- 986 examination centers established across the state, including 101 in Ranchi; candidates for classes 6 to 8 appeared in the second shift.
Ranchi: The first shift of the Jharkhand Teacher Eligibility Test (JTET)—held after a long wait of nearly ten years—concluded peacefully on Sunday. Extensive preparations had been made across the state for the examination. A total of 986 examination centers were set up statewide to facilitate the candidates and ensure the smooth conduct of the test, including 101 centers in the capital, Ranchi.
In the first shift, candidates aspiring to become teachers for classes 1 to 5 appeared for the exam. The test began at 9:30 AM and concluded at 12:00 PM. Special security and surveillance arrangements were in place at all examination centers.
Special Measures to Prevent Malpractice
To ensure the examination was conducted in a fair and transparent manner, the administration implemented robust security measures. All centers were monitored via CCTV cameras. Furthermore, prohibitory orders (Section 144) were enforced within a 100-meter radius of the examination centers.
Candidates were not permitted to carry mobile phones or other electronic devices inside the examination centers. The administration remained vigilant to prevent any irregularities or malpractice during the examination.
Second Shift: Examination for Classes 6 to 8
Following the first shift, the second shift was scheduled from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM. This session was for candidates aspiring to become teachers for classes 6 to 8.
JTET Held Again After 2016
It is noteworthy that the Teacher Eligibility Test was previously conducted in Jharkhand in 2012 and 2016. Due to the long absence of an examination, new candidates preparing to become teachers had not been able to obtain the necessary eligibility.
The delay in conducting the examination reached the Jharkhand High Court. Taking a firm stance, the court directed that the examination be held within a specified timeframe. A contempt notice was also issued to the Education Secretary in this regard. Following this, the examination process gained momentum, and after a long wait, it became possible to conduct the JTET.
Thousands of teaching posts had remained vacant.
During the teacher recruitment process in Jharkhand, many posts remained unfilled. In the 2016 recruitment drive for graduate-trained teachers, only about 10,000 appointments were made against approximately 17,752 available posts. The recruitment process was also hindered by disputes concerning local residency policies, district-wise merit lists, and subject combinations.
The conduct of the JTET after a long interval has brought new hope to candidates preparing to become teachers. All eyes are now on the examination results and the subsequent teacher recruitment process.
