Samagra Shiksha Axom on June 6, 2026, released a notification for a Special Assam Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), a crucial qualifying examination for prospective teachers in Lower Primary (LP) and Upper Primary (UP) schools across the state. This specific TET aims to address the critical shortage of Language-1 teachers in schools offering Bodo, Garo, Manipuri, and Hmar mediums of instruction.
The announcement is a significant step in the Assam government’s ongoing efforts to bolster the education sector, particularly in light of the massive recruitment drive for 75,000 teacher and lecturer posts announced for 2026. Qualified candidates from this Special TET will become eligible to participate in the subsequent teacher recruitment processes, thereby strengthening the foundational education system in linguistically diverse regions of Assam.
What was announced
Samagra Shiksha Axom, the state-level implementing society for the national Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, issued the notification on its official website on June 6, 2026. The announcement specifically details the Special Assam Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for both Lower Primary (Classes I-V) and Upper Primary (Classes VI-VIII) levels.
The notification clarifies that this Special TET is exclusively designed for candidates aspiring to teach in Bodo, Garo, Manipuri, and Hmar medium schools. The objective is to fill the existing vacancies for Language-1 teachers in these elementary-level institutions.
Why it matters
The Special Assam TET holds significant importance for several reasons, primarily addressing the persistent demand for qualified teachers in specific linguistic mediums and contributing to the state’s broader educational goals. The Teacher Eligibility Test is a mandatory qualification for individuals seeking government teaching positions in Assam.
This targeted examination directly supports the Assam government’s ambitious plan to recruit approximately 75,000 teachers and lecturers throughout 2026. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma previously stated that this large-scale recruitment drive is strategically designed to eliminate staffing shortages and enhance the quality of education across Assam.
By focusing on Bodo, Garo, Manipuri, and Hmar mediums, the Special TET aims to ensure that students in these linguistic communities receive instruction from qualified Language-1 teachers, a crucial factor for effective learning and academic development.
Background
The current Special TET notification is part of a series of initiatives by the Assam government to reform and strengthen its education system. Samagra Shiksha Axom has been instrumental in implementing universal elementary education programmes in the state since 2000-2001, focusing on bridging social, regional, and gender gaps.
In November 2024, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced new policies for teacher appointments, slated for implementation by 2026, with a strong emphasis on prioritising local employment. This move aimed to decentralise recruitment and ensure that local candidates benefit from teaching opportunities.
Further demonstrating the government’s commitment, over 5,500 teachers received appointment letters in March 2026, contributing to a total of 1,64,359 government appointments made by the administration. The Chief Minister’s Office termed this a “historic day for Assam’s education sector,” highlighting transparency and merit-based recruitment.
The announcement of 75,000 teacher and lecturer vacancies for 2026 was made in February 2026, alongside the launch of the Provincialisation Management System (PMS 1.0) portal, designed to streamline the provincialisation process for eligible educational institutions. This comprehensive approach underscores the state’s dedication to improving teacher availability and educational access.
The Special TET itself is conducted in accordance with Section 23 of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, and adheres to the guidelines laid down by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), ensuring a standardised and quality-focused examination process.
Key details
The Special Assam TET 2026 is specifically for candidates aspiring to teach at the elementary level in schools where Bodo, Garo, Manipuri, or Hmar is the medium of instruction. The examination is divided into two papers: Paper I for Lower Primary (Classes I-V) and Paper II for Upper Primary (Classes VI-VIII).
To qualify for the TET, a candidate from the general category must score at least 60 percent, which amounts to 90 marks out of 150. For candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (Hills), Scheduled Tribe (Plain), Other Backward Classes (OBC), More Other Backward Classes (MOBC), and Persons with Disabilities (PWD), a relaxation of five percent is applicable, requiring them to score 55 percent, or 83 marks out of 150.
Each paper of the examination will have a duration of two hours and thirty minutes. Visually impaired candidates will be granted an additional 20 minutes per hour. Eligibility criteria mandate that candidates must be permanent residents of Assam and possess the academic and professional qualifications prescribed by the NCTE.
The online application process for the Special Assam TET 2026 commenced on January 7, 2026. The notification regarding the examination date and the procedure for downloading admit cards was released on June 6, 2026.
What’s next
With the notification for admit card download released on June 6, 2026, candidates are advised to regularly check the official website of Samagra Shiksha Axom for further updates regarding the examination schedule and other related instructions. Successful qualification in this Special TET will pave the way for eligible candidates to apply for the upcoming teacher recruitment drives in Assam, particularly those targeting linguistic minority schools.
Quick FAQs
What is the purpose of the Special Assam TET 2026?
The Special Assam TET 2026 is conducted to qualify prospective teachers for Lower Primary and Upper Primary level schools specifically in Bodo, Garo, Manipuri, and Hmar mediums, addressing the shortage of Language-1 teachers in these institutions.
Who is conducting this Special TET?
Samagra Shiksha Axom, an implementing agency under the Government of Assam’s Elementary Education Department, is conducting the Special Assam TET 2026.
What are the qualifying marks for the Special Assam TET?
General category candidates need to score 60 percent (90 out of 150 marks), while SC/ST/OBC/MOBC/PWD candidates require 55 percent (83 out of 150 marks) to qualify.
When was the notification for the Special Assam TET released?
The notification regarding the Special Assam TET and the downloading of admit cards was released on June 6, 2026.
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