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Tamil Nadu Lowers TNTET Cut-off to 40% for Persons with Disabilities

The Tamil Nadu government has formally reduced the minimum qualifying marks for Persons with Disabilities in the TNTET from 50% to 40%. This decision places PwD candidates on par with applicants from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, who also have a 40% cut-off. The move follows a recommendation from the Commissionerate for the Welfare of the Differently Abled and aligns with NCTE guidelines for equitable access. The revision seeks to expand opportunities for differently-abled aspirants entering the teaching profession.

Key Points: TN Lowers TNTET Qualifying Marks for PwDs to 40%

  • PwD TNTET cut-off reduced from 50% to 40%
  • Now aligned with SC/ST/SCA qualifying marks
  • Follows recommendations from Welfare Commissionerate
  • Aims for parity and inclusive teacher recruitment
2 min read

TN lowers TNTET qualifying marks for PwDs to 40 pc, aligns with SC/ST cut-off

Tamil Nadu aligns PwD TNTET qualifying marks with SC/ST at 40%, promoting inclusivity in teacher recruitment per NCTE guidelines.

"expand opportunities for differently-abled aspirants seeking to enter the teaching profession - Tamil Nadu Government Order"

Chennai, Feb 26

In a significant move aimed at promoting inclusivity in the education sector, the Tamil Nadu government has reduced the minimum qualifying marks for Persons with Disabilities in the Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test Papers I and II from 50 per cent to 40 per cent.

With this revision, PwD candidates will now be placed on par with applicants from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Caste Arunthathiyars (SCA) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), who are also required to secure 40 per cent (60 out of 150 marks) to qualify in the eligibility test.

The decision was formalised through a Government Order (GO) issued recently. According to the order, the move follows a recommendation from the Commissionerate for the Welfare of the Differently Abled.

The Commissionerate had highlighted that several other states -- including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Odisha -- already extend similar relaxations to PwD candidates in their respective Teacher Eligibility Tests.

Officials said the revision is also in line with guidelines issued by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), which emphasise equitable access and reasonable accommodation for candidates with disabilities in teacher recruitment examinations across the country.

The Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test, conducted to determine eligibility for appointment as teachers in Classes I to 8, comprises two papers: Paper I for Classes I to 5and Paper 2 for Classes 6 to 8.

Candidates are required to secure the prescribed minimum marks to qualify, though final appointments are subject to further recruitment procedures. The latest relaxation comes just a month after the state government revised the qualifying marks for candidates from various backward and marginalised communities.

Under the current framework, candidates belonging to Backward Classes (BC), Backward Class Muslims (BCM), Most Backward Classes (MBC) and Denotified Communities (DNC) are required to secure 50 per cent (75 out of 150 marks) to qualify. By lowering the cut-off for PwDs, the government has sought to ensure parity and expand opportunities for differently-abled aspirants seeking to enter the teaching profession.

The move is likely to benefit a substantial number of candidates preparing for upcoming TNTET examinations and strengthen inclusive representation within Tamil Nadu's school education system.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good move, but I hope the focus remains on merit and teaching capability. A lower qualifying mark is fine for the eligibility test, but the final selection process must be rigorous to ensure we get the best teachers for our children.
A
Arjun K
Finally! It was unfair that PwD candidates had a higher bar than SC/ST. Aligning the cut-off makes sense and brings TN in line with other states and NCTE guidelines. Inclusive education needs inclusive teachers.
S
Sarah B
As an educator, I appreciate this. However, the real test is ensuring schools have the infrastructure and support systems to welcome teachers with disabilities. The policy is just the first step.
V
Vikram M
A step in the right direction for social justice. But what about the 50% requirement for BC, MBC etc.? The gap between them and SC/ST/PwD is now 10%. This creates another layer of complexity. The entire reservation policy needs a rational review.
K
Kavya N
My cousin is preparing for TNTET with a locomotor disability. This news has brought so much hope to our family! Thank you for recognizing the need for reasonable accommodation. 🙏

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