JKSA writes to Ladakh LG, seeks permanent CTET relaxation for teacher recruitment

Srinagar, Mar 31: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Tuesday has written to the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Sakena, urging his kind intervention to grant a permanent 10 percent relaxation in the qualifying marks of the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) for upcoming teacher recruitment in the region.

In a statement, the Association’s Ladakh State President, Mohd Hassanain Rocky, said that a 10 percent relaxation in CTET qualifying marks was granted in 2023, even for permanent teacher appointments. However, the absence of a similar provision in forthcoming recruitment cycles has created a sense of disparity among fresh aspirants. He stated that many candidates who could not benefit from the earlier relaxation now find themselves at a disadvantage, underscoring the need to institutionalize this provision to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all.

Hassanain further highlighted that aspirants were expecting multiple opportunities to appear in CTET, particularly in 2025. However, after 2024, the examination has not been conducted as anticipated by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), thereby limiting opportunities for candidates to qualify. This gap, he said, has adversely affected a large number of deserving aspirants who are now unable to meet eligibility criteria through no fault of their own.

Emphasizing the unique geographical, educational, and infrastructural challenges of Ladakh, he stated that the current qualifying benchmark of 55 percent is particularly demanding for students in the region. Limited access to quality coaching institutes, constrained academic exposure, and logistical challenges continue to place local aspirants at a relative disadvantage compared to their counterparts in other parts of the country. In this context, the Association urged that the qualifying marks be reduced to 45 percent, thereby extending a 10 percent relaxation.

The Association also underscored that CTET remains a relatively new and evolving examination framework for many students in Ladakh, who require adequate time, exposure, and institutional support to adapt to its standards. It stated that a permanent relaxation would not dilute merit but would instead create a level playing field, enabling capable and committed local candidates to participate meaningfully in the recruitment process.

Hassanain further noted that ensuring greater representation of local youth in the education sector is essential for strengthening the region’s schooling system, as teachers familiar with local languages, culture, and socio-economic realities are better equipped to address the learning needs of students. The Association appealed to the Lieutenant Governor to take a compassionate and pragmatic view of the matter and consider making the 10 percent relaxation in CTET qualification a permanent provision for all upcoming teacher recruitments in Ladakh. It expressed hope that the administration will give due consideration to the genuine concerns of aspirants and take timely measures to ensure inclusive and equitable recruitment in the Union Territory.