Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept.19: In-service teachers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands who are yet to obtain the mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) qualification are facing a limited window of examination opportunities, prompting a proposal to explore the possibility of conducting the test locally through the State Institute of Education (SIE).
The issue is particularly significant for Primary School Teachers (PSTs) and Graduate Trained Teachers (GTTs) who have not yet acquired the required TET qualification and are required to fulfil the eligibility requirement within the stipulated period following directions of the Supreme Court. The deadline for obtaining the qualification has reportedly been set for August 2028.
At present, teachers in the Islands largely depend on the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET), conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). With the national-level examination being held at limited intervals, teachers have a restricted number of opportunities to appear for the test and secure the required qualification before the deadline.
For teachers working in the geographically dispersed Islands, the issue extends beyond the availability of examination dates. Travelling to mainland centres can involve additional logistical challenges, particularly for teachers posted in remote islands. Limited examination opportunities, combined with travel requirements, can make it difficult for teachers to complete the mandatory qualification within the available timeframe.
The possibility of creating an additional, locally accessible examination route has now been placed before the Andaman and Nicobar Administration for consideration.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray, in a letter dated September 18 addressed to the Chief Secretary, has requested the Administration to examine the feasibility of conducting a TET for in-service teachers through the State Institute of Education.
Ray said the matter was brought to his attention during an interaction with a delegation of in-service teachers. According to his letter, the teachers highlighted their dependence on CTET and the difficulties arising from the limited frequency of the examination.
The MP has pointed to arrangements in some States and Union Territories, including Uttar Pradesh, where TET examinations have been conducted through authorised or recognised examining bodies, subject to applicable rules and regulatory requirements.
The proposal does not seek an automatic local examination mechanism. Ray has specifically asked the Administration to determine whether the SIE can be authorised to conduct such an examination within the existing regulatory framework.
The SIE is already an established academic institution under the Andaman and Nicobar Administration. The proposal is to examine whether it can be empowered to conduct TET for in-service teachers of the Islands, subject to recognition and approval from the competent authorities and compliance with the prescribed norms of the Government of India, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), CBSE or any other relevant regulatory authority.
If found permissible and feasible, a locally conducted examination could give teachers additional opportunities to qualify for TET without depending exclusively on the schedule of a national-level examination.
It could also reduce the need for teachers to travel to mainland examination centres. For those serving in remote and geographically dispersed islands, such an arrangement could lower the logistical burden associated with appearing for the examination and minimise disruption to their teaching responsibilities and family commitments.
The matter also has a time-sensitive dimension. With the reported August 2028 deadline approaching, the number and frequency of examination opportunities available to teachers will be an important factor in determining whether those yet to qualify can meet the requirement within the prescribed period.
Ray has therefore requested that the Administration examine the matter on priority and, if the proposal is found viable, initiate the process for securing the required recognition, authorisation and approvals from the statutory and regulatory authorities.
A copy of the letter has also been forwarded to the Union Minister of Education for information and necessary action.
The proposal now awaits examination by the Administration, including an assessment of the legal, regulatory and institutional requirements for conducting a TET locally through the SIE.
For teachers in the Islands, the issue centres on whether an additional examination opportunity can be created locally while ensuring that the qualification remains fully compliant with the national framework governing TET.
