The Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) was postponed after allegations surfaced that portions of the question paper had been leaked, triggering strong criticism from opposition parties and adding to growing concerns over the integrity of public examinations. The controversy comes on the heels of the NEET-UG paper leak row and is expected to intensify scrutiny of the country's examination system.
Opposition leaders quickly targeted the government over the development. The Congress labelled the BJP administration a “paper leak government,” while AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal accused it of failing to protect both examinations and religious institutions, alluding to the recent controversy over missing donation funds linked to the Ram Mandir.
The latest setback arrives at a time when the Centre is already facing criticism over the NEET-UG controversy, delays in the CUET-UG examination process, and technical issues involving CBSE’s evaluation portal. The Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) postponed the TET less than a day before it was scheduled to take place after a raid in Thane allegedly uncovered individuals in possession of questions closely resembling those in the actual examination.
Investigators had previously traced the NEET-UG paper leak to Nashik in Maharashtra, from where the leaked material was allegedly circulated to other states through WhatsApp messages and Telegram groups. Maharashtra has also seen the highest number of arrests in connection with that case.
The fresh controversy has renewed political attacks on the BJP. Congress alleged that under BJP rule, examination papers are routinely leaked and described the government as incapable of conducting secure public examinations.
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party, questioned whether any public examination in the country remained unaffected by leaks. Dipke, who has been campaigning for reforms in the examination system and demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, argued that recurring incidents had exposed deep flaws in the process.
Arvind Kejriwal suggested that such repeated controversies could not occur without the involvement of influential individuals. Referring to the alleged embezzlement of Ram Mandir donation funds, he claimed that wrongdoing was occurring across institutions and alleged that responsibility extended beyond lower-level actors. According to him, the scale and frequency of such incidents pointed to involvement at higher levels.
AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi also criticised the Maharashtra government, attributing the TET controversy to administrative incompetence. He remarked that while the government had demonstrated zeal in other matters, it had failed to prevent the examination leak.
Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal alleged that paper leaks had become a defining characteristic of the present administration, while NCP (SP) spokesperson Amol Matele argued that if teacher recruitment examinations could be compromised, no public examination could be considered secure.
Matele further accused the government of political betrayal and defections, claiming it had now also become associated with leaks and broken trust. His remarks appeared to reference the movement of legislators and MPs from opposition parties to the ruling camp.
Responding to the controversy, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described the incident as deeply disturbing and promised a comprehensive and impartial investigation. He said that those responsible would face the strictest possible action regardless of their position or status.
Shinde stressed that neither corrupt officials nor organised networks involved in the leak would be spared and assured that the full force of the law would be used against the perpetrators.
Authorities have so far registered an FIR against three individuals in connection with the case.
Approximately six lakh candidates were scheduled to appear for the Maharashtra TET on Sunday. Amid widespread criticism and uncertainty, the MSCE urged candidates not to pay attention to rumours and stated that new examination dates would be announced shortly. The council also clarified that candidates would not be required to pay any additional registration fee when the examination is rescheduled.
