What is the story about?
After the widespread reports of NEET UG paper leak, it's another major exam that is in headlines for the wrong reasons. The Maharashtra Police Special
Investigation Team (SIT) is currently probing an inter-state paper leak racket after the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) was postponed following an alleged leak. As investigators probe the matter, here's all you need to know about this alleged paper leak.
What is Maharashtra TET?
The Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (MAHA TET) is a state-level examination that is mandatory for all candidates who wish to practice teaching in the state schools. This exam is conducted by the Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE). Candidates who clear this exam are then certified as eligible to teach for primary (Classes 1–5) and upper primary (Classes 6–8) teaching positions in government, aided, and private schools across Maharashtra.
The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is in general mandated by the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act. Maha TET is split into two papers, which can be taken separately or together depending on the candidate's teaching goals: Paper 1 is for those aiming to teach Classes 1 to 5, and Paper 2 is for those aiming to teach Classes 6 to 8.
Each paper consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and candidates are given 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the test. Subjects tested typically include Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II (English), Mathematics, Environmental Studies, Science, and Social Science. There is no negative marking.
While the minimum age requirement is 18, there is no upper age limit for this exam. However, candidates generally need a 10+2 degree along with a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education (DElEd) for Paper 1, and a Bachelor's degree with a BEd for Paper 2.
Why was Maha TET Postponed?
The teacher eligibility examination was scheduled to be held on June 28. However, on the eve of this major exam, the Maharashtra State Council of Examination announced that the exam has been postponed. This decision was taken after a police probe found that the papers had allegedly been leaked.
This was a completely last-minute cancellation which affected more than six lakh candidates. These six lakh candidates were scheduled to appear for the eligibility exam at nearly 1,028 centres across 37 cities in Maharashtra.
How was the exam leaked?
The paper leak was caught after the Thane Police acted on a tip-off. The Thane Police claims that when the force got the tip-off, they laid a trap and arrested three suspects who were allegedly trying to sell examination papers for Rs 1.5 crore. The police also got to know that the group was trying to sell the question paper across Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Solapur, Nagpur, and Indore. However, this is still under investigation.
As per the remand documents and bank transaction details accessed exclusively by Times Now, the accused used multiple bank accounts and layered transactions to allegedly conceal the movement of funds linked to the paper leak. Upon investigation, the financial transactions were routed through several bank accounts across different branches.
The probe also revealed that the payments were being made to to individuals linked to the paper leak operation even in 2023. Based on these transactions, investigators suspect the racket may have been operational for nearly three years.
The investigation into the Maharashtra TET paper leak is ongoing, with agencies continuing to examine the financial transactions, seized documents and possible links to other examination-related offences.
When is the next exam?
The new examination date for Maharashtra TET is yet to be announced. While officials from the Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) have suggested that the exam will held soon, the official date and time of the exam has not been announced yet.
Do I need to re-register, pay registration fee again for Maharashtra TET?
No, the state government and the he Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) have confirmed that candidates affected by the paper leak postponement will not need to re-register or pay any additional examination fees when the test is rescheduled.
MSCE Deputy Commissioner Priya Shinde assured candidates they are not at fault, and the state will not financially penalize them.
