The Tamil Nadu Graduate Teachers’ Association has formally requested the Tamil Nadu School Education Department to reduce the minimum qualifying marks for the Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test (TNTET) 2025 from 55% to 50%. The demand follows the successful completion of TET Paper 1 and Paper 2, held on November 15 and 16, 2025, which saw an overwhelming response with more than 3.75 lakh candidates, including over one lakh in-service teachers.
The TET is a mandatory eligibility exam for teachers under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and Tamil Nadu has been conducting the exam since 2012. The qualifying threshold currently stands at 90/150 for general category and 82/150 for reserved categories (55%).
TNTET 2025 – Overview of Current Cut-Off Rules
| Category | Current Qualifying Marks |
| General | 90/150 (60%) |
| BC/MBC/SC/ST | 82/150 (≈55%) |
Given the Supreme Court’s directive that even teachers appointed before the RTE Act must qualify TET, clearing the exam has become essential for career continuity, promotions and salary increments.
WHY TEACHERS ARE REQUESTING A CUT-OFF REDUCTION
The Association highlighted several key reasons to justify lowering the benchmark:
Eligibility Test vs Recruitment Exam
The TET certifies eligibility only, while actual appointments depend on competitive exams and merit-based selection processes.
A reduction in qualifying marks will not compromise recruitment standards.
High Participation of In-Service Teachers
This year, over one lakh employed teachers appeared for the TET, showcasing the urgency and scale of the situation. Many experienced teachers face challenges due to:
- Heavy workload
- School responsibilities
- Age-related limitations
- Shifts in exam patterns
For many, the 55% qualifying mark is proving hard to achieve.
Practices in Other States
Other Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh, have adopted a 50% qualifying mark following Supreme Court directives. These states continue to maintain strong educational quality, proving that a 50% cut-off does not dilute standards.
Ensuring Education System Stability
Reducing the qualifying mark can ensure:
- Continuity in school functioning
- Smooth personnel management
- Improved teacher morale
- Enhanced focus on student welfare
TNTET 2025 Exam Highlights
- Paper 1 & 2 conducted successfully statewide
- 3.75 lakh+ candidates appeared
- Over 1 lakh in-service teachers took the exam
- Qualifying TET is mandatory for service continuation per Supreme Court ruling
The association strongly feels that a moderate reduction to 50% would help hundreds of experienced teachers retain their eligibility while preserving state education standards.
Request to the Government
The Tamil Nadu Graduate Teachers’ Association has urged the state to officially revise the TNTET 2025 qualifying marks from 55% to 50% and issue a government order at the earliest. The organisation maintains that such a revision is both practical and essential in safeguarding the public education system and ensuring fairness.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
| What are the current TNTET qualifying marks? |
| General: 90/150; Reserved: 82/150 (about 55%). |
| Why is the reduction to 50% being requested? |
| To support in-service teachers facing workload and age-related challenges. |
| How many candidates appeared for TNTET 2025? |
| More than 3.75 lakh candidates. |
| Is TET mandatory for all teachers? |
| Yes, as per the Supreme Court directive under the RTE Act. |
| Will lowering cut-off affect recruitment quality? |
| No, TET only certifies eligibility; recruitment is done separately. |
| Which states have a similar 50% cut-off? |
| Andhra Pradesh and several others. |
| Is the government expected to issue an order? |
| The association has requested an official order from the TN Govt. |
| Does qualifying TET guarantee a teaching job? |
| No, it only grants eligibility; recruitment is through separate exams. |
The Tamil Nadu Graduate Teachers’ Association’s appeal to lower the TNTET 2025 qualifying marks highlights the challenges faced by thousands of in-service teachers and the need for practical reforms. Reducing the cut-off to 50% would align Tamil Nadu with multiple other states and ensure stability in the education system. Candidates are advised to stay updated by checking the official announcements regularly and bookmarking this page for future updates.
