Prayagraj – In a recent hearing, a single‑judge bench of the Allahabad High Court turned down a petition filed by 221 Shikshamitras who asked to be permitted to appear for the Special Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2026.

Petition and Its Representatives

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

Contentions Raised by the Petitioners

Lengthy Service Record

Advocate Jain Abbas, who represented the group, highlighted that many Shikshamitras have been serving in primary‑level schools for more than 26 years. Their responsibilities, he argued, go beyond classroom instruction to include duties such as election‑related activities, census enumeration, vote counting, school administration, examination supervision, and departmental training.

Lack of Access to the Test

The petitioners asserted that despite their extensive experience and the training they have undergone, they were barred from the Special TET, a provision that other incumbent teachers and special educators were allowed to utilize. They maintained that clearing the exam is crucial for safeguarding their teaching positions, especially after the Supreme Court’s order mandating a TET for every teacher.

The Court’s Reasoning

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 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 recognized that Shikshamitras are eligible to sit for the ordinary TET, it held that this qualification does not automatically grant them a right to participate in the Special TET.

Conclusion of the Hearing

Taking into account the statutory framework and the narrow 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.