As part of a big initiative to improve the education sector and provide employment, the Bihar government is ready to announce the fourth phase of the Teachers’ Recruitment Examination (TRE-4). With more than 1.2 lakh teacher posts to be notified, the drive would probably prove to be among the biggest in the state’s history. The decision has been made as the state is likely to face elections and the government is eager to kick off the process ahead of the Model Code of Conduct.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar turned to social media site X (formerly Twitter) to make the declaration of the recruitment drive. Announcing the same, he reconfirmed the state’s resolve to bring up the level of education in Bihar by conducting a sound and inclusive recruitment drive. Kumar went on to add that the Education Department has already been instructed to carry out a survey of teaching posts in government schools and initiate the recruitment drive at the earliest. This is a forward-thinking effort in congruence with the overall goal of education and employment of the state.

Among the remarkable features of this recruitment process is the increase in the 35% women candidate reservation, which is a policy plan aimed at favoring gender in the state public sector. Once again, the Chief Minister stated that the benefit of reservation would be extended to women resident candidates of Bihar, further emphasizing the state government’s interest in favoring local candidates and especially women through the allocation of education sector jobs opportunities.

The TRE-4 recruitment process will span the whole gamut of teaching positions, a reflection of the all-inclusive manner in which the government is moving to occupy jobs at all levels of education. It will encompass openings for teachers of primary classes (classes I-V), teachers of middle school (classes VI-VIII), teachers of secondary school (classes IX-X), and teachers of higher secondary school (classes XI-XII). By targeting all tiers of the education system, the state is not just looking to appoint to available posts but also enhance learning by ensuring students are exposed to trained and dedicated teachers throughout their educational career. 

The initiative comes after a series of past recruitment exercises under the TRE program that have had a major impact in increasing the number of vacancies met by schools in the state. The initial TRE-1 phase had approximately 1.70 lakh teachers recruited, a milestone in the government’s education policy. TRE-2 followed by an additional 70,000 teachers. TRE-3 phase, launched in the past year, had 87,774 posts advertised of which 66,603 were successfully filled. These figures bear witness to the government’s continued effort to bridge the teacher shortage in Bihar and support the pillar of its public education system.

The timing of TRE-4 is also pivotal, as it occurs at a politically vulnerable time. With assembly elections to be held later this year, the campaign could play a pivotal role in public opinion, particularly among prospective teachers and broader society that holds quality and affordable education in esteem. The willingness to proceed with such a massive recruitment exercise just before the elections indicates the government’s efforts to make education at the center of its governance agenda,.

Besides its political significance, the TRE-4 drive is a Bihar investment for the long term. It has been an oft-repeated maxim of education policymakers and experts alike that the presence of trained teachers is a determining factor in learning outcomes and the development of society. With more than 1.2 lakh positions awaiting recruitment, the drive has the potential to turn around Bihar’s education scenario entirely, especially in rural and under-served areas where the shortage of trained teachers is generally worst.

In addition, the TRE-4 scheme is likely to give an impetus to the employment market in the state, which has been severely affected by mass unemployment. For thousands of Bihar’s B.Ed. and D.El.Ed. degree holders, the announcement is a new hope and promise. Interested candidates are now eagerly waiting for the official notification to be released, outlining the application process, eligibility criteria, test date, and other important details.

Finally, Bihar’s TRE-4 recruitment process in the coming period is a turning point process for both education reform and employment generation. With the state working at an accelerated pace to get the process completed before the election code of conduct kicks in, everyone’s eyes now are on the Education Department to successfully manage and execute this all-important phase. If enforced with seriousness, TRE-4 would not only help solve the present teacher shortage in the government schools but also be a turning point for Bihar to see inclusive and quality education for everyone.