VIKAS SHARMA
JAMMU, SEPT 16: Government teachers in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir find themselves in a fix after the Supreme Court’s recent verdict mandating that all in-service teachers must pass the Central Teachers Eligibility Test (CTET). While the court’s objective to ensure uniform teaching standards is widely acknowledged, teachers here feel the judgment unfairly targets those already serving, many of whom have completed advanced training and possess years of experience in challenging environments.
For decades, teachers in the Union Territory have been recruited through state-specific processes that required recognized qualifications such as B.Ed and M.Ed degrees. Many have devoted years teaching in schools across remote areas with limited infrastructure, inadequate teaching materials, and even security threats.
“This is an added burden on teachers who have already qualified through B.Ed and M.Ed courses and have spent years teaching in classrooms,” a senior government teacher told IMCSD Herald.
“We are not against improving education standards, but this test should apply only to new candidates entering the profession.”
“For teachers in Jammu & Kashmir, this ruling has put us in a fix. We were recruited after going through state procedures that recognized our qualifications. Now, after years of service, we are being asked to pass another test to prove our competency”, said another teacher.
Teachers fear that failing the test—even after years of service—could lead to disciplinary action, salary cuts, or stalled promotions. “We are already working under difficult conditions,” the teacher added.
“Now, after all that, we are being told to clear another exam to stay in service. This could demoralize teachers and discourage many from taking up the profession, especially in remote and conflict-prone areas.”
Teachers propose practical solutions
The teaching community has suggested alternatives to improve education without penalizing experienced educators:
- CTET should be mandatory only for fresh candidates applying for teaching posts.
- Experienced teachers should be supported through training workshops, refresher courses, and continuous professional development programs.
- Classroom observations, mentoring, and performance appraisals should be used to upgrade teaching standards rather than a one-time certification test.
- Regional challenges, such as language barriers and geographical difficulties, should be considered in any assessment process.
“Instead of penalizing teachers, support mechanisms should be provided to enhance their skills,” a teachers’ union leader said. “A more inclusive approach will ensure both quality education and teacher morale.”
What is CTET and why does this matter?
The Central Teachers Eligibility Test (CTET), conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), assesses candidates’ knowledge of pedagogy, child development, classroom management, and subject expertise. It is aimed at ensuring that qualified individuals are recruited to teach in government schools.
Until now, CTET was only required for new candidates applying to schools such as Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas. The Supreme Court’s recent verdict now requires all serving teachers, including those already appointed, to pass the test within a specified period.
The court justified its decision by stating that inconsistent teacher recruitment processes across states have compromised educational standards. It maintained that uniform certification would professionalize teaching and strengthen the right to education.
However, critics argue that this approach ignores the realities of different regions. In Jammu & Kashmir, teachers say that experience, on-ground understanding, and contextual challenges should also be considered when assessing teacher competency.
