Teaching Education in India

Teacher education or teacher training refers to the policies and procedures designed to equip (prospective) teachers with the knowledge, behaviors, and skills they require to perform their tasks effectively in the classroom, or school. In India there are a large number of teachers but at the same time there is a constant need for teachers. In India teaching is done primarily at the 3 levels:
  • School
  • College
  • University

Opportunities in Teaching Careers

Teaching at all the 3 levels vary widely and requires separate training and skills.

Teaching at the School Level

School teachers probably do the toughest job in the country as they have to teach not only the minors but also help in the overall growth and development of the child. Though teaching is not a sought after profession like engineering or medical or management, yet one who gets involved in teaching gets a lot of satisfaction. To become a school teacher whether at the primary or secondary level graduation is a must. A teacher has to opt for B.Ed or Bachelor of Education degree which can be done from any of the recognised colleges or institutes in India. After passing with a B.Ed degree, a student becomes eligible to work as a teacher in the different secondary and higher secondary schools in India. Delhi University, Amity University, Dibrugarh University, Punjab University, IGNOU, Rajiv Gandhi University and GGSIPU are some of the universities offering BEd programs. After completing the BEd course, one can apply in schools for teaching. For Nursery and pre school teaching, along with a  graduate degree, a diploma or Certificate in Pre-school teacher education programme of a duration of not less than one year, or B.Ed is required. Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.) is mandatory for teaching at the primary level.

Teaching at the College Level

College and university teachers do not have to undergo any formal teacher training but have to qualify for NET conducted by UGC to be eligible to teach. UGC NET is again a very tough test to qualify which requires in depth knowledge of the subject along with a sound general knowledge and reasoning aptitude. A college teacher should have completed his or her post graduation in  the specialised field before applying for NET. After qualifying for NET they can then apply for the post of Professor, Assistant Professor in any college.

Governing Bodies

NCTE

The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) is a statutory body that came into existence in pursuance of the National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993 on the 17th August,1995.The main objective of the NCTE is to achieve planned and coordinated development of the teacher education system throughout the country.

NCERT

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is an autonomous organisation set up in 1961 by the Government of India to assist and advise the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes for qualitative improvement in school education.

UGC

The University Grants Commission (UGC) came into existence on 28th December, 1953. It is responsible for the coordination,determination and maintenance of standards of teaching, examination and research in university education.

For exclusive details see Apex Bodies

Universities and HEIs in Teaching Education

There are many universities, colleges, polytechnics, institutes of higher education & research and vocational training centers to offer certificate, diploma, degree programmes in Teaching. For exclusive details go to University Hub

Recognition of Indian Teaching Programs

The degrees and certificates awarded by any recognized college in India whether Government or Private are valid to apply for study and work in India and overseas. However when planning to go abroad as a professional teacher you need to qualify in some tests.

Top Teaching Institutions and Rankings

See rankings of Universities and Institutes of Higher Education (HEIs), click here.

Major Recruiters

Schools, Colleges, and Universities are top recruiters. Besides, the Central and State Government recruits teaching professionals, administrators, strategy planners, support staff and other workers through UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, University Grants Commission (UGC) and Research Institutions etc. Teaching institutions also offer placement facilities through which students are selected to work in India and abroad. Also industries involved in teaching work offer job opportunities through different recruitment processes.

Self Employment Options

Teaching in India is a highly employable field. Self-employment options are many. Here is a list.
Creating and Selling Educational Resources
  • Tutoring Service
  • Educational Consulting
  • Book Author
  • Educational Apps and Games Developer
  • Teach Abroad Programs
  • Workshop Facilitator
  • Professional Organiser
  • Public Speaking Coach
  • Online Courses
  • Language Coaching
  • Career Counseling
  • Stress Management Training
  • Social Media Channel

Short Term Courses

Short Term courses in Teaching Education are offered through various government agencies and industry partners. Course duration may range from 7 to 10 days to a couple of months. However, such courses are limited.

Beyond Teaching

Generally a qualification in teaching is termed as a general qualification as well as professional qualification. You can work in many industry sectors with a degree and certificate in Teaching.

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