Patna, July 16, 2025: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has issued clear instructions to the Education Department to fast-track the identification of teaching vacancies across government schools. The aim is to launch the Teachers’ Recruitment Examination (TRE-4) and fill over 1.2 lakh posts before the upcoming state elections.
Teacher Recruitment with a Gender Equity Push
“We want to complete the recruitment process before the model code of conduct kicks in,” the CM said on X (formerly Twitter). This statement came as Bihar prepares for its assembly elections, likely later this year.
The upcoming TRE-4 will include vacancies that remained unfilled in TRE-3. Of the 87,774 vacancies announced previously, only 66,603 were filled. The remaining posts will now be carried forward, expanding the scope of TRE-4.
TRE-4: Big Hopes for Over 1.2 Lakh Aspirants
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) will once again conduct the recruitment exam. It will cover primary, middle, secondary, and senior secondary teacher positions across the state.
According to Education Minister Sunil Kumar, the recruitment exam is scheduled to happen in the next 45 days—well ahead of the election notification. “We’ve already recruited 2.5 lakh teachers. TRE-4 adds to our commitment of making Bihar an employment-driven state,” he told reporters.
He also stated that another 2.5 lakh contractual teachers have been regularized as government employees. Headmaster posts have been filled too, highlighting the Nitish government’s focus on education as a job-generating sector.
Legal Clarity on Male Aspirants Pending
When asked if male candidates from Bihar would also get additional benefits in the new reservation model, Sunil Kumar said, “Legal opinion will be sought.” This suggests that the policy may remain women-centric, at least for now.
The education department is currently revisiting vacancy data to ensure accuracy before sending a final requisition with the roster to BPSC.
What About STET? Aspirants Want It First
While TRE-4 offers a golden chance, many teacher aspirants are still waiting for the Secondary Teachers’ Eligibility Test (STET). The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has already approved the exam, but no date has been set.
Notably, STET has had a patchy history in the state. The first test was held in 2011. The second occurred only in 2019, and the third came in 2024. Aspirants and opposition leaders alike demand more frequent tests.
Last month, RJD MP Sudhakar Singh wrote to BSEB urging them to conduct STET before TRE-4. “Without STET, many eligible candidates won’t qualify for the recruitment,” he stated.
Previous STET Results Show Huge Turnout
In the STET held in May–June 2024, over 4.2 lakh candidates appeared. Out of them, 2.97 lakh cleared the exam. The cut-off scores were 50% for the General category, 45.5% for OBCs, and 42.5% for EBCs. For SC, ST, women, and differently-abled candidates, the cut-off was set at 40%.
These figures underscore the urgent need for STET to be scheduled soon, especially with TRE-4 approaching fast.
Why It Matters
Unemployment is a major issue in Bihar. In the 2020 state elections, the ruling alliance struggled with job creation. Opposition parties made it a major campaign plank.
Since then, Nitish Kumar has attempted large-scale hiring in the education sector. TRE-1 and TRE-2 together filled 2.4 lakh posts. TRE-3 filled another 66,000. With TRE-4, the government hopes to cross 5 lakh total appointments in five years.
For women, the 35% reservation is not just a policy—it’s a path to financial independence and rural upliftment. For the government, it’s a strategic move to secure votes from women and youth.
- CM Nitish Kumar directs Education Department to launch TRE-4 before elections.
- 35% reservation for women in teacher recruitment announced.
- TRE-4 to fill over 1.2 lakh teaching posts across Bihar schools.
- BPSC to conduct exams for primary to senior secondary levels.
- Aspirants demand STET be held first to ensure fair eligibility.
- Over 2.5 lakh teachers already recruited since 2021.
