How to become a teacher in India?

How to become a teacher in India?

4 mins readComment
Anshul
Anshul Jindal
Associate Senior Executive
Updated on Jan 19, 2026 16:15 IST
To become a teacher in India, candidates must complete relevant educational qualifications such as DElEd, BEd, or MEd, and clear eligibility exams like CTET, TET, or NET. The process varies by teaching level: primary, secondary, or higher education but all paths require dedication, training, and certification.
Teaching in India is a dream job for many who enjoy helping children learn and grow. It gives respect, steady work, and a chance to make real change. This simple guide tells you how to become a teacher in India, what eligibility you need, exams to pass, teacher training courses, best colleges, and career options in teaching jobs all over India.
How to Become a Teacher in India?

How to Become a Teacher in India?

A teacher helps build the future and makes society better in many ways. In India, teacher career gives you respect and safe job with good growth over time. If you want to teach in primary school, secondary school or college, you must know right teacher qualification in India. Teaching jobs in India are best for people who love learning and guiding students to do well.
  • High job security, especially in government schools
  • Respected and meaningful profession
  • Good work-life balance
  • Opportunities in schools, colleges, coaching institutes, and online platforms

This article explains how to become a teacher in India, including eligibility, teaching courses after 12th, BEd course details, entrance exams, colleges, and career opportunities.

Also Read: How to Become a Professor in India?

Table of contents
  • Eligibility to Become a Teacher in India
  • Teaching Courses After 12th
  • BEd Course Details
  • Entrance Exams to Become a Teacher in India
  • Top Colleges for Teacher Training in India
  • How to Become a Teacher in India
  • Salary and Career Growth
  • Skills Needed to Be a Good Teacher
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Eligibility to Become a Teacher in India

The eligibility to become teacher depends on the level you wish to teach.

Teaching Level Minimum Qualification
Primary Teacher (Classes 1–5) 12th + D.El.Ed
Upper Primary (Classes 6–8) Graduation + D.El.Ed / BEd
Secondary (Classes 9–10) Graduation + BEd
Senior Secondary (Classes 11–12) Post-Graduation + BEd
College / University Lecturer Post-Graduation + NET / PhD
Also Check: Six-month bridge course for BEd Primary Teachers

Teaching Courses After 12th

Students can start their teaching journey immediately after Class 12 by enrolling in teacher training courses.

Course Name Duration Career Outcome
Diploma in Elementary Education (DElEd) 2 Years Primary Teacher
Bachelor of Elementary Education (BElEd) 4 Years Primary & Upper Primary Teacher
Integrated BA BEd / BSc BEd 4 Years Secondary School Teacher
Nursery Teacher Training (NTT) 1–2 Years Pre-Primary Teacher

BEd Course Details

The BEd course is mandatory for most secondary and senior secondary teaching jobs in India.

Aspect Information
Course Name Bachelor of Education (BEd)
Duration 2 Years
Eligibility Graduation / Post-Graduation
Admission Process Entrance Exam / Merit
Career Scope School Teacher, Tutor, Education Consultant
Also Read: Primary Teacher Courses after 12th in India

Entrance Exams to Become a Teacher in India

Entrance and eligibility exams are essential for admission and government teaching jobs.

Exam Name Conducting Body Purpose
CTET CBSE Central Government Teaching Jobs
State TET State Governments State Government Schools
NET UGC College & University Lecturer
CUET NTA BEd & Integrated Courses Admission

Top Colleges for Teacher Training in India

Reputed colleges improve teaching exposure and career opportunities.

College / University Location Courses Offered
Lady Shri Ram College Delhi BElEd
Regional Institute of Education Ajmer, Bhopal, Mysuru BEd, Integrated BEd
Banaras Hindu University Varanasi BEd, MEd
Jamia Millia Islamia Delhi BEd, MEd
IGNOU PAN India BEd, Diploma Courses

How to Become a Teacher in India

Here is a step-wise guide to educate you all about How to Become a Teacher in India.

Choose the Teaching Level

First, decide what class or age group you want to teach. Every level has its own rule and study need.

Teaching Level

Minimum Qualification

Required Exam/Certification

Pre-Primary Teacher

12th pass with NTT or ECCE

Pre-Primary Teacher Test (if needed)

Primary Teacher (1–5)

12th with DElEd or BElEd

CTET Paper I / State TET Paper I

Upper Primary (6–8)

Graduation with DElEd or BEd

CTET Paper II / State TET Paper II

Secondary (9–10)

Graduation with BEd

CTET Paper II / State TET Paper II

Senior Secondary (11–12)

Post-Graduation with BEd or MEd

PGT Exam / State TET

College/University

Post-Graduation with NET/SET or PhD

UGC NET / State SET

Get the Right Education

You must study the right course for the level you want.

DElEd: For teaching small kids in primary school.

BEd: For teaching middle or high school.

MEd: For higher post or training jobs.

PhD: For college or university teaching.

Also Check: What is NPTT: Full Form, Course Duration, Admission, Colleges, Syllabus, Salary & Scope

Pass the Teacher Exams

After study, you need to clear some exams to get job.

Exam Name

Conducting Body

Applicable Level

CBSE

Primary and Upper Primary (Central Schools)

TET

State Boards

Primary and Upper Primary (State Schools)

KVS/NVS Exams

KVS / NVS

Central Government Schools

NTA

College and University Level

SET

State Agencies

College and University Level (State)

Apply for Teaching Jobs

Once you pass exams, you can apply for jobs.

  • Government Schools: Apply through state or central boards.
  • Private Schools: Send resume to schools or check job sites.
  • Colleges: Apply through UGC or college websites.

Gain Experience

Teaching practice or internship helps a lot. It makes you confident and better at handling students.

Keep Learning

Good teachers never stop learning. Attend workshops, do short courses, and learn new teaching ways.

Salary and Career Growth

Teacher pay in India depends on school type, experience, and study level.

Teaching Level

Average Monthly Salary (INR)

Pre-Primary Teacher

₹15,000 – ₹25,000

Primary Teacher

₹25,000 – ₹40,000

Secondary Teacher

₹35,000 – ₹60,000

Senior Secondary Teacher

₹45,000 – ₹70,000

College Lecturer

₹55,000 – ₹90,000

University Professor

₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000+

Also Read: KVS or NVS: Which is Better for You?

Skills Needed to Be a Good Teacher

  • Speak clear and kind
  • Be patient and calm
  • Know subject well
  • Handle class nicely
  • Learn new teaching tools

Becoming a teacher in India is not hard if you follow right steps. Study well, pass exams, and keep improving. Teaching gives respect, joy, and a chance to change lives. It’s one of the best jobs for people who love to share knowledge.

Q:   Do you need a BEd degree to be a school teacher in India?
A:

Yes, you need a BEd degree to be a school teacher in India. 

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