The Maharashtra government has announced the postponement of the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2026, originally scheduled for June 28, 2026, due to serious allegations of a paper leak. Approximately 600,000 candidates were set to sit for the examination across 1,728 centres throughout the state. The government emphasized that this decision aims to ensure greater transparency in the examination process.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an investigation into the incident, responding to mounting pressure from the Opposition for a thorough inquiry.

“Why is the government not capable of holding a single exam transparently? Why is it playing with the lives of our youth? If the government does not act strictly, we will hit the streets,”

stated Harshawardhan Sapkal, president of the Maharashtra Congress.

The decision to postpone the examination was made after authorities in Bhiwandi, part of Thane district, discovered individuals in possession of documents that contained questions resembling those in the TET exam. Officials from the Maharashtra State Examination Council (MSEC) were called to verify the seized papers, which confirmed suspicions that some questions matched those expected in the exam. In light of these findings, a case has been filed at the Bhiwandi police station.

MSEC Deputy Commissioner Priya Shinde noted that the process of organizing a test of this magnitude typically requires around three weeks. Candidates who registered for the examination will not be required to re-register, and no additional fees will be charged due to the unforeseen circumstances.

As part of the ongoing investigation, an FIR has been filed against three individuals, and further inquiries are underway to ensure accountability. The Chief Minister has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Panjabrao Ugale, the Joint Commissioner of Police in Thane, to delve deeper into the paper leak issue. Additionally, both School Education Minister Dada Bhuse and Director General of Police Sadanand Date have been directed to take stringent actions against any wrongdoers.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has called for tough measures against the accused, suggesting they be prosecuted under the strict Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Candidates and the public are encouraged to stay updated, as the MSEC will announce a new date for the examination and further details on its official website.