Supreme Court Final Judgement 2025 is Out : KTET is Compulsory for Kerala Teachers

The Supreme Court of India has finally announced its major decision on KTET, stating that all schools established under Section 2(n) of the RTE Act, with the exception of religious or linguistic minority schools, should follow the TET qualification requirements till the remaining concern question is resolved. 

With this decision, most Kerala schools require teachers to have the KTET qualification and current in-service teachers must also follow the new TET requirements. This major decision improves the overall quality of education by ensuring that every classroom is led by a highly qualified KTET-certified teacher, as required by law.

Supreme Court’s Final Rules for In-Service Teachers

The Supreme Court judgment on KTET divides teachers into two clear groups:

Teachers with Less Than 5 Years of Service Left

These senior teachers are allowed to continue in service without clearing KTET, but they will not be eligible for promotions unless they pass the exam. This ensures protection for teachers nearing retirement while maintaining the government’s requirement that KTET qualification is compulsory for career advancement under the latest Supreme Court judgment.

Teachers with More Than 5 Years Before Retirement

Under the Supreme Court's KTET judgement, in-service teachers with more than five years remaining must pass the KTET/TET within two years in order to continue working. Those who fail must leave service and may be forced to retire, and terminal benefits will only be awarded if the teacher meets the qualifying criteria for service. Teachers who do not receive the required service may file a request to the government for consideration.

What About New Teachers and Promotions?

The Supreme Court has made KTET/TET a mandatory qualification for all teaching jobs in Kerala. Anyone applying for a teacher post or seeking promotion must pass KTET/TET. Without KTET, candidates cannot claim eligibility for appointment or promotion, making KTET compulsory for all future teachers in Kerala.

How Supreme Court Judgment Changes Kerala’s Education Landscape?

This judgment creates long-term changes in the state’s educational ecosystem:

Strengthens classroom teaching quality : With qualified KTET teachers, students get better academic guidance and support.

Ensures professional accountability : Teachers are expected to stay updated with modern teaching standards and child development concepts.

Helps standardize hiring practices : Recruitment becomes transparent and merit-based since KTET acts as a uniform qualification benchmark.

 Encourages continuous skill upgrading : Teachers will now prepare systematically for KTET, improving their subject depth and teaching skills.

Reduces arbitrary appointments : Unqualified individuals can no longer enter the teaching profession through shortcuts or exceptions.

Kerala Announces Special KTET Exam 2026 for In-Service Teachers 

The Kerala Government has announced a Special KTET Exam in February 2026 to help in-service teachers who have not yet cleared KTET, giving them an extra chance to secure promotions, protect their job security and meet the Supreme Court TET Rule 2025, encouraging all teachers to complete the KTET qualification within the required timeframe.

Refer the following links to learn more about the KTET special Exam in February 2026, KTET, KTET Supreme Court final judgment and  KTET latest update 2025.

• KTET Latest Update 2025: Promotions Blocked, Teachers Under Pressure & Special Exam Announced
• KTET Special Notification 2025 for Government and Aided School Teachers : First Exam After TET Made Compulsory!
• TET Supreme Court Judgement 2025: 50,000 Kerala Teachers in Crisis | No Promotion or Continuation Without KTET!

Best KTET Online Coaching for KTET Special Exam 2026 Preparation

Prepare for the KTET Special Exam 2026 with Kerala’s best KTET online coaching from the CC Learning App. Get syllabus-based classes, revision, model exams, study materials and KTET previous year question papers. Build strong KTET exam preparation with expert mentors through our KTET coaching. Download CC Learning App and crack KTET 2026 confidently. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Special KTET Exam 2026?

It is a special exam announced by Kerala Government in February 2026 to help teachers who have not yet passed KTET.

2. Will teachers lose their job if they don’t pass KTET?

Those with more than 5 years left must pass KTET within 2 years or they will be removed from service.

3. Can new teachers apply for jobs without KTET?

No. KTET is now compulsory for all teaching appointments