Prayagraj – A single‑judge bench of the Allahabad High Court has turned down a petition filed by 221 Shikshamitras who sought permission to sit for the Special Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2026.

Who Brought the Petition?

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

Petitioners’ Main Contentions

Lengthy Service Record

Advocate Jain Abbas, representing the group, highlighted that many Shikshamitras have served in basic‑education schools for more than 26 years. Their responsibilities, he argued, go far beyond classroom teaching and include duties such as election‑related work, census activities, vote counting, school administration, examination supervision, and departmental training.

Lack of Access to the Special TET

The applicants maintained that, despite their extensive experience and the training they have undergone, they were barred from the Special TET – a test that regular in‑service teachers and special educators were allowed to take. They contended that clearing this exam is crucial for safeguarding their teaching positions, 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 conceived as a transitional measure for particular categories of in‑service teachers who became subject to the TET requirement after their appointment. It is not a universal entitlement for all teachers eligible for the standard TET.

While the court recognized that Shikshamitras are eligible to appear for the regular TET, it held that this qualification does not automatically extend to participation in the Special TET.

Conclusion of the Judgment

Taking into account the statutory framework and the limited scope of the Special TET, Justice Chauhan dismissed the petition, thereby refusing to grant 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.