TET Exam 2025 Time Duration Extended: Candidates to Get 120 Minutes Instead of 90
TET Exam 2025
The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is one of the most significant examinations in India for aspiring teachers. Conducted at both the central and state levels, this exam acts as the qualifying benchmark for candidates who wish to join the teaching profession in government and private schools. In a major decision, the time duration of the TET Exam 2025 has been officially extended from 90 minutes to 120 minutes, giving candidates an extra 30 minutes to complete the paper.
This change is a landmark decision that addresses long-standing demands from students and education experts who have consistently highlighted that the earlier 90-minute limit was insufficient for thorough performance, especially in a multi-section exam.
In this detailed blog, we will explore the background of the TET exam, the reasons for extending the time limit, its implications for candidates, expert opinions, preparation strategies, and frequently asked questions.
What is the TET Exam 2025?
The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is an eligibility exam conducted to assess the knowledge, teaching aptitude, and pedagogical understanding of candidates who aspire to become teachers in primary and upper primary schools.
There are two major types of TET exams in India:
- Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET): Conducted nationwide by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
- State Teacher Eligibility Tests (STET): Conducted by individual states for recruitment in state-run schools.
The test usually includes sections on Child Development and Pedagogy, Language I, Language II, Mathematics, Environmental Studies (for Paper I), and subject-specific questions (for Paper II).
Until 2024, candidates were provided 90 minutes (1.5 hours) to complete the test, which many found restrictive given the number of questions and the requirement for detailed reading comprehension.
TET Exam 2025 Update: Time Extended to 120 Minutes
In 2025, education authorities announced a crucial revision in the exam pattern:
- Old Duration: 90 minutes
- New Duration: 120 minutes
- Extra Time Added: 30 minutes
This change applies to both Paper I (for classes I to V) and Paper II (for classes VI to VIII), ensuring that all candidates get additional time to attempt questions carefully.
Why Was the Time Extended?
The extension from 90 minutes to 120 minutes was not an overnight decision. It was made after careful consideration of the following factors:
1. High Question Load
TET exams typically consist of 150 multiple-choice questions covering various subjects. Answering these within 90 minutes meant less than 40 seconds per question. The new time frame allows approximately 48 seconds per question, which is more realistic.
2. Candidate Feedback
For years, aspirants demanded more time, arguing that reading comprehension passages, pedagogy questions, and reasoning sections required deeper focus.
3. Inclusivity for All Candidates
Candidates from rural backgrounds or those with limited exposure to competitive exams often found the 90-minute duration too challenging. The new system ensures a fairer evaluation.
4. Alignment with Other Competitive Exams
Other national-level exams such as UPSC Prelims, SSC CGL, and Banking exams already allow 120 minutes or more for similar question loads. Extending TET makes it more aligned with standard practices.
Impact of the Time Extension on Candidates
The TET Exam 2025 time duration extension will significantly impact aspirants in various ways:
1. Better Time Management
Candidates can now distribute time more effectively among sections without rushing.
2. Reduced Exam Stress
The added 30 minutes reduces pressure and allows for calm, thoughtful answering.
3. Improved Accuracy
With more time for calculation and comprehension, candidates are likely to make fewer errors.
4. Higher Pass Percentage
It is expected that more candidates will clear the exam due to improved accuracy and reduced time pressure.
5. Fair Opportunity for Slow Writers
Not all candidates have the same speed of reading and answering. The extra time benefits those who need a bit longer to process information.
How Candidates Should Adapt Their Preparation
The time extension in TET Exam 2025 means candidates should update their preparation strategies.
1. Practice Full-Length Mock Tests of 120 Minutes
Adapting to the new duration is key. Mock tests should replicate the real exam timing.
2. Revise Question Prioritization Strategy
Candidates can now spend extra time on difficult sections without leaving easy ones unanswered.
3. Focus on Accuracy Instead of Speed
Previously, speed was a top priority. Now, accuracy should take equal importance.
4. Time Allocation per Section
- Child Development & Pedagogy (30 Questions): ~25 minutes
- Language I (30 Questions): ~20 minutes
- Language II (30 Questions): ~20 minutes
- Mathematics/Science/Social Studies (60 Questions): ~50 minutes
- Review Time: ~5 minutes
Expert Opinions on the TET Exam 2025 Time Extension
Educationists and exam experts have welcomed this change, stating that it will:
- Enhance the quality of responses by giving candidates breathing space.
- Reduce anxiety and panic during the exam.
- Ensure fairness by recognizing that all candidates don’t perform at the same speed.
A leading coaching institute noted that this will particularly help candidates from rural areas and first-time aspirants who often struggled with time management.
Comparison: 90 Minutes vs 120 Minutes
| Aspect | 90 Minutes (Old) | 120 Minutes (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 150 | 150 |
| Time per Question | ~36 seconds | ~48 seconds |
| Stress Level | High | Moderate |
| Accuracy | Lower | Higher |
| Passing Rate (Expected) | ~40–45% | ~55–60% (expected) |
TET Exam 2025: Key Preparation Tips
- Create a 120-Minute Study Plan: Simulate the exam conditions.
- Strengthen Weak Areas: Use the extra time to double-check difficult questions.
- Avoid Overconfidence: Longer time doesn’t mean careless answering.
- Stay Calm During Exam: Utilize the review time wisely.
- Practice Reading Comprehension: Since more time is available, candidates should focus on accuracy in comprehension passages.
How This Change Benefits the Education System
The extension isn’t just beneficial for candidates, but also for the education system as a whole.
- Improved Teacher Quality: With reduced stress, candidates can showcase their true knowledge.
- Fair Selection: Eliminates the unfair advantage of candidates who were only faster, not necessarily more knowledgeable.
- Encourages More Aspirants: More candidates may attempt TET, knowing that time pressure is reduced.
Challenges with the New Duration – TET Exam 2025
While the extension is positive, a few challenges may arise:
- Longer Exam Sitting: Candidates will need higher concentration levels for 2 hours.
- Center Management: Exam centers will now need to accommodate candidates for a longer time, increasing administrative effort.
- Over-Dependence on Extra Time: Some candidates might misuse the extra time by overthinking answers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the new duration of TET Exam 2025?
The new duration is 120 minutes (2 hours) instead of the earlier 90 minutes.
2. Does the number of questions remain the same?
Yes, the number of questions remains 150 MCQs.
3. Will this change apply to both Paper I and Paper II?
Yes, the change applies to both levels of the exam.
4. Will the syllabus change due to the time extension?
No, the syllabus remains unchanged. Only the duration has been extended.
5. How should candidates prepare for the 120-minute pattern?
By attempting mock tests in 120 minutes, focusing on accuracy, and allocating time per section effectively.
Conclusion of TET Exam 2025
The decision to extend the TET Exam 2025 duration from 90 minutes to 120 minutes is a major relief for candidates. It balances speed and accuracy, reduces stress, and ensures a fairer evaluation system.
For aspiring teachers, this change means a better opportunity to showcase knowledge, improved chances of success, and a step closer to their teaching career dreams.
As India continues to strengthen its education system, such reforms in competitive exams highlight the importance of quality over speed. Candidates should embrace this change positively and adapt their preparation accordingly.
