The Tamil Nadu Graduate Teachers’ Association has formally requested the State School Education Department to reduce the TNTET 2025 qualifying marks from 55 percent to 50 percent for both Paper 1 and Paper 2. The current cut-off requires general category candidates to score 90 marks, while OBC and SC/ST candidates must secure at least 82 marks in the 150-mark exam. Teachers argue that lowering the cut-off will expand eligibility without compromising educational standards. The request comes after the TNTET 2025 exams were conducted on November 15 and 16, which saw participation from over 3.75 lakh candidates statewide. The Graduate Teachers’ Association highlighted that TET certification serves only as an eligibility criterion, while actual teacher recruitment involves separate competitive exams, merit lists, and quotas.
TNTET 2025 Cut-Off Revision: Key Arguments
The Association explained that reducing the TNTET qualifying marks to 50 per cent will enable more aspirants to become eligible for teacher recruitment. They emphasised that this change will not affect the quality of teaching, as appointments continue to be governed by rigorous recruitment procedures. Additionally, the move aligns Tamil Nadu with other states where TET pass marks are set at or below 50 per cent, allowing better inclusion of deserving candidates.
Comparison of TET Qualifying Marks Across States
Before detailing the recommended changes, it is important to understand how other states have set TET qualifying marks. The following table provides an overview:
This comparison shows that Tamil Nadu’s current cut-off is higher than most states, reinforcing teachers’ call for revision.
Supreme Court Mandate Reinforces TET Importance
Following a Supreme Court directive, all teachers, including those appointed before the RTE Act, must pass the TNTET to be eligible for teaching roles. This mandate makes the qualifying exam essential, but it does not directly affect recruitment standards. Teachers argue that lowering the pass marks ensures more candidates clear the eligibility hurdle while maintaining quality in selection.
Awaiting Government Decision on TNTET Cut-Off
The State School Education Department is yet to respond to the request. With exams already conducted, candidates and educators alike are awaiting official notification on whether the TNTET 2025 qualifying marks will be revised. Any decision will have a significant impact on thousands of prospective teachers across Tamil Nadu.
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