STFI moves SC to reconsider the requisite criteria for continuation and promotion of appointed teachers

Hyderabad: The School Teachers Federation of India (STFI) has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court against its September 1 judgment in Civil Appeal No. 1385/2025 and related cases, which made clearing the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) mandatory for service continuation and promotions.

Background of the Judgment

On September 1, the Supreme Court ruled that all teachers retiring after five years must necessarily pass the TET within two years to continue in service. Those failing to qualify would have to retire. The ruling also extended to teachers with less than five years of service, making TET clearance mandatory for promotion.

The decision is expected to affect nearly 25 lakh teachers across the country.

STFI’s Legal Step

In response, STFI General Secretary Chava Ravi confirmed that a review petition was filed on Tuesday through advocate Subhash Chandran. The petition has been filed under CRN No. SCIN010567412025, Diary No. 56741/2025 dated 30.09.2025.

“It is known that on the 17th of this month, the STFI leadership decided to visit the Supreme Court, hold consultations with lawyers, and file the review petition. Accordingly, a review petition has been filed,” said Chava Ravi.

Call for Wider Support

The federation’s leadership has also urged the Central Government, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), and respective state governments to intervene.

In a joint statement, STFI President CN Bharti, General Secretary Chava Ravi, and Treasurer TK A Shafi said:

“We urge the Central Government, NCTE, and respective State Governments to file review petitions as soon as possible.”

Impact on Teachers

According to STFI, the ruling could create uncertainty for lakhs of teachers nearing retirement, while also affecting promotional opportunities for younger teachers. The federation has argued that the judgment requires reconsideration in light of the scale of its impact on the teaching community.

What the Supreme Court’s TET Ruling Means for Teachers

The September 1 Supreme Court judgment has different implications for teachers depending on their stage of service.

• Teachers retiring after five years:

Must clear the TET within two years of the judgment. If not, they will be compulsorily retired.

• Teachers with less than five years of service:

TET clearance is compulsory for eligibility for promotions. Without it, career advancement will be stalled.

• Newly recruited teachers:

Recruitment rules already mandate TET clearance for appointment. The judgment reinforces this requirement.

• Overall impact:

Nearly 25 lakh teachers across India will be affected. Many senior teachers who were recruited before TET was made mandatory now face the prospect of retirement if they do not pass the test.