Why is the Jharkhand HC Criticizing the Government Over Teacher Eligibility Test?
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Synopsis
The Jharkhand High Court has taken a stern stance against the state's neglect of the Teacher Eligibility Test, demanding accountability. With nearly a decade of delay impacting thousands of aspiring teachers, the court's summons of the Education Secretary highlights a serious issue that could shape the future of education in Jharkhand.
Key Takeaways
- Jharkhand High Court criticizes the government for exam delays.
- Education Secretary summoned to provide explanations.
- Prolonged absence of JTET affects thousands of aspiring teachers.
- Exam conducted only twice in 25 years.
- Ongoing policy changes lead to uncertainty for candidates.
Ranchi, Sep 24 (NationPress) The Jharkhand High Court recently expressed strong discontent towards the state government for failing to administer the Jharkhand Teacher Eligibility Test (JTET) for almost nine years, summoning the Education Secretary to appear personally to clarify the reasons behind the lack of examinations.
This directive was issued by a bench led by Justice Ananda Sen while addressing a petition lodged by Ritesh Mahato and 401 other candidates.
The petitioners, represented by senior advocate Ajit Kumar and advocate Aparajita Bhardwaj, contended that the ongoing delay in conducting the exams has critically hindered the futures of numerous individuals aspiring to join the teaching profession.
Voicing their frustration, the court demanded a comprehensive explanation from the government regarding two key issues: the reason for the prolonged absence of the JTET and the anticipated timeline for resuming the examination process.
The court highlighted that since the state’s inception 25 years ago, the exam has only been conducted twice—once in 2013, with approximately 68,000 candidates passing, and again in 2016, when around 53,000 candidates were successful. No further examinations have taken place since then.
The state government had previously issued a notification for the JTET in 2024, inviting applications from July to August, which attracted nearly 3.65 lakh applicants. However, this process was unexpectedly halted in June 2025.
Officials attributed the cancellation to changes in recruitment regulations, following recommendations from a committee established by the Education Department.
The government had pledged to re-issue the exam notification once new rules were established, yet no advancements have been observed.
The petitioners asserted that continual delays under the guise of policy modifications are unjustly depriving them of a fair chance, with many candidates now exceeding the age limit for eligibility.
The court, deeming the situation as “serious negligence,” ordered the Education Secretary to appear on Thursday to clarify the government's stance on the matter.
Point of View
It's crucial to acknowledge the implications of the Jharkhand High Court's criticism of the government regarding the Teacher Eligibility Test. This situation underscores a larger issue of transparency and accountability in education policies. The court's intervention may serve as a catalyst for necessary changes, ensuring that aspiring teachers have a fair opportunity to pursue their careers.
NationPress
24/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jharkhand Teacher Eligibility Test (JTET)?
The Jharkhand Teacher Eligibility Test (JTET) is an examination that qualifying candidates must pass to be eligible for teaching positions in Jharkhand.
Why was the JTET not conducted for nearly nine years?
The delay is attributed to changes in recruitment regulations and lack of action from the state government despite numerous assurances.
How many times has the JTET been conducted since the formation of Jharkhand?
The JTET has been conducted only twice since Jharkhand's formation—once in 2013 and again in 2016.
What are the consequences of this delay for aspiring teachers?
Many candidates are at risk of exceeding the age limit for eligibility, jeopardizing their chances to secure teaching positions.
What did the High Court demand from the government?
The court demanded a clear explanation for the delays and a timeline for when the JTET process will resume.
