MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has cancelled the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) after the question paper was allegedly leaked about 24 hours before the examination, which was scheduled for Sunday. Fresh dates will be announced later.
Police conducted raids at several locations in Bhiwandi, Thane district, after receiving information about the leak. Officials from the Maharashtra State Examination Council (MSEC) verified the seized question paper. Several people have been detained, although police have not disclosed the number. The state government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case.
More than 428,000 candidates were expected to appear for the examination, which is mandatory for those seeking government teaching jobs in Maharashtra. Serving government teachers are also required to qualify under existing rules.
The examination was to be held at 1,729 centres across the state with extensive security measures, including about 18,000 AI-enabled CCTV cameras, biometric and facial recognition checks, metal detectors and a ban on electronic devices.
The incident adds to a series of major examination paper leaks in India in recent years, including NEET-UG and the Uttar Pradesh Police recruitment examination.
TET is an eligibility examination for candidates seeking to teach Classes 1 to 8. Passing the test does not guarantee a government job but provides an eligibility certificate required for further teacher recruitment examinations.
