Tripura CM Dr. Manik Saha clarifies that TET qualification does not guarantee teaching jobs, emphasizing merit-based recruitment, transparency, and ongoing teacher appointments to address shortages while maintaining quality education standards across the state.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Monday made it clear in the State Assembly that qualifying the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) does not automatically ensure a teaching job. His statement came during a discussion on a private resolution on the final day of the Budget Session, drawing attention to the ongoing concerns over teacher shortages and employment opportunities for qualified candidates.
Participating in the debate, the Chief Minister emphasized that passing the TET is only the first step in the recruitment process. He explained that while the certification allows candidates to apply for teaching posts, it does not confer any legal right to direct appointment. Recruitment, he said, is conducted strictly in accordance with existing rules, availability of vacancies, and the merit of candidates.
The private resolution, introduced by MLA Islam Uddin, urged the government to immediately appoint all TET-qualified candidates in order to address the acute shortage of teachers in schools across the state. The proposal highlighted concerns from aspirants who have successfully cleared the eligibility test but are still awaiting employment opportunities.
Responding to the demand, Dr. Saha reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining quality education standards. He stressed that ensuring competent and capable teachers in classrooms remains a priority, and that recruitment must be based on merit and transparency rather than automatic eligibility.
“The government is focused on a fair and transparent recruitment system that prioritizes merit and qualifications,” the Chief Minister stated. He further added that the current administration has improved the rate of appointments among TET-qualified candidates compared to the previous government.
Providing statistical insight, Dr. Saha informed the House that the Teacher Eligibility Test conducted by the Teachers’ Recruitment Board, Tripura (TRBT), has been held nine times between 2015 and 2024. He pointed out that prior to March 2018, approximately 75 percent of qualified candidates were recruited, whereas after 2018, the recruitment rate has increased to around 78 percent.
Highlighting ongoing efforts to address teacher shortages, the Chief Minister noted that recruitment is a continuous process. He mentioned that the State Cabinet had approved the recruitment of 2,056 teachers at the elementary level in November last year, including 1,036 undergraduate and 1,020 graduate teachers. The requisition for these posts has already been sent to the TRBT.
In addition to this, the government has issued appointment offers to 57 special educators and 106 physical education teachers. These steps, according to the Chief Minister, are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the education system and ensure that students receive quality instruction across all levels.
He also revealed that proposals have been submitted for the recruitment of 700 graduate teachers, 915 subject teachers, and teachers for Computer Science under the TPGT category. The recruitment examinations for these posts have already been conducted, indicating further progress in addressing vacancies.
Reaffirming the government’s stance, Dr. Saha said that while the aspirations of young job seekers are important, the integrity and quality of the education system cannot be compromised. He assured the House that the administration is working steadily to strike a balance between employment generation and maintaining high academic standards.
MLA Gopal Chandra Roy also participated in the discussion, contributing to the debate on the issue of teacher recruitment and educational development in the state.
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The Chief Minister’s remarks underline a significant policy position: while TET remains a crucial qualification, securing a teaching job ultimately depends on merit, vacancy availability, and adherence to recruitment norms.
