidates. Authorities have assured that a new date will be announced after the investigation is completed.

This incident adds to a series of exam-related controversies in India, raising questions about the security and integrity of the examination system. The state government has promised a thorough probe and strict action against those found guilty.