Dates for Maharashtra and all-India teacher eligibility tests set to clash

The Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (MAHA-TET), the state-level qualifying examination for primary school teaching aspirants, and the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET), the national-level qualifying examination for degree college teaching aspirants, have both been scheduled on July 8. As a result, many students, who were planning to take both the tests, are now in a fix.

Those aspiring to teach Classes 1 to 8 in state board schools are required to clear MAHA-TET, which is conducted annually by the Maharashtra State Examination Council, after their diploma in education (DEd).

Clearing UGC-NET, which is also held annually, after a post-graduation is a must for those aspiring to teach in colleges and universities across the country or pursue PhD in some disciplines.

A number of students, who have done DEd as well as post-graduation, take both the tests to widen their employment opportunities.

Students Islamic Organisation of India, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has written a letter to the state school education department, requesting that MAHA-TET be postponed.

"Students will be at loss if they are forced to choose between the two examinations. The department should reschedule TET, so that students from the state don't miss an opportunity to appear for the national level examination," read the letter.