Prayagraj – A single‑judge bench of the Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition filed by 221 Shikshamitras who asked to be allowed to sit for the Special Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2026.

Petition and Its Proponents

The application, spearheaded by Wasim Ahmed together with 220 fellow Shikshamitras, was heard before Justice Manju Rani Chauhan. After reserving judgment on 24 September, the court issued its ruling, rejecting the request.

Arguments Advanced by the Petitioners

Lengthy Teaching Experience

Advocate Jain Abbas, representing the aggrieved teachers, stressed that many Shikshamitras have spent more than 26 years in basic‑education schools. Their responsibilities, he argued, go beyond classroom instruction to include election‑related duties, census activities, vote counting, school administration, examination oversight, and departmental training.

Exclusion from a Crucial Opportunity

The petitioners maintained that despite their extensive service and the training they have undergone, they were barred from the Special TET – a test that regular serving teachers and special educators were permitted to attempt. They contended that clearing this exam is vital for safeguarding their teaching positions, especially after the Supreme Court’s order mandating a TET for every teacher.

The Court’s Examination

Purpose 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 fell under the TET requirement after their appointment. It is not intended as a blanket entitlement for all teachers eligible for the regular TET.

While acknowledging that Shikshamitras are eligible to appear for the ordinary TET, the court held that such eligibility does not automatically translate into a right to sit for the Special TET.

Final Ruling

Considering the statutory framework and the narrow 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.