Thote John Babu & Ors. vs The State Of Andhra Pradesh & Ors.

The petitioner is aggrieved by the circular dated 15.09.2026 whereby the staff ratification process has scheduled from 25.09.2026 to 30.07.2027. It is submitted that the staff are required to qualify in TET/NET for ratification in terms of the latest NCTE norms. It is submitted that the petitioner is not qualified for NET/SET/APSET however they have been imparting education without any complaint to their best ability. It is submitted that the petitioner still have substantial service left. However, staff ratification process in terms of the latest NCTE norms would mandate the petitioners to qualify in NET/SET/APSET.

Learned counsel for the petitioners also submits that the issue was considered by this Court in Writ Petition No.30764 of 2023 and batch and the learned Single Judge of this Court had considered the observations of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Anjuman Ishaat-e-Taleem Trust Vs. State of Maharastra^{11.(2025 Livelaw (SC) 861)} and others and held that reasonable time ought to be granted for the In-service teachers for qualifying the TET/SET/APSET/NET examination and two years time was granted for in service candidates to qualify in the TET/SET/NET. It is submitted that the petitioner is in-service and as on date non-ratification of their service would render them jobless and their livelihood is at stake.

Learned Standing counsel for respondent Nos. 2 and 3 submits that the circular dated 15.09.2026 was issued in accordance with the latest NCTE norms dated 03.12.2024 which have mandated the staff ratification process and the staff would have to qualify in the SET/NET examination and any staff who does not qualify the SET/NET examination cannot be considered for staff ratification in terms of the latest circular of NCTE. However, the service of the petitioners is not in dispute.

Considering these submissions and considering the order passed by the learned Single Judge in the Writ Petition No.30764 of 2023 and batch, the writ Petition is disposed of by permitting the petitioner to qualify the NET/SET/APSET as and when the said examination is conducted by the respondent authorities. At any rate the petitioner shall have to qualify and obtain the requisite qualification within in the period of two (2) years from the date of receipt of copy of this order.

Accordingly, the writ petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

As a sequel, miscellaneous petitions pending, if any, shall stand closed.