Prayagraj – A single‑judge bench of the Allahabad High Court turned down a petition filed by 221 Shikshamitras who sought permission to sit for the Special Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2026.

Petitioners and Their Representation

The request, led by Wasim Ahmed together with 220 fellow Shikshamitras, was heard by Justice Manju Rani Chauhan. After reserving judgment on September 24, the court delivered its verdict, denying the relief sought.

Grounds Advanced by the Applicants

Lengthy Service Record

Advocate Jain Abbas, appearing for the petitioners, highlighted that many Shikshamitras have served in basic‑education schools for more than 26 years. Their responsibilities, he argued, go beyond classroom instruction to include duties such as election‑related work, census activities, vote counting, school administration, exam supervision, and departmental training.

Exclusion from the Special TET

The applicants maintained that despite their extensive experience and the training they have undergone, they were barred from the Special TET—a test that other serving teachers and special educators were permitted to attempt. They contended that clearing the exam is crucial for safeguarding their teaching positions, especially after the Supreme Court’s mandate that every teacher must clear a TET.

The Court’s Analysis

Objective of the Special TET

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

While the court acknowledged that Shikshamitras are eligible to appear for the ordinary TET, it held that such eligibility does not automatically confer a right to participate in the Special TET.

Conclusion

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.