NCTE Clarifies TGT Eligibility Rules 2026, Flags Fake TET and Graduation Notice

The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has cautioned aspiring teachers against a fake notification circulating on social media that claims to introduce mandatory eligibility conditions for Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) appointments in 2026. The misleading document states that candidates must possess a valid Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) qualification and secure at least 50 per cent marks in graduation to qualify for TGT positions across all schools. The document has reportedly been circulating on social media platforms since October 10, prompting the NCTE to issue a clarification and advise candidates against treating the claims as official recruitment guidelines.

In a post published on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the NCTE categorically denied issuing the disputed notification and described it as entirely fake and misleading. The council clarified that it had never released the document being circulated online and warned candidates not to rely on the information presented in it. The purported notice claims that the proposed eligibility requirements have come into force with immediate effect. It also suggests that further instructions and frequently asked questions would be made available on the NCTE website.

The fake notification presents itself as an official communication from the National Council for Teacher Education and includes details intended to make it appear authentic. These include a file reference number, an issue date and the designation of the NCTE Member Secretary. Despite these official-looking elements, the council has confirmed that it did not issue the notice.

One of the principal claims made in the disputed document concerns the Teacher Eligibility Test qualification. It states that applicants seeking appointment as Trained Graduate Teachers in all schools must hold a valid TET certificate issued by the appropriate government authority. The purported notification presents this qualification as a compulsory condition for TGT appointments across school systems.

The second major claim in the fake notice concerns the minimum marks required at the graduation level. According to the circulated document, candidates must obtain at least 50 per cent marks in their undergraduate degree from a recognised university in the relevant subject or prescribed subject combination to be eligible for TGT appointments. The notice presents this condition alongside the alleged TET requirement and states that both would apply to appointments in all schools.

Applicants are advised to verify any announcement about changes in eligibility criteria directly through the recruiting organisation responsible for the relevant vacancies. For authentic information and official updates concerning the council, candidates can visit the NCTE website at ncte.gov.in.