Prayagraj – A single‑judge bench of the Allahabad High Court turned down a petition filed by 221 Shikshamitras seeking 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 September 24, the court issued its verdict, rejecting the request.

Contentions Raised by the Petitioners

Lengthy Teaching Experience

Advocate Jain Abbas, who appeared for the petitioners, highlighted that many Shikshamitras have served in elementary 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 applicants maintained that despite their extensive service and the training they have undergone, they were barred from the Special TET—a test that other incumbent teachers and special educators were allowed to take. They asserted that clearing the exam is vital for safeguarding their teaching positions, especially after the Supreme Court’s order mandating a TET for every teacher.

The Court’s Assessment

Objective of the Special TET

The bench observed that the Special TET was introduced as a transitional measure for particular categories of in‑service teachers who became subject to the TET requirement after their appointment. It is not a universal entitlement for all teachers eligible for the regular TET.

While the court recognized that Shikshamitras are eligible to appear for the ordinary TET, it 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.