-Reshma Ravishanker

Less than 20% candidates who appeared for the Karnataka Teachers Eligibility Test (KARTET 2021) have qualified, meeting the minimum requisite percentage. The results of the tests were announced on Monday.

Among the candidates who appeared for Paper 1 (a paper for aspiring class I to V teachers), a mere 18.53 % teachers who took the test have been declared as eligible. This year, the department had received over 1.02 lakh applications out of which 93,176 appeared for exams.

The general category candidates must secure a 60% in the test to be eligible while the SC/ST and candidates with disability must secure 55 % to qualify.

Among the candidates who appeared for paper 1, 13,639 secured over 60 % and 5,321 secured 55-60 % score to be eligible for the posts. Similarly, among the 1,38,710 candidates who appeared for paper 2 (for those aspiring to teach class VI -VIII students), just 17.46 % candidates cleared the test. Among these candidates, 19,523 secured 60 % scores and 6,591 secured over 55 %.

The official release from the department of public instruction read that 21 candidates had failed to attest their answer sheets by signing on it and also did not stamp it with their fingerprints.

Seetharamu A S, former professor of education, Institute of Social & Economic Change said, “Starting from the grassroot levels, a filtered lot appears for the exams. These are mostly candidates who have scored poor marks at a college and school level and have been ineligible for other degree or professional courses. Or these candidates come from a very poor economic background and cannot afford higher education. They already come with a cumulative learning deficit. Compared to the past, this 20 % figure appears to be a better figure. This is a test  of knowledge right from school education and re-preparing is necessary. Candidate in rural areas do not have sufficient guidance in rural areas,”

B S Rishikesh, associate professor, Azim Premji University said, “The number of teachers clearing the eligibility test itself does not come as a surprise. But it is important to note that there are several reasons for this. To begin with the eligibility test itself needs to be relooked at closely and ensured that it is assessing eligibility of a teacher appropriately. Till recently, the SSA used to conduct a 20 days mandatory annual teacher training which did not take into account the areas of interest of a particular teacher. The subjects taught were pre-decided. It has been observed that many teachers have lost interest in professional development because of this standardized approach. The NEP proposes to change this and introduce 50 days of teacher training, split into smaller modules and teachers have been given an option to select the areas where they wish to build their capacities in. The NISHTA that has been launched by the Ministry of Education takes care of this to an extent. As far as long term assessment and training is concerned, this could address the issue.”