The Kerala government has updated its guidelines for the Kerala Teachers’ Eligibility Test (K-TET), making the test mandatory for all teachers. This includes those with higher academic qualifications who were previously exempt. The new rules apply to appointments and promotions in government and aided schools across the state.
This policy change follows specific Supreme Court judgments. Rulings on August 7, 2023 , and a subsequent decision on September 1, 2025 , in Writ Petition No 1385/2025 and connected civil appeals, affirmed the mandatory nature of Teachers’ Eligibility Tests. The state government examined the issue thoroughly before issuing the revised norms.
Higher Qualification Exemption Ends
A significant shift in policy involves candidates holding advanced academic qualifications. Previously, individuals with degrees such as SET, NET, MPhil, PhD, or MEd were not required to clear K-TET. This exemption has now been completely withdrawn. All candidates, regardless of their higher degrees, must now pass the specific K-TET category relevant to their desired teaching post.
K-TET Categories Defined for Teachers
The new guidelines clearly define which K-TET category is required for different teaching positions. Candidates must hold the appropriate K-TET qualification to be eligible for appointment.
| Teacher Post | Required K-TET Category |
|---|---|
| Lower Primary (LP) Teacher | Category I or Category II |
| Upper Primary (UP) Teacher | Category I or Category II |
| High School Teacher | Category III |
| High School Language Teacher | Category III and Category IV |
K-TET Mandatory for Promotions
K-TET Category III is now a prerequisite for certain promotions within high schools. Only serving High School teachers who possess K-TET Category III will be considered for promotion to Headmaster positions. This qualification is also essential for by-transfer appointments to Higher Secondary School Teacher (HSST) and HSST (Junior) posts.
Promotions to the post of Higher Secondary School Principal remain unaffected by these new guidelines. However, all other by-transfer promotions to various teaching posts now require candidates to hold the relevant K-TET qualification for the concerned category.
CTET Qualifications Remain Valid
Existing exemptions for candidates who have passed the Central Teachers’ Eligibility Test (CTET) will continue. Those holding a CTET Primary Stage qualification are eligible for appointment as Lower Primary teachers. Candidates with a CTET Elementary Stage qualification can be considered for Upper Primary teacher posts.
State to Challenge Supreme Court Ruling
General Education Minister V Sivankutty had previously announced the state’s intention to file a review petition with the Supreme Court. The minister aimed to seek clarity on the court’s judgment that made TET mandatory for all school teachers. Sivankutty noted that education falls under the Concurrent List of the Constitution, suggesting the Union government should consider new legislation to address concerns raised by the verdict.
The state government has clarified that these newly issued guidelines are currently in force. However, their application remains subject to the final decision of the review petition that is pending before the Supreme Court.