LUCKNOW, July 23 -- Following a Supreme Court ruling that mandates Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) qualification for all educators, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced plans to conduct a Special TET for more than 1.4 lakh in-service teachers and approximately 2,500 special educators. In a directive issued on July 21, 2026, the basic education department instructed the Uttar Pradesh education service selection commission to submit a detailed action plan for the exam. This move stems from a Supreme Court order dated May 29, 2026, which dismissed the state's review petition against a previous judgment requiring TET certification for all teachers. While maintaining the mandate, the apex court extended the deadline for in-service teachers to obtain the qualification from August 31, 2027, to August 31, 2028, citing the need to ensure continuity in elementary education. The court further advised that states should endeavour to hold the TET preferably twice a year. The upcoming Special TET will impact approximately 140,318 teachers currently serving in the state, comprising 64,062 primary teachers and 76,256 upper primary teachers....