Prayagraj – A single‑judge bench of the Allahabad High Court has 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, spearheaded by Wasim Ahmed together with 220 fellow Shikshamitras, was heard before Justice Manju Rani Chauhan. After reserving judgment on September 24, the court delivered its verdict, rejecting the request.

Arguments Presented by the Petitioners

Lengthy Service Record

Advocate Jain Abbas, counsel for the petitioners, highlighted that many Shikshamitras have been serving in basic‑education schools for more than 26 years. Their responsibilities, he argued, go beyond classroom teaching to include duties such as election‑related assignments, census activities, vote counting, school administration, examination oversight, and departmental training.

Exclusion from the Special TET

The petitioners 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 allowed to attempt. They contended that clearing the exam is crucial for safeguarding their teaching careers, 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 fell under the TET requirement after their appointment. It is not a blanket entitlement for all educators eligible for the regular TET.

While the court acknowledged 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

In light of 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.