Minimum Qualifying Percentage for the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) Exam
The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is an essential examination for aspiring teachers in India, conducted by various state and central authorities to assess the eligibility of candidates for teaching positions in government schools. One of the most important aspects of the TET exam is the minimum qualifying percentage, which determines whether a candidate has passed the exam and is eligible to apply for teaching positions.
Minimum Qualifying Marks for TET:
The minimum qualifying percentage or marks for the TET exam varies depending on the category of the candidate, and it is generally defined by the conducting body (such as the State TETs or CTET).
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the minimum qualifying percentage and marks:
General Qualifying Marks:
General Category (UR): The minimum qualifying percentage for candidates belonging to the General category is typically 60%. This means that candidates in this category must score at least 90 marks out of a total of 150 marks in the TET exam to qualify.
Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC/PWD): Candidates belonging to reserved categories (such as SC, ST, OBC, and PWD categories) generally need to score a minimum of 55% to pass the TET exam. This translates to 82.5 marks out of 150 marks.
Breakdown of the Minimum Qualifying Marks Based on Category:
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage | Minimum Marks Required (Out of 150) |
|-------------------------|------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| General (UR) | 60% | 90 marks |
| OBC | 55% | 82.5 marks |
| SC/ST/PWD | 55% | 82.5 marks |
Important Points About the Minimum Qualifying Marks:
No Negative Marking: The TET exam typically follows a no negative marking policy. This means that candidates will not lose marks for incorrect answers. As a result, it’s crucial for candidates to attempt all questions, as they won't be penalized for wrong answers.
Relaxation in Marks for Reserved Categories: As mentioned, candidates from reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PWD) usually get a 5% relaxation in the qualifying percentage. This ensures that the examination process is equitable and inclusive.
Qualifying the TET Does Not Guarantee a Job: Qualifying the TET exam means that a candidate has met the minimum eligibility criteria to apply for teaching positions, but it does not guarantee an immediate appointment as a teacher. After passing the TET, candidates must go through further selection processes, such as interviews or document verification, depending on the recruiting authority's guidelines.
Validity of TET Scores: The validity of TET exam results typically ranges from 7 years to lifetime (depending on the conducting authority). This means that once candidates qualify for TET, they do not need to retake the exam unless the eligibility criteria change.
CTET (Central TET) Minimum Qualifying Marks:
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) is another widely recognized TET exam conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The minimum qualifying marks for CTET are similar to those of state-level TET exams, but with some slight differences:
- General Category (UR): 60% (90 marks out of 150)
- SC/ST/OBC/PWD: 55% (82.5 marks out of 150)
The CTET qualifying marks generally follow the same standards as most state TETs.
Additional Considerations:
Multiple Attempts: Candidates can appear for the TET exam multiple times to improve their scores or to maintain the validity of their TET eligibility for future recruitment processes. There is no restriction on the number of attempts, as long as the candidate continues to meet the minimum eligibility criteria.
State-Specific Criteria: The minimum qualifying percentage for TET may vary slightly depending on the state conducting the exam. However, the percentage for General category candidates (around 60%) and Reserved category candidates (around 55%) generally remains the same.
Cut-off Marks: While the minimum qualifying marks refer to the minimum score required to pass the exam, the cut-off marks may vary based on the overall performance of candidates in a particular year. The conducting authority may release the cut-off marks after the exam results are declared. The cut-off determines the final eligibility list and may be higher than the minimum qualifying marks, depending on factors like the number of applicants, exam difficulty level, and overall performance.
Conclusion:
The minimum qualifying percentage for the TET exam is essential for candidates to know in order to prepare effectively. As a general guideline:
- Candidates in the General category must secure at least 60% (90 out of 150 marks).
- Candidates from SC, ST, OBC, and PWD categories must secure at least 55% (82.5 out of 150 marks), with some relaxation provided.
However, it’s important to remember that qualifying the TET exam does not guarantee an appointment as a teacher. Candidates must also meet other requirements set by the respective state or central recruitment authorities, which may include additional rounds such as interviews, document verification, and other selection processes.
Candidates should also pay attention to state-specific guidelines and notifications to get accurate and up-to-date information on the minimum qualifying percentage and cut-off marks for each year.