Tamil Nadu Government Reduces TNTET Qualifying Marks for Persons with Disabilities
The Tamil Nadu government has implemented a significant policy change for the Teacher Eligibility Test (TNTET), specifically benefiting candidates with disabilities. In a decisive move, the state administration has officially reduced the minimum qualifying marks required for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) in both TNTET Paper I and Paper II.
Revised Qualification Criteria Details
Previously, PwD candidates needed to secure at least 50% or 75 marks out of the total 150 marks in each paper to qualify. The new regulation lowers this threshold to 40% or 60 marks per paper. This adjustment effectively brings the qualifying standard for PwD applicants in line with that already established for candidates from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes categories.
School Education Secretary B Chandra Mohan confirmed this development through an official release. He elaborated that the revision was initiated following a formal recommendation from the Commissionerate for the Welfare of the Differently Abled. The recommendation highlighted that similar relaxations in qualifying marks are already being extended to PwD candidates in other Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha.
Alignment with National Guidelines
Chandra Mohan emphasized that this policy change is in strict alignment with the guidelines issued by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). The primary objective is to ensure equitable access and fair opportunities for PwD candidates during teacher recruitment eligibility tests across the country.
"The revision aligns with the guidelines issued by the National Council for Teacher Education to ensure equitable access for PwD candidates in teacher recruitment eligibility tests," stated the School Education Secretary, reinforcing the policy's foundation in national educational standards.
Impact on Other Categories and Activist Response
It is important to note that the qualifying marks for candidates belonging to other reserved categories, such as Backward Classes, Denotified Communities, and Most Backward Classes, remain unchanged. These groups continue to require a minimum of 50% or 75 marks in both TNTET papers to qualify.
The policy revision has been welcomed by disability rights activists. T M N Deepak, a prominent PwD activist who has consistently advocated for this change, expressed approval of the government's decision. His advocacy efforts were instrumental in highlighting the need for a more inclusive qualification framework.
This strategic reduction in qualifying marks is expected to enhance inclusivity within Tamil Nadu's teacher recruitment process, potentially increasing the number of qualified PwD educators in the state's school system.
