Madurai-based teacher unions have alleged that the question paper for the special Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) was prepared with a “revenge” mindset, claiming their recommendations were ignored. They have urged Chief Minister Vijay to set the qualifying mark at 33%—50 out of 150.
The special TET was conducted on July 4 and 5 following court directions under the Right to Education framework, which makes TET qualification mandatory for secondary and graduate teachers. Unions said the exam was decided during the DMK regime.
Teachers who took the test described it as unusually difficult. According to the unions, educators who have taught primary classes for nearly two decades were asked questions at higher secondary level, including assertion–reason type items similar to competitive recruitment exams.
Tamil Nadu All Teachers Progress Association state president Arokiyadas said discussions were held with the then minister Mahesh on September 4 and November 21, 2025, where unions sought measures such as lowering qualifying marks for reserved-category candidates using state powers as per NCTE guidance, and limiting questions to the syllabus teachers actually teach. He alleged these assurances were not honoured.
Former state president of the Tamil Nadu Higher Secondary School Headmasters Association, Samisathyamoorthy, said only about 20% of questions matched teachers’ work level and that those above 50 years were under severe stress. He called the paper-setting an “extreme display of authority” and questioned why similar qualifying tests are not imposed across other sectors.
