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.

Petitioners and Their Representation

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

Key Contentions Raised by the Applicants

Lengthy Service Record

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

Exclusion from the Special TET

The claimants asserted that despite their extensive experience and the training they have undergone, they were barred from the Special TET – a test that was made available to other serving teachers and special educators. They maintained that clearing the exam is vital for safeguarding their teaching positions, especially after the Supreme Court’s order mandating a TET for all educators.

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 fell under the TET requirement after their appointment. It is not a universal right extended to every teacher eligible for the regular TET.

While recognising that Shikshamitras are entitled to appear for the ordinary TET, the court held that this eligibility does not automatically translate into a right to participate in the Special TET.

Conclusion of the Bench

Taking into account the statutory framework and the limited ambit of the Special TET, Justice Chauhan dismissed the petition, thereby refusing to grant Special TET 2026 eligibility to the 221 Shikshamitras.

The application filed by Wasim Ahmed and his colleagues was consequently dismissed by the Allahabad High Court.