That’s the reality for 10,000+ teachers in Telangana right now. They’ve been teaching since before TET existed. But now, with a Supreme Court deadline looming (August 2028), they’re stuck between a syllabus that doesn’t match their expertise; and a computer-based test they’ve never used. What’s more? The state’s “special” TET, meant to help, still forces language teachers to answer maths questions. One union leader said it’s like asking a chef to pass a car mechanic’s exam; just to keep cooking. 16,000 have signed up for the September test. But thousands haven’t even applied. Why? Fear. The format. The syllabus. The pressure. And here’s the kicker; even if they pass, it won’t count for fresh hires. Only for promotions or staying in their current post. The bigger demand? Change the law. Remove the TET requirement for in-service teachers. After all, shouldn’t experience count for something? This isn’t about laziness. It’s about fairness; and recognizing that real teachers don’t always look like textbook candidates.