BEd vs DEd Course: Definition, Eligibility, Colleges, Jobs, Salary, and More
The BEd vs DEd Course comparison helps you understand the difference between two popular teacher training programs in India. A BEd (Bachelor of Education) is a professional degree that prepares you to teach students at secondary and higher secondary levels, while a DEd (Diploma in Education) or DElEd trains you to teach young learners in primary and upper primary classes. Both courses focus on developing teaching skills, classroom management, and understanding child psychology. Knowing the key differences in course duration, eligibility, and career scope helps you choose the right path for your teaching career.
The Bachelor of Education (BEd) is one of India’s most popular and highly opted courses by students. For students who want to make a career in Teaching, a BEd course is the first step. However, there is confusion among students about choosing between a Bachelor of Education (BEd) and a Diploma in Education (DEd). Both these courses are not same, they help you teach at different school levels and got their own good sides. It’s sometimes hard for students to pick one because both sound nice. In short, BEd is a professional degree that helps you become a teacher in secondary and higher secondary schools, while DEd or D.El.Ed is a diploma course that trains you for teaching small kids in primary or upper primary classes.
Explore popular B.Ed colleges for you
In this article on BEd vs DEd Course, you will learn about both programs and how they are not same. We talk about what each course means, which colleges offer them, how much the course fees can be, and what is needed to get admission. You also get to know the eligibility criteria, the admission process, and the career options after finishing these courses. This helps you choose better and make a smart decision for your teaching career.
Important:The DEd course is now officially known as DElEd (Diploma in Elementary Education).
Also read:
- BEd vs DEd: Key Differences
- What is a BEd Course?
- Government Universities Offering BEd Course
- What is a DEd Course?
- Top Government Colleges for DEd
- Top Private Colleges for DEd
- Career Options after completing DEd Course
BEd vs DEd: Key Differences
The BEd course and DEd course are not same, both help you become teacher but for different school levels. You can say BEd is for teaching big students in secondary or higher secondary classes, and DEd or DElEd is for small kids in primary or upper primary schools.
| Particulars |
BEd |
DEd |
|---|---|---|
| Course Name |
Bachelor of Education |
Diploma in Education |
| Course Duration |
2 years |
2 years |
| Objective of the course |
The objective of the BEd course is to o make students prepare for Teaching jobs at secondary and higher secondary levels |
The main objective of the DEd course is to train teachers for primary and pre-primary levels |
| Eligibility |
|
10+2 with 50% marks |
| Focus subjects |
Pedagogy, subject-specific teaching, educational psychology |
Foundational teaching skills, child development |
| Career Opportunities |
Secondary/Higher Secondary Teacher, Educational Consultant |
Primary/Pre-primary Teacher, Tutor |
| Average Salary |
₹4–8 lakh per year |
₹3–5 lakh yearly |
| Institutions |
Universities and colleges |
DIETs, Teacher Training Institutes |
| Admission Process |
Entrance exam, counseling |
Merit-based or entrance exam, counseling |
The RIE CEE 2026 eligibility criteria require candidates to pass Class 12 with at least 50% marks in aggregate and 45% for reserved categories). Check the requirements for the subject-specific area before applying.
There is no upper age limit for candidates applying for this BEd entrance exam. It is advised to check the other criterias like educational before filling the MAH BEd CET application form.
Both courses are good, but you should pick one that match your dream. If you love teaching older students, go for BEd course. If you enjoy working with small children, DEd course is better for you.
What is a BEd Course?
A BEd course is a kind of professional degree that helps you become a teacher for secondary and higher secondary classes. It teach you about how to handle students, how to plan lessons, and how to explain subjects in easy way. The course goes for 2 years, and it gives you all the main things you need for teaching job. You learn many things about education, psychology, and classroom work.
The BEd degree got many options you can pick from. Some of the BEd specializations are:
- BEd in Biological Sciences
- BEd in Maths
- BEd in Accounts
- BEd in Economics
- BEd in English
- BEd in Computer Science
- BEd in Social Sciences
- BEd in Sanskrit
- BEd in Geography
- BEd in Home Science
There also other types like integrated BEd courses, for example B.Sc BEd, B.A BEd, or B.Com BEd. These courses let you study graduation and teacher training both together, so you save time and get more knowledge for your teaching career.
