Big Relief for Karnataka Primary School Teachers: Major Decisions Announced in Cabinet Meeting

Bengaluru, December 5: In a welcome move for thousands of primary school teachers across Karnataka, the state government has introduced two major updates that bring relief and long-awaited clarity.

During Thursday’s cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the government approved a significant relaxation in teacher eligibility norms. The cabinet has decided that teachers handling classes 1 to 5 will no longer need a TET (Teacher Eligibility Test) certificate, provided they hold the required subject-related degree qualifications.

Law Minister H.K. Patil confirmed this decision after the meeting and clarified that TET will remain compulsory only for teachers teaching grades 6 and above.

Old Pension Scheme Reinstated for Eligible Teachers:
In another major announcement, the government shared encouraging updates regarding the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for teachers in the state.

According to the School Education Department, teachers who were selected through recruitment notifications issued before April 1, 2006, and joined service on or after that date, are now eligible to be brought back under the old pension system. Proposals and documentation for implementing this benefit have already been sent to the concerned offices.

Additionally, based on the Commissioner’s order, a letter dated March 10, 2025, has been submitted to include primary school teachers from the Bengaluru and Mysuru divisions—appointed under notifications issued before April 1, 2006—into the Old Pension Scheme.

These decisions have sparked widespread appreciation among the teaching community, offering both professional ease and financial security.