A big announcement has been made for teacher candidates in Bihar. The state government has decided to conduct the Bihar Secondary Teacher Eligibility Test (STET 2025) before the fourth phase of the Bihar Public Service Commission teacher recruitment exam (BPSC TRE 4).
The decision came after months of demands from teacher aspirants. Education Minister Sunil Kumar announced the exam schedule in Patna on Tuesday. The announcement marks a major policy shift by the Nitish Kumar government, especially with the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
Online Application Process for STET 2025
The online application process for STET 2025 will begin on 8 September. Candidates can apply until 16 September. According to the official notification, the exam will be held between 4 October and 25 October 2025.
The results of STET 2025 will be released by 1 November. This timeline ensures that the eligibility test is completed before the teacher recruitment exam in December.
The move is significant because aspirants had been protesting for the exam to be held earlier. With this announcement, the government has accepted their long-standing demand.
BPSC TRE 4 Exam Scheduled for December
Along with the STET announcement, the government also confirmed the dates for BPSC TRE 4. The fourth phase of the Bihar teacher recruitment exam will be held from 16 December to 19 December 2025.
The results of this exam are expected to be declared between 20 January and 24 January 2026. This means the TRE 4 exam will take place after the Bihar Assembly elections, which are likely between October and November.
This schedule clarifies the government’s approach to balancing elections with recruitment needs. By scheduling STET first, the administration has aimed to address candidate concerns while keeping recruitment on track.
Connection with Upcoming Assembly Elections
The timing of the exams has clear political significance. Earlier, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had announced that TRE 4 would be conducted before the assembly elections. He also promised that STET would be conducted later, followed by TRE 5.
However, candidates strongly opposed this sequence. They argued that without STET, many aspirants would be left out of TRE 4. Protests were organized in Patna demanding that STET be held first.
Finally, the government shifted its stance. Conducting STET before TRE 4 ensures that more candidates will be eligible to participate in the recruitment process.
Impact on Teacher Aspirants
The decision has brought relief to thousands of teacher candidates across Bihar. Many of them had been preparing for both exams but were uncertain about the sequence. Now, they have clarity and can prepare accordingly.
The STET exam will allow more candidates to become eligible for recruitment. Those who clear STET in October will then have the chance to appear for TRE 4 in December.
This alignment of exam schedules is expected to increase participation and fairness in the recruitment process. Aspirants are viewing this as a victory after months of agitation.
Government’s Response to Protests
Teacher candidates had staged protests in Patna demanding STET before TRE 4. Demonstrations and sit-ins drew attention from political parties and the media.
Faced with growing pressure, the Nitish Kumar government decided to revise the exam schedule. Education Minister Sunil Kumar’s announcement reflects the administration’s effort to address candidate demands ahead of elections.
The government has emphasized that the decision is aimed at ensuring transparency and fairness. Officials also highlighted that results will be released quickly to avoid delays in recruitment.
Exam Dates at a Glance
According to the official announcement:
Online applications for STET 2025 will be accepted from 8 September to 16 September.
The STET exam will be conducted between 4 October and 25 October 2025.
Results of STET will be declared by 1 November 2025.
BPSC TRE 4 will be conducted from 16 December to 19 December 2025.
TRE 4 results will be announced between 20 January and 24 January 2026.
This structured timeline provides a clear roadmap for teacher recruitment in Bihar.
Significance of STET Before TRE 4
The Bihar STET 2025 is an essential eligibility test for aspiring teachers. Without clearing STET, candidates cannot participate in recruitment. Holding STET before TRE 4 ensures that more candidates are eligible for upcoming vacancies.
If TRE 4 had been held before STET, many aspirants would have been excluded. This would have limited opportunities and created widespread dissatisfaction. By reversing the order, the government has avoided major controversy.
Political Implications of the Decision
The announcement comes just weeks before the Bihar Assembly elections. Analysts believe the government wanted to avoid angering teacher candidates, who form a large voting bloc.
By accepting their demand, Nitish Kumar’s administration has tried to showcase responsiveness. It also sends a message of commitment toward education and employment.
Opposition parties may still question the timing, but the decision has largely been welcomed by aspirants. The government is projecting this as a pro-student and pro-education move.
Recruitment Roadmap After Elections
After TRE 4, the state government plans to conduct TRE 5. According to earlier statements, TRE 5 will be organized after the assembly elections, once STET has been conducted.
This creates a structured roadmap: STET in October, TRE 4 in December, and TRE 5 afterward. Such sequencing allows continuity in teacher recruitment and helps fill vacancies faster.
The government has emphasized that teacher recruitment is a priority. The education sector needs thousands of new teachers, and delays in recruitment affect students directly.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the clarity, challenges remain. Conducting STET and TRE 4 within a few months will require efficient management. The Bihar Public Service Commission must ensure smooth exam arrangements.
There are also concerns about the quick declaration of results. STET results are promised by 1 November, which leaves little margin for delays. Any disruption may affect TRE 4 scheduling.
Candidates are also under pressure to prepare for two major exams in quick succession. Many aspirants are calling for additional support and guidance from the government.
Reaction from Candidates
Initial reactions from teacher aspirants are positive. Many have expressed relief that their demand was accepted. Social media groups of aspirants are filled with discussions on exam preparation strategies.
At the same time, some candidates remain cautious. They want to see whether the government delivers on its promise of timely results and transparent recruitment.
For now, the announcement has boosted morale. Candidates are shifting their focus to preparing for STET in October.
Role of BPSC in the Process
The Bihar Public Service Commission plays a central role in conducting TRE 4. It will also coordinate with the education department to ensure the exams are held smoothly.
BPSC has been under pressure in recent years to conduct large-scale recruitment fairly and efficiently. The TRE 4 exam, with thousands of candidates, will be another major test for the commission.
Officials are confident that arrangements will be made on time. The commission has assured transparency and fairness in the entire process.
The Nitish Kumar government’s decision to conduct Bihar STET 2025 before BPSC TRE 4 is a major development. Online applications for STET will begin on 8 September, with the exam scheduled in October and results by 1 November.
BPSC TRE 4 will then be held from 16 December to 19 December, with results in January 2026. This sequence ensures that candidates clearing STET will be eligible for TRE 4, addressing a long-standing demand.
The move has been welcomed by teacher aspirants and is likely to influence political discussions ahead of elections. With thousands of vacancies at stake, the timely conduct of both exams is crucial for the education system in Bihar.
