In a move to enhance inclusivity in education, the Tamil Nadu government has reduced the minimum qualifying marks for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the Tamil Nadu Teacher Eligibility Test (TNTET) Papers I and II from 50% to 40%. This adjustment aligns PwD candidates with SC, SCA, and ST applicants who also need 40% to pass the test.
The decision, formalized through a Government Order (GO), was based on a recommendation from the Commissionerate for the Welfare of the Differently Abled. This change brings Tamil Nadu in line with states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha that offer similar relaxations for PwD candidates in their Teacher Eligibility Tests.
The revision is consistent with National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) guidelines advocating for fair access and accommodations for disabled candidates in teacher recruitment exams nationwide. The TNTET, comprising Paper I for Classes I to 5 and Paper II for Classes 6 to 8, requires candidates to meet the minimum marks for eligibility.
By lowering the qualifying threshold for PwDs, the government aims to create equality and broaden opportunities for disabled individuals aspiring to join the teaching profession. This change follows a recent adjustment in qualifying marks for candidates from various marginalized communities, reflecting a commitment to inclusive representation in Tamil Nadu’s education system.
