The Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper was leaked approximately 24 hours before it was scheduled to be held on Sunday. Following the breach, the Maharashtra State Examination Council (MSEC) officially postponed the examination. New dates for the exam will be announced later.

According to the police, raids were conducted at multiple locations in the Bhiwandi area of Thane immediately after receiving information about the leak. Examination Council officials were summoned to verify the seized question papers, confirming the leak.

Police stated that several individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the case, though the exact number of detainees has not been disclosed. This crackdown occurred just a day before the exam, which over 4.28 lakh candidates were slated to take. TET is a mandatory qualification for individuals aspiring to become government teachers in Maharashtra, as well as for those already in service.

High-Tech Security Measures Failed at 1,729 Centers

Despite elaborate arrangements, the paper was successfully compromised. The massive scale of the planned security included:

• 1,729 examination centers established across the state.

• Installation of 18,000 AI-based CCTV cameras.

• Live monitoring of every center from state and district control rooms.

• Biometric and face recognition systems for candidate verification.

• Thorough checking using metal detectors.

• A strict ban on mobile phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices.

• Mandatory presentation of identity cards like Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, or Driving License for entry.

Adding to a String of Major Paper Leaks

This incident follows a troubling trend. Over the past five years, the country has witnessed 10 major paper leaks, including high-profile exams like the Rajasthan REET, the UP Police Constable recruitment exam, and the recent NEET-UG in May 2026.

What is the TET Exam?

The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is a national-level qualifying exam that determines a candidate's eligibility to teach primary and upper-primary classes (Classes 1 to 8). The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) made this exam mandatory in 2010. The exam is conducted at both the central level (CTET) and the state level (State TET).

Initially, the NCTE gave appointed teachers a 5-year window to qualify for the TET, which was later reduced to 4 years. When candidates challenged the NCTE notice, the Madras High Court bench ruled in June 2025 that teachers appointed before July 29, 2011, were not obligated to pass the TET to remain in service, though it remained mandatory for promotions. The issue eventually reached the Supreme Court through various state appeals.

Supreme Court Mandate (September 2, 2025): TET is Compulsory

On September 2 last year, the Supreme Court ruled that it is mandatory for teachers to pass the TET to continue in service or receive promotions. A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan stated that all teachers with more than five years of service remaining would fall under this rule.

Exercising its special powers under Article 142, the Court extended the deadline for passing the TET from August 31, 2027, to August 31, 2028. Those who fail to pass the TET by this deadline will either have to resign or face compulsory retirement.

Rahul Gandhi Reacts: "Education Has Become an Extortion System"

Following the latest leak, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi strongly criticized the central and state governments.

Taking to social media, he wrote, "Another paper leaked, another exam cancelled. This time it is the Maharashtra TET exam." He further stated that the country's education and examination systems have morphed into a "system of extortion," leaving the youth feeling highly insecure. He emphasized that this is not just a paper leak, but a direct theft of the youth's future.