TET Full Form - Teacher Eligibility Test

Table of Contents

In the realm of education, ensuring the quality of teachers is paramount to the development of a strong foundation for students. TET or the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) plays a crucial role in evaluating the competence and eligibility of individuals aspiring to become teachers. In this blog post, we will delve into the various aspects of the TET exam, including TET Full Form, its purpose, conducting authorities, eligibility criteria, syllabus, and application process.

What is TET Exam?

TET full form is Teacher Eligibility Test. It is a national-level examination conducted to assess the aptitude and teaching abilities of candidates aspiring to become teachers in primary (Class I to V) and upper primary (Class VI to VIII) schools in India. TET is a mandatory requirement for candidates seeking teaching positions in government and private schools.

Objective of TET Exam

The primary objective of the TET exam is to ensure that only qualified and competent individuals enter the teaching profession. It aims to assess the candidates’ pedagogical understanding, content knowledge, and teaching methodologies to guarantee students a high standard of education. By conducting this exam, authorities aim to enhance the overall quality of teaching in schools across the country.

History of TET

The need for a standardized examination to ensure the quality and competence of teachers became apparent as various states in India faced challenges in recruiting qualified teachers for primary and upper primary schools. Let’s take a closer look at the evolution and key milestones in the history of the TET.

Early Initiatives: Prior to the introduction of the TET, different states had their own criteria for recruiting teachers. There was a lack of uniformity in the eligibility criteria, examination patterns, and evaluation processes across states. This led to inconsistencies in the quality of education being imparted in schools.
The Justice V. Ramasamy Committee: In 2005, the Government of India constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Justice V. Ramasamy to look into the issue of ensuring the quality of teachers in the country. The committee recommended the establishment of a national-level examination called the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) to assess the teaching aptitude and skills of candidates.
The Introduction of TET: Following the recommendations of the Justice V. Ramasamy Committee, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) introduced the TET in 2011 as a mandatory requirement for teachers seeking employment in government and private schools. The TET aimed to standardize the recruitment process and raise the bar for teaching qualifications.
Guidelines and Framework: The NCTE formulated guidelines and regulations for the TET, specifying the eligibility criteria, examination pattern, syllabus, and evaluation methods. However, it gave autonomy to each state and union territory to design and conduct their own TET examinations within the broad framework provided by the NCTE.
State-wise Implementation: Since the introduction of the TET, various states and union territories have adopted and implemented the examination as per their requirements. Each state or UT has the authority to set its own eligibility criteria, examination pattern, and qualifying marks. This decentralized approach allows states to address their specific needs and educational contexts.
Amendments and Revisions: Over the years, there have been amendments and revisions to the TET guidelines to enhance the effectiveness of the examination. The NCTE periodically reviews the TET framework and provides updated guidelines to the states, incorporating feedback and suggestions from stakeholders.
Validity and Eligibility: The TET certificate is generally valid for a specified duration, usually five years, and candidates can apply for teaching positions during this validity period. The TET eligibility criteria have also been revised to include additional qualifications and relaxations for certain categories of candidates, such as reserved categories and candidates with disabilities.
Impact and Importance: The introduction of the TET has had a significant impact on the recruitment process for teachers. It has helped establish a standardized benchmark for teacher eligibility and has become an essential requirement for employment in the teaching profession. The TET has played a vital role in ensuring the quality of teachers and improving the overall education system in India.

Conducting Authorities for TET Exam

The responsibility of conducting the TET exam lies with the respective state governments and union territories. The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has provided guidelines to all states and UTs for conducting the exam. Each state or UT has the authority to set its own guidelines, eligibility criteria, and examination pattern for the TET.

Eligibility Criteria for TET Exam

The eligibility criteria for the TET exam may vary slightly from state to state. However, there are some common requirements that candidates must fulfil, including:

Education Qualification: Candidates should possess a minimum educational qualification of a Bachelor’s degree in Education (B.Ed.) or a Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed). The degree or diploma should be from a recognized university or institution.
Age Limit: The minimum and maximum age limits for appearing in the TET exam also vary across states. Generally, the minimum age requirement is 18 years, while the maximum age limit ranges between 35 to 40 years.
Citizenship: Candidates must be citizens of India or fulfil the residency criteria specified by the respective state government.

TET Exam Syllabus

The syllabus for the TET exam is designed to evaluate the candidates’ proficiency in various subjects related to teaching and education. The topics covered in the TET syllabus typically include:

Child Development and Pedagogy: This section focuses on understanding child psychology, educational psychology, theories of learning, and teaching methodologies.
Language Proficiency: Candidates are assessed on their language skills, including grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary, in both the first language and a second language (usually English).
Mathematics and Science (for primary level): This section evaluates the candidates’ knowledge of basic mathematical concepts, numbers, measurement, and the fundamentals of science.
Social Studies (for primary level): Candidates are tested on their understanding of history, geography, civics, and social sciences.
Mathematics and Science/Social Science (for upper primary level): This section assesses the candidates’ command over advanced mathematical concepts, scientific principles, and social science subjects.