Also read:
Government Universities Offering BEd Course
University Name |
Admission Process |
Tuition Fee (Approx). (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
University of Delhi (DU) |
CUET PG |
₹70,000–₹1,20,000 |
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) |
CUET PG |
₹40,000 - ₹70,000 |
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
IGNOU BEd Entrance Exam |
₹55,000 total |
University of Mumbai |
CUET PG / Merit-based admission |
₹25,000 - ₹30,000 |
Annamalai University |
CUET PG / Merit-based admission |
₹25,000 |
Note: The fees mentioned are estimates and candidates are advised to refer to the college authorities before taking admission as the actual fee may vary and might include several other charges as well.
Career Options after completing BEd course
| Job Roles |
Salary |
|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher |
₹3-5 lakhs per annum |
| Higher Secondary School Teacher |
₹4-6 lakhs per annum |
| Special Education Teacher |
₹3-5 lakhs per annum |
| Educational Consultant |
₹5-8 lakhs per annum |
| School Administrator |
₹4-7 lakhs per annum |
| Educational Content Developer |
₹3-6 lakhs per annum |
What is a DEd Course?
A DEd course is a diploma program that helps you learn how to teach small kids in primary and elementary schools. It mostly focus on basic teaching skills and how children grow and learn things. The DEd course duration is 2 years, and it gives you the right training to work as a teacher for classes 1 to 8. You get to know about classroom work, lesson plans, and how to make learning easy for young students.
The DEd diploma helps you understand child behavior and simple ways to teach them better. It’s made for people who want to start their career in teaching at the elementary level. The course is all about building strong base in education and helping you become a confident teacher for small children.
DEd Specialisation
As the DEd course is is diploma course there is no special subject specialization in it. The course gives a premise to the various aspects of learning and teaching like Child Development, Educational Psychology, etc. After completion of the course, candidates will also have to complete a school internship post which their course will be termed complete.
Also read:
Top Government Colleges for DEd
| College Name |
Tuition Fees in INR (Annual) |
|---|---|
| 40,000 |
|
| 30,000 |
|
| 30,000 |
|
| 30,000 |
|
| District Institute of Education and Training, Thiruvananthapuram |
30,000 |
| 35,000 |
|
| 40,000 |
Top Private Colleges for DEd
The candidates can apply for BEd in Maharashtra by registering for the MAH BEd CET examination conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell every year. The forms will be available soon in December end.
- Candidates with at least 50% marks in either in the Bachelor's Degree and/or in the Master's degree in Sciences/Social Sciences/Humanity
- Bachelor's in Engineering or Technology with specialisation in Science and Mathematics with 55% marks or in any other qualification equivalent thereto, are eligible for admission to the programme
- relaxation of 5% marks for SC/ ST/ PwD candidates.
The interested ones can apply for Rajasthan PTET 2026 if they have atleast 50% in their graduation. For integrated course, the candidate must have Science in 12th. Check the prospectus or Shiksha.com for detailed requirements.
| College Name |
Tuition Fees in INR (Annual) |
|---|---|
| 1 lakh |
|
| 50,000 |
|
| 30,000 |
|
| 45,000 |
|
| 1.33 lakh |
|
| 1 lakh |
|
| NA |
|
| 60,000 |
|
| 88.600 |
Career Options after completing DEd Course
Graduates are primarily eligible for teaching positions at primary and upper primary levels (Classes 1–8) in government and private schools.
| Primary School Teacher |
Upper Primary Teacher |
| Nursery/Pre-primary Teacher |
Teaching Assistant in DIETs or elementary schools |
| Private Tutor |
Special Education Assistant (with additional certification) |
Also read:
Before picking any course out of the two, students must note that both these courses will add value to their career and teaching journey However the decision to choose between BEd vs. DEd depends on the aspirant's career aspirations as well as the level of education they want to teach going forward.
If students want to teach classes secondary or higher secondary level, they can opt for the BEd course while for those who are passionate about teaching young children and working at the primary or pre-primary level, they can pursue the DEd course.
Important: Under NEP, the 4-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) is being introduced to replace standalone DElEd and BEd programs in the long term.
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Anshul Jindal completed her Masters in Computer Applications from JIMS, Delhi, and has over 4 years of experience in content writing. Currently at Shiksa, creating content for exams like IGNOU BEd Entrance Exam, RIE
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Yes, if you wish to get admission in a government college in Maharashtra for the BEd course, then you have to clear the MAH BEd CET exam. Some private colleges also offer direct admission.