The Allahabad High Court today ruled that Teachers'' Eligibility Test was an “essential qualification” for all those who seek teaching jobs at primary level in Uttar Pradesh.

A Full Bench, comprising justices Sunil Ambwani, A P Sahi and P K S Baghel said, “the Teachers'' Eligibility Test (TET) is an essential qualification that has to be possessed by every candidate who seeks appointment as a teacher of elementary education in Classes 1 to 5”.

The Full Bench was constituted following a reference made by a Single Judge bench for deciding whether TET was compulsory for all candidates or there was scope for exemption and relaxation in favour of candidates with an above average academic record.

The Full Bench disapproved of any such exemption or relaxation and held that TET was “compulsory for all candidates”.