HYDERABAD: The recent hike in TET (Teacher Eligibility Test) fee by the Telangana government has sparked widespread anger and disappointment among unemployed youth across the state. Many are accusing the ruling Congress party of going back on its pre-election promises and exploiting aspirants in the name of examination fees.
The Education Department, responding to the criticism, stated that since the exam is being conducted online, reducing the fee is not feasible. However, the explanation has done little to quell the growing frustration.
Under the previous BRS government, the TET fee remained at ₹200 between 2011 and 2017, was then increased to ₹300 in 2021, and later to ₹440 in 2023. Prior to the elections, the Congress had criticised these hikes, alleging that the BRS government was burdening the unemployed, and had promised to reduce or waive TET fees if voted to power.
However, after forming the government, the Revanth Reddy-led administration has instead raised the TET fee to a steep ₹1,000, drawing strong backlash. With nearly 2.5 lakh candidates expected to appear for the exam, the increased cost has become a barrier for many aspirants, forcing some to reconsider taking the test.
Unemployed youth have voiced their deep disappointment, calling it a betrayal of trust. They are now demanding that the government honour its election promise by immediately rolling back the fee hike and easing the financial burden on job seekers.