TET Exam Pattern

The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) exam pattern may vary slightly from state to state in India. However, the general structure and components of the TET exam are as follows:

Exam Levels: The TET exam is conducted in two levels:a. Paper-I: This level is for candidates aspiring to teach classes I to V (primary level).b. Paper-II: This level is for candidates aspiring to teach classes VI to VIII (upper primary level).Some states may also have a provision for candidates to appear for both Paper-I and Paper-II if they intend to be eligible for teaching positions in both levels.
Question Types: The TET exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Each question is followed by four options, and candidates must select the correct answer.
Subjects and Syllabus: The subjects and syllabus for the TET exam vary depending on the level and the specific state’s guidelines. However, the common subjects include:a. Paper-I: Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I (usually the medium of instruction), Language II (commonly English), Mathematics, and Environmental Studies.b. Paper-II: Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, and either Mathematics and Science (for candidates intending to teach Mathematics and Science) or Social Studies (for candidates intending to teach Social Studies).
Marks and Duration: The TET exam generally has a fixed duration, typically ranging from 90 minutes to 150 minutes, depending on the state. The total marks for the exam also vary but commonly range from 150 to 150.
Qualifying Marks: To be considered qualified in the TET exam, candidates usually need to secure a minimum percentage of marks, which is predetermined by the respective state’s conducting authority. The qualifying marks may vary for different categories (general, OBC, SC/ST, etc.) as per the state government norms.
Language Medium: The TET exam is usually conducted in multiple languages, with candidates having the option to choose the language medium of the exam. The available language options may include regional languages, English, and Hindi.

TET Exam Pattern – Paper 1

Name of the Subjects	Number of Questions	Marks
Child Development and Pedagogy	30	30
Language I	30	30
Language II	30	30
Environmental Studies	30	30
Mathematics	30	30
Total	150	150

TET Exam Pattern – Paper 2

Name of the Subjects	Number of Questions	Marks
Child Development and Pedagogy	30	30
Language I	30	30
Language II	30	30
Social Studies or Mathematics and Science	60	60
Total	150	150

It is essential for candidates to refer to the official notification or guidelines issued by the respective state’s conducting authority to obtain detailed and accurate information about the TET exam pattern specific to that state.

Preparing for the TET exam involves studying the relevant subjects, practicing previous years’ question papers, and familiarizing oneself with the exam pattern to perform well and qualify for teaching positions in primary and upper primary schools.

How to Apply for TET Exam?

The application process for the TET exam varies from state to state. Generally, the following steps are involved:

Online Registration: Candidates need to visit the official website of the respective state’s conducting authority and complete the registration process by providing personal details, educational qualifications, and other necessary information.
Application Form: After registration, candidates are required to fill out the TET application form, providing accurate details and uploading scanned copies of relevant documents, such as educational certificates and identification proofs.
Application Fee: Candidates need to pay the prescribed application fee through online or offline modes, as specified by the conducting authority.
Admit Card: Once the application process is complete, candidates can download the TET admit card from the official website by logging in with their registration credentials.

The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) serves as a vital gateway for individuals aspiring to become teachers in primary and upper primary schools in India. By evaluating the competence and eligibility of candidates, the TET exam ensures that only qualified individuals enter the teaching profession, thereby enhancing the quality of education. Understanding the objective, conducting authorities, eligibility criteria, syllabus, and application process for the TET exam are essential for aspiring teachers to prepare effectively and embark on a successful teaching career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on TET Exam

What is the TET exam?

The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is a competitive examination conducted in various countries, including India, to assess candidates eligibility for teaching positions in government schools. It is a crucial requirement for individuals aspiring to become teachers at the primary and upper-primary levels.

What is the difference between CTET and TET exam?

The CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) is a specific variant of the TET conducted at the national level in India. While the TET is organized by individual states, the CTET is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The key distinction lies in the authority responsible for conducting the examination.

Who is eligible for CTET exam?

The eligibility criteria for the CTET exam vary based on the teaching level a candidate aims to pursue. Generally, the minimum requirements are as follows: a) For Primary Level (Classes I to V): Candidates must have passed Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with a minimum of 50% marks and should have completed or be pursuing a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education. b) For Upper Primary Level (Classes VI to VIII): Candidates should hold a Bachelors degree from a recognized university with at least 50% marks and should have completed or be pursuing a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education or a 1-year Bachelor in Education (B.Ed).

What are the benefits of TET exam?

The TET exam offers several benefits, including:Eligibility for Teaching Positions, Career Advancement, Job Security, Eligibility for Other Examinations.

What is the salary after qualifying for TET?

The salary after qualifying for TET varies depending on factors such as the teaching level, government regulations, and the specific pay scale for teachers in the respective country or state. In India, for instance, teachers who qualify for TET and are appointed in government schools receive a salary according to the pay scale determined by the state government. The salary may range from approximately INR 25,000 to INR 60,000 per month or higher in some cases, depending on the region. Its important to note that these figures are approximate and subject to change. For accurate and up-to-date information, it is advisable to refer to the official government notifications and guidelines.

TET Full Form – Teacher Eligibility Test