How to Become an English Teacher in India

English is a globally accepted language. The majority of the population wishes to learn the language. For learning, we need an English teacher in India. There are qualifications, internships, career options, salary, and passion for teaching that determine a candidate's choice to become a teacher. We have created this article to guide you in the right direction.

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What are the 4 Types of Teachers?

Start with understanding how Teachers are often categorized by the environment and student group they teach. Below are four broad types you will see.

Type	Description
Primary School Teacher (PRT)	Focus on foundational literacy and language basics (reading, writing, speaking).
Secondary School Teacher (TGT)	Teach grammar, literature, exam-focused content, and critical reading skills.
Special Educator	Work with differently-abled students; require training in special education techniques.
Higher Education Teacher	College/university lecturers and professors focusing on literature, linguistics, and research.

English Teacher Eligibility & Qualification

Eligibility and qualifications depend on the level you wish to teach- primary, secondary, senior secondary, or higher education. Below is a concise table for easy comparison.

Teaching Level	Minimum Qualification	Preferred / Additional Qualification
Primary School (Classes 1–5)	DElEd or BElEd	CTET Paper I, experience, subject training
Middle School (Classes 6–8)	BA English + BEd	CTET Paper II, experience, subject training
High School (Classes 9–10)	BA/MA English + BEd	TET/CTET/STET
Higher Secondary (+1/+2)	MA English + BEd / MEd	NET / Teaching experience
College / University	MA English + NET	PhD, publications, and research experience
Online English Teacher/International	Any Bachelor's degree + TEFL/TESOL	CELTA preferred

Important: BA + BEd is the most common road for school teaching; MA + NET (and often a PhD) is required for college positions; certifications like TEFL/TESOL help for online/international roles.

Also Check: Top DU BEd Colleges 2026– Delhi University BEd & BElEd Admission

Entrance Exams Needed to Become an English Teacher

Teacher eligibility and admissions require national or state-level exam. Here's a handy table describing the most important tests.

Exam	Purpose	Eligible For / Required For
CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test)	Qualifies teachers for CBSE-affiliated schools	Primary & Secondary teaching posts in CBSE schools
TET / STET	State-level Teacher Eligibility Tests	Teaching in state government and aided schools
UGC-NET	Eligibility for Lectureship and Junior Research Fellowship	College & university faculty posts
BEd Entrance Exams	Admission to BEd programs in universities/colleges	Prospective school teachers

Also Check: MA vs BEd: Which is Right for You?

English Teacher Courses

Choose the right courses to build strong subject knowledge and teaching skills. These courses are the backbone of a formal teaching career. Below is a list of recommended degree and certification courses for English teachers.

Type	Course / Certification	Why it's useful
Undergraduate	BA English / BA English Literature	Foundational knowledge of language and literature
Teacher Training	BEd (Bachelor of Education)	Required for most school teacher positions in India
Postgraduate	MA English	Depth in literature, linguistics, critical theory necessary for college teaching
Professional	MEd / PhD	Academic leadership, research, and permanent college posts
Alternative / Online	TEFL / TESOL / CELTA	Great for online teaching, international roles, and tutoring
Elementary	DElEd / BElEd	Training for primary/elementary education

Also Check: Top 10 Teacher-Training Courses in India

English Teacher: Skill Required

Beyond formal qualifications, teaching also depends on several soft and hard skills. Employers look for both language competence and classroom skills.

Strong grammar and Vocabulary	subject command is essential.
Communication & public speaking	clear delivery and confidence.
Classroom management	discipline techniques and engagement strategies.
Lesson planning & creativity	designing student-centered lessons.
Assessment & feedback	testing and improving student performance.
Patience & empathy	vital for learning differences and inclusive classrooms.
Digital literacy	use of LMS, video lessons, and EdTech tools (important for online teaching).

English Teacher Salary in India

Salary varies widely depending on institution type, city, and experience. We have provided the approximate details.

Role	Monthly Salary (Approx.)	Average Annual Salary (Approx.)	Notes
Primary Teacher	₹18,000 – ₹25,000	₹2.5 – ₹3.5 LPA	Entry-level, government / private primary schools
High School Teacher	₹30,000 – ₹45,000	₹4 – ₹6 LPA	After BEd and experience
Senior Secondary Teacher	₹40,000 – ₹75,000	₹7 – ₹10 LPA	Experienced teachers, private/international boards
College Lecturer	₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000	₹8 – ₹14 LPA	NET-qualified; higher with PhD
Online Tutor	₹400 – ₹1,000/hour	Highly variable	Highly variable; depends on platform & ratings
International School Teacher	₹1 – ₹2 lakh per month	₹12 – ₹24 LPA	High Demand

Note: These figures are indicative and change with city, school reputation, and additional responsibilities (head of department, coordinator roles, etc.).

Also Check: Government Teacher Salary in India - Primary, Secondary Teachers, Perks, Benefits, Allowances, and more

Job Opportunities After Becoming an English Teacher

English teachers can find different roles across multiple sectors. 

• Government & private schools (primary to higher secondary)
• International schools and IB/IGCSE boards
• Colleges & universities (lecturers, assistant professors)
• Coaching institutes and test-prep centers (IELTS, TOEFL, school boards)
• EdTech platforms (content developer, online tutor, curriculum designer)
• Freelance & private online tutoring
• Corporate roles: communication trainer, content writer, editor

Also Read: Teaching Jobs in India and How to Get Them

Career Growth & Promotions

Professional growth as an English teacher depends on experience, qualifications, and leadership roles. It also determines promotions and higher pay. Common career ladder in schools and institutions:

Stage	Possible Roles
Early Career	Assistant Teacher, Subject Teacher
Mid Career	Senior Teacher, Class Teacher, Grade Coordinator
Experienced	Head of Department, Academic Coordinator
Leadership	Vice Principal, Principal, Academic Director

With the right qualifications, experience, and strong teaching skills, you can become an English teacher in India.

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