Maharashtra TET paper leak: No fresh exam date even after two weeks, lakhs await
More than two weeks have passed since the Maharashtra Teachers’ Eligibility Test (TET) was postponed on June 28 due to an alleged paper leak, but the state has yet to announce a new date for the examination. This delay has left lakhs of aspiring and in-service teachers uncertain about their future.
The Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) cancelled the examination just a day before it was scheduled to take place. Since then, the council has not issued any official communication regarding the revised schedule. The only update on its website is a notice advising candidates to disregard rumours about the new date and stating that an official announcement will be made in due course.
The TET comprises two papers – Paper 1 and Paper 2 – both originally scheduled for the same day but in different time slots. The test is mandatory for teachers seeking employment in government and aided schools, as well as for those already employed who need to clear it to retain their positions.
The delay particularly affects in-service teachers who have a deadline of August 2028 under a Supreme Court ruling to pass the eligibility test. Failure to qualify within this period could eventually lead to compulsory retirement. For many, the postponement adds to anxiety and professional uncertainty.
Authorities have not disclosed details of the investigation into the alleged paper leak. Candidates and teachers' unions have called for swift action and transparency. Several representations have been made to the MSCE and the state education department, but no timeline has been provided for the fresh examination.
Education experts have urged the state to expedite the process and ensure that the examination is conducted fairly and securely. They note that delays could disrupt the academic calendar and affect the recruitment and retention of qualified teachers in Maharashtra.
The MSCE has not responded to queries seeking comment on the matter. As of now, thousands of candidates remain in limbo, waiting for clarity on when they can take the test that is crucial for their careers.
