Dimapur, August 29 (MExN): The All-Nagaland Government Primary Teachers’ Association (ANGPTA) has submitted a representation to the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Nagaland, urging a re-evaluation of certain eligibility criteria and exemption provisions for the upcoming Nagaland Teacher Eligibility Test (N-TET).
While appreciating the SCERT for initiating the N-TET process in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive, the association has expressed concerns that stringent conditions could disproportionately affect experienced teachers appointed under earlier service rules. In its representation, ANGPTA President James Ruokuoselhou and General Secretary Along Changkiri pressed for several relaxations to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination and to protect teachers from potential adverse consequences.
One of the concerns raised pertains to the retrospective application of the 45% academic qualification criterion. It contended that this requirement should not be applied to teachers who were appointed in earlier years when the academic qualifying percentage was 33%. “Although the Supreme Court has directed the State Government regarding the conduct of TET, the same criteria should not be applied retrospectively to teachers appointed under the earlier rules. All in-service teachers should therefore be allowed to appear for the N-TET, irrespective of their academic pass percentage,” the ANGPTA stated.
On the issue of professional qualifications, ANGPTA has sought a complete exemption from the N-TET for teachers appointed before September 3, 2001, pointing out that the State Government had specifically exempted this group from undergoing professional courses at the time of their appointment. “Considering that these teachers were appointed under the prevailing rules at the time and were subsequently exempted by the Government from acquiring professional qualifications, all teachers appointed before 3rd September 2001 should be exempted from appearing for the N-TET examination,” it noted.
The association also raised concerns over the acceptance of academic and professional documents, urging that final marksheets issued by recognised Boards, Universities, and institutions be accepted in lieu of separate pass certificates. Furthermore, it called for the recognition of additional professional qualifications such as ECCE and other foundational education courses, alongside the traditionally considered D.El.Ed., ISTE, and PSTE, for N-TET eligibility.
Regarding the qualifying percentage, ANGPTA has requested a reduction from the fixed 55% to 45%, arguing that the latter has been the recent academic benchmark for new teacher appointments.
“The qualifying percentage for the N-TET has been fixed at 55%, which may make it difficult for the majority of teachers to qualify. The Association, therefore, requests that the qualifying percentage for the N-TET be reconsidered and reduced to 45%,” ANGPTA stated.
It also sought consideration for teachers from the D.El.Ed. 2014–16 batch, who have reportedly not yet received their final pass certificates from NIOS despite completing the course. The Association appealed that these teachers be allowed to appear for the N-TET on the basis of their first-year marksheet, with the provision to submit full-course certificates later.
Logistical challenges have also been highlighted, particularly for teachers posted in remote and far-flung areas. ANGPTA has demanded that at least one examination centre be established in each district to minimise travel hardships and ensure the normal functioning of schools. “For teachers posted in such areas, travelling to an examination centre and appearing for the N-TET on the same day may be extremely difficult. In many cases, teachers may have to leave their schools for at least three days,” the Association pointed out.
Further, the ANGPTA has urged the Department to avoid scheduling the N-TET on dates clashing with school examinations, cautioning that if all teachers from a particular school are required to appear on the same day, the schools may be left without adequate staff to conduct their own exams. It also called for the organisation of tutorial or orientation programmes on the N-TET syllabus to facilitate systematic preparation without disrupting regular teaching activities.
“In view of the above, the Association is deeply concerned that stringent eligibility conditions may prevent many experienced in-service teachers from qualifying for the N-TET, potentially resulting in premature retirement and serious economic hardship to their families. These teachers have dedicated their professional lives to serving the education system under the rules and conditions applicable at the time of their appointment,” the representation stated.
The ANGPTA urged the Department to adopt a fair, practical and inclusive approach, particularly by exempting senior teachers appointed before September 3, 2001, and by reconsidering the other eligibility conditions raised.
“The Association earnestly appeals for appropriate measures in the larger interest of the teachers, students and the education system of the State,” it added.
