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Job Uncertainty Looms for Thousands of Teachers in Bihar

A looming job crisis threatens thousands of teachers in Bihar as investigations into untrained teachers hired after March 31, 2015, are initiated following a Supreme Court ruling. The Directorate of Primary Education is compiling lists of affected teachers, with reports suggesting around 35,000 may be impacted. The situation raises questions about the qualifications of these teachers under the Right to Education Act. As the education department gathers data, teachers are urged to secure their documentation and stay informed about their employment status. This article delves into the implications of the ruling and the responses from the teaching community.
By Ambika Singh Oct 30, 2026, 17:18 IST

Introduction to the Teacher Job Crisis



A significant number of teachers in Bihar and several other states are facing job insecurity. Following directives from the Supreme Court and the education department, an investigation is underway regarding the appointments of untrained teachers hired after March 31, 2015. The Directorate of Primary Education in Bihar has instructed districts to compile a list of these teachers, which will determine whether their services will be continued or terminated based on regulations.


Details of the Teacher Job Crisis

According to reports from media outlets and teacher organizations, approximately 35,000 teachers in Bihar may be affected. The education department is currently gathering district-wise data, so the final count remains unverified. In Muzaffarpur district alone, over 500 teachers are reportedly impacted.


Understanding the Teacher Job Crisis

This issue relates to the minimum educational and training qualifications required for teachers under the Right to Education Act (RTE). Regulations stipulate that teachers must possess the necessary academic qualifications and recognized teacher training qualifications to teach in designated classes.


Reports indicate that the Supreme Court's ruling has raised questions about the appointments of teachers hired after March 31, 2015, who lacked the required training qualifications at the time of their hiring. Consequently, the Directorate of Primary Education in Bihar has requested District Magistrates (DM) and District Education Officers (DEO) to compile details of the affected teachers.


Why Are 35,000 Teachers at Risk?

Teacher organizations and media reports suggest that the number of untrained teachers appointed in Bihar after March 31, 2015, could be around 35,000. These appointments were allegedly made under specific provisions of the recruitment rules in effect at that time.


The department is now preparing a district-wise list of these teachers to ascertain how many fall under this scrutiny. Further actions will be determined once the list is finalized.


Training Regulations Under the RTE Act

The Right to Education Act of 2009 outlines the necessary educational and training qualifications for teachers in designated classes. This includes recognized teacher training courses such as D.El.Ed or other applicable qualifications.


Some previously appointed untrained teachers were given the opportunity to complete their training within a specified timeframe. Reports suggest that for some teachers appointed before March 31, 2015, the deadline to fulfill their training qualifications is set for August 31, 2028. However, it is essential to confirm which teachers this exemption applies to through official orders.


Teachers' Perspectives

Affected teachers argue that their appointments were made under the recruitment rules in place at the time. They claim that many have since completed their D.El.Ed training through NIOS or other means as per government directives. Some teachers also mention passing competency exams to gain state employee status.


They contend that terminating their employment after years of service and completing training would be unjust. The Bihar Teacher Unity organization has reportedly called for a halt to the dismissal actions and the withdrawal of departmental letters. They are also advocating for the consideration of filing a review petition in the Supreme Court regarding this matter.


How Were Untrained Teachers Hired?

Reports indicate that the hiring of some untrained teachers in Bihar was conducted under special provisions of the Panchayat Primary Teacher Rules, 2012. It is claimed that candidates with the required educational qualifications were appointed to fill certain vacancies, with the understanding that they would complete their training afterward.


Some of these teachers obtained their D.El.Ed training through Open and Distance Learning from institutions like IGNOU and NIOS.


The current dispute centers on whether the teachers who joined after March 31, 2015, had completed the necessary training qualifications at the time of their appointment. This legal question is the basis for the ongoing investigation into these appointments.


What Lies Ahead?

The relevant department in Bihar is currently compiling lists of untrained teachers and information related to their appointments. Subsequent actions will be determined based on applicable regulations and court orders.


At this point, it would be premature to consider the termination of all affected teachers' jobs as a final decision. Teachers should keep their appointment letters, training certificates, competency exam documents, and departmental orders secure. They are advised to seek official updates on their cases from the district education office.


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