NCTE Draft 2025 Restores 1-Year BEd

Under its 2025 draft regulations, NCTE plans to reinstate one-year BEd and MEd programmes alongside existing 2-year courses by revising the admission criteria. It will enforce stricter infrastructure and institutional norms. The restoration of courses is done to streamline teacher education career, balancing flexibility, quality, and compliance under NEP 2020.

NCTE 1-year BEd Regulations

In a significant shift in teacher-education policy, NCTE’s 2025 draft regulations propose bringing back the one-year BEd and MEd courses nearly a decade after they were extended to two-year programmes in 2014. The reform, to take effect from the 2026-27 academic session, aims to create a more flexible and efficient career in teaching, especially for candidates with a post-graduation degree.  At the same time, the traditional two-year BEd remains available, aligning with the 3-year graduation course.

Also Check: 1 Year BEd Course in India: Eligibility, Colleges, Career Options, and more

What the NCTE 2025 Draft Proposes

• The 2025 draft replaces the NCTE 2014 regulations.
• Re-introduces a one-year BEd and one-year MEd programme.
• Effective from the academic year 2026-27.
• Eligibility: Four-year undergraduate degree or postgraduate qualification.
• 3-year degree holders need to complete the regular BEd.

1-year vs 2-year BEd: Differences

The table below highlights the major differences between the two courses as outlined in the draft:

Implications & Emerging Reactions

• Increases the career opportunities in the teaching profession, especially for postgraduates and working professionals who wish to switch jobs.
• It will help in reducing the shortage of teachers in schools by speeding up qualification timelines.
• Teachers are also worried that shorter courses may reduce hands-on school experience.
• Institutions may need time and approval to adopt the one-year format. Availability will vary.

Also Check: NCTE to Reintroduce One-Year BEd and MEd Programmes from 2026-27

What’s Next?

• The draft is currently open for public feedback and stakeholder input.
• Regulators will finalise the framework after reviewing suggestions.
• New admissions under the one-year format expected from 2026-27.
• The candidates must check whether their chosen college receives recognition under the updated norms.

Why This Reform: The Context

The one-year BEd and MEd programmes were discontinued in 2014 when NCTE extended both courses to two years, in an effort to professionalize teacher education. However, with changing needs under NEP 2020, which emphasises flexibility, varied entry pathways, and recognition of diverse academic backgrounds, NCTE’s draft attempts to reintroduce shorter training options without compromising standards. 

The reform aims to provide multiple pathways for becoming a teacher: through 4-year integrated programmes, two-year BEd, 1-year BEd, or one-/two-year MEd, thereby widening access and offering flexibility depending on individual academic journey. 

Also Check: National Education Policy 2020: Impact of NEP on TET/ CTET Qualified Teachers Recruitment

Significance & Potential Impact

This overhaul has several implications:

• For students: The return of one-year BEd and MEd reduces time & financial burden, especially for postgraduate or four-year-degree holders, while still providing a regulated route into teaching.
• For institutions: They must upgrade infrastructure, faculty, and apply for fresh recognition if they wish to offer the new programmes.

The multiple career options may lead to increased enrollment, flexibility in teacher recruitment, and alignment with NEP 2020’s vision of diversified, inclusive, and quality-driven education.

Also Check: MA BEd Integrated Course Colleges in India