How to Become a Special Educator in India - Job Roles, Courses, Colleges, Skills, and Salary
Special educators are professionals who work with students with developmental disabilities. It can range from mild to severe. They help students who have learning and intellectual disabilities. They also deal with students with physical impairments, and emotional or behavioral disorders. Let's learn more about how to become a Special Educator in India. We will also tell you about the courses approved by RCI, special education courses available in IGNOU, and the career scope as a special educator.
How to Become a Special Educator in India
How to Become a Special Educator in India: I am sure a lot of you might have once in your lifetime watched the movie Taare Zameen Par or Sitaare Zameen Par. TZP focused on the life of Ishan Awasthi, who had symptoms of Dyslexia. While SZP focused on autism students who go on to win the Basketball championship. Now, Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects a child's potential to process information in reading and writing. It's not a disease, but it can be genetic. In this movie, it is shown how Aamir Khan’s character Ram Shankar Nikumbh deals with Ishan and helps him excel not just in education but also in life.
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To become a Special Educator in India, one must complete a diploma recognised by the Rehabilitation Centre of India. You can also get a degree like DEd Spl Edu or BEd in Special Education. After training, you can work in inclusive or special schools or rehabilitation centers supporting children with diverse learning needs.
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In today’s article, we will guide you in understanding how you can become a Special Educator in India. You will also find out what they do, their salaries, and the companies that hire them.
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.
The candidates complete graduation with at least 50% marks and 45% for reserved categories. They need to clear the APEdCET and to be eligible
- the minimum age is 19
- a permanent resident in the state.
- Now the question arises, what is a Special Educator?
- What is Special Education?
- What are the Educational Qualifications Required?
- How to Become a Special Educator in India - Certification and Training
- How to Become a Special Educator in India - Top Special Education Government Colleges In India
- How to Become a Special Educator in India - How to gain Practical Exposure
- How to Become a Special Educator in India?
Now the question arises, what is a Special Educator?
Special educators are professionals who work with students who have developmental disabilities. It can range from mild to severe. They help students who have learning and intellectual disabilities. It also deals with children with physical impairments, emotional or behavioral disorders. Your role will include designing the lesson plans that will cater to their needs, i.e., IEPs. You have to involve other educational professionals and families to bring the best out of the child.
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What is Special Education?
Special education is dedicated to supporting students with different learning needs. It ensures that they receive the right interventions and support from teachers. For a special educator, there are a lot of eligibility criteria. You can tick it off based on their education, training, and a genuine commitment to helping students with disabilities. This job might affect any teacher mentally as well as physically. It demands confidence, patience, and a passion to help the kid grow.
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What are the Educational Qualifications Required?
To become a special educator in India, candidates need to meet the minimum eligibility criteria. Here is the eligibility criteria mentioned to become a special educator-
- Complete graduation with specialization in Special Education.
- Although it is not mandatory everywhere, having an MEd in Special Education is always a welcome thing.
- Various institutions offer diploma courses in special education, focusing on different disabilities.
- 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.
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.
How to Become a Special Educator in India - Certification and Training
Apart from regular degree courses, there are also certification and training courses in Special Education which students can enroll for. Many government and non-government institutions provide certification and training courses in special education for candidates who want to pursue a career in it. From the following candidates can check the names of institutions that provided these courses -
Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI): RCI is a statutory body overseeing special education in India. It ensures that the education program on Special Education is verified. Hence candidates planning to enter this field need RCI registration to practice as special educators.
Apart from this, IGNOU also has courses in Special Education. From the following table, we have shared the list of colleges and universities that offer courses in special education.
How to Become a Special Educator in India - Top Special Education Government Colleges In India
| Institute |
Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| 47,560 |
|
| 80,000 |
|
| 14,200 |
|
| 55,300 - 3.88 L |
|
| 1.92 L |
|
| 20,300 - 1.2 L |
|
| 73,980 |
|
| 15,200 - 17,600 |
|
| 29,100 - 85,970 |
|
| 13,800 - 14,800 |
Students can also enroll in the “In-Service Training Program” for ongoing professional development and to stay updated with the latest techniques and best practices in special education. These programs are either run by government institutions or NGOs working in this department.
Also read:
- B.Ed. in Special Education (Intellectual Disability)
- B.Ed. in Special Education (Mental Retardation)
How to Become a Special Educator in India - How to gain Practical Exposure
To gain practical exposure as a Special Educator candidates need to start from the basics. First, they need to complete courses and follow them by getting a job.
Student Teaching: Candidates can start gaining practical exposure after completing their B.Ed. and M.Ed. programs and work under the supervision of experienced educators.
Internships: They can also pursue internships or volunteer opportunities in special schools, inclusive schools, or NGOs working in special education.
Skills Development Practices for a Special Educator
Although there are not many technical skills to be precise, however, more than technical candidates need to have an emotional depth in them. This is where they need to work more as the job of a special educator becomes very challenging at times and requires a lot of things along with - Patience and Empathy, Adaptability, and Communication Skills.
Job Opportunities in Special Education
There are a lot of job opportunities in this field, apart from regular schools to special schools. NGOs and government organizations.
Salary of Special Educators
| Job Roles |
Salary (Tentative Data)* |
|---|---|
| Special Education Trainer |
INR 5 - 7 LPA |
| Occupational Therapist |
INR 5.5 - 7 LPA |
| Special Education Coordinator |
INR 4.5 - 6.5 LPA |
| Speech-Language Pathologist |
INR 4 - 6 LPA |
| School Psychologists |
INR 3 - 5 LPA |
Note: The salary of special educators can vary depending on experience as well as the type of organization they are working with.
How to Become a Special Educator in India?
Becoming a special educator in India is a rewarding career choice however it requires dedication, specialized training, and a commitment to lifelong learning. By following the above-mentioned points and continuously adapting as well as enhancing your skills, you can make a significant impact on the lives of students with special needs, helping them achieve their full potential.
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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.