NCTE to Reintroduce One-Year B.Ed and M.Ed Programmes from 2026-27

The reintroduced one-year M.Ed course will be a full-time, regular programme. Meanwhile, the existing two-year M.Ed course will continue in a part-time format for working professionals, including teachers and education administrators.

In a major policy shift, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has announced the return of one-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) and Master of Education (M.Ed) programmes from the academic session 2026-27. This decision marks a reversal of the 2014 regulations that extended these courses to two years.

Eligibility for One-Year B.Ed

As per the new draft regulations, the one-year B.Ed course will be available only to candidates who have completed either a four-year undergraduate degree or a postgraduate programme. Those with a three-year graduation degree will still need to complete a two-year B.Ed programme.

Structure of the M.Ed Programme

The reintroduced one-year M.Ed course will be a full-time, regular programme. Meanwhile, the existing two-year M.Ed course will continue in a part-time format for working professionals, including teachers and education administrators.

Reason Behind the Policy Change

NCTE Chairman Pankaj Arora highlighted that the two-year M.Ed course, introduced in 2015, failed to generate enthusiasm among students, leading to vacant seats and stagnation in curriculum improvements. The revised M.Ed programme will incorporate research, fieldwork, and community engagement components to enhance its relevance and effectiveness, reported Indian Express.

Alignment with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

This policy change aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which envisions flexible pathways for teacher education. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has classified a one-year master’s degree at level 6.5 in the National Higher Education Qualifications Framework, making this transition possible.

Impact on Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP)

The ITEP, a four-year teacher education programme (BA B.Ed/B.Sc B.Ed/B.Com B.Ed), introduced in 57 institutions in 2023-24, will become a mainstream course from 2025-26. Additionally, four specialised ITEP programmes in Yoga, Physical Education, Sanskrit Education, and Art Education will be introduced from the 2025-26 session.

Future of Teacher Education Programmes

The NCTE is yet to decide on the fate of the three-year integrated B.Ed-M.Ed programme introduced under the 2014 regulations. However, the overall restructuring ensures that aspirants have multiple entry points into teacher education, catering to different academic backgrounds and career stages. With these reforms, India aims to make teacher education more flexible and aligned with contemporary educational needs, ensuring a skilled and well-trained teaching workforce.

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