Primary Teacher Courses after 12th in India
This guide breaks down every option from DElEd to NTT so you can pick the course that fits your goals, budget, and timeline.
Primary teacher courses after 12th
If you love working with children and training as a primary teacher after 12th is one of the best choices you can make. Teaching at the primary level gives you the chance to shape young minds early. This article covers everything about primary teacher courses after 12th, including eligibility requirements, course fees, entrance exams, and career options.
Also Check: Which Course is Best for a Primary Teacher in India?
- Primary Teacher Courses After 12th in India
- Eligibility for Primary Teacher Courses After 12th
- Primary Teacher Courses After 12th: Entrance Exam
- Detailed Description of Top Primary Teacher Courses
- How to Become a Primary Teacher in India After 12th
- Primary Teacher Exam Eligibility (CTET & State TET)
- Primary Teacher Course Fees Range
- Career Opportunities After Primary Teacher Courses
Primary Teacher Courses After 12th in India
We have provided the list of the most common and recognized options to help you decide which fits your goals.
| Course |
Duration |
Level |
Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Years |
Diploma |
Government primary school aspirants (Classes 1–5) |
|
| 1–2 Years |
Diploma/Certificate |
Pre-primary & playschool teaching |
|
| ETT(Elementary Teacher Training) |
2 Years |
Diploma |
State-level primary teaching |
| 2 Years |
Diploma |
Primary level teaching roles |
|
| 6–12 Months |
Certificate |
Quick entry to private nursery & playschools |
Eligibility for Primary Teacher Courses After 12th
The table shows the eligibility, minimum marks, and age limits for each course.
| Course |
Minimum Qualification |
Minimum Marks |
Age Limit |
Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DElEd |
12th Pass |
45–50% |
17–35 Years (state-dependent) |
Entrance exam in many states |
| NTT |
12th Pass |
40–50% |
No fixed limit |
Interview in some institutes |
| ETT |
12th Pass |
50% |
18–36 Years (state rules) |
State-specific norms |
| Certificate Courses |
10th/12th Pass |
None |
None |
Open admission in most places |
Primary Teacher Courses After 12th: Entrance Exam
| Entrance Exam | Conducting Body | Eligibility | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bihar DElEd Joint Entrance Test | Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) | 12th pass with 50% | Annual |
| UP DElEd / BTC Entrance | Uttar Pradesh Exam Regulatory Authority | ||
| Assam DElEd PET | SCERT, Assam | ||
| Rajasthan BSTC (Pre-DElEd) | Department of Elementary Education: Rajasthan | ||
| Delhi DElEd Entrance | SCERT, Delhi | ||
| Haryana DElEd Entrance | SCERT, Haryana | ||
| Odisha DElEd Entrance | SCERT, Odisha | ||
| West Bengal DElEd Entrance | WBBPE / SCERT, West Bengal | ||
| Jharkhand DElEd Entrance | JAC / SCERT, Jharkhand | ||
| Uttarakhand DElEd Entrance | Uttarakhand Board of School Education | ||
| Punjab ETT Entrance | Punjab School Education Board | ||
| CUET (for universities offering teacher training) | NTA |
Also Check: KVS or NVS: Which is Better for You?
Detailed Description of Top Primary Teacher Courses
Each course prepares you for slightly different roles, choose based on whether you prefer pre-primary, primary, government service, or quick private-school entry.
DElEd (Diploma in Elementary Education)
DElEd is the most widely accepted qualification for teaching Classes 1–5 and is often required for government primary teacher recruitment.
Why choose DElEd? It’s recognized by most state education departments, includes supervised teaching practice, and aligns with CTET/state TET eligibility.
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Fees: t₹10,000 to ₹50,000 per year, depending on institute type.
NTT (Nursery Teacher Training)
NTT trains you for early childhood education (ages 3–6), focusing on play-based learning, storytelling, and child development.
Why choose NTT? If you love toddlers and creative classroom activities, NTT opens doors in private nursery, playschool and Montessori setups.
Fees: around ₹15,000 to ₹45,000 per year.
Also Read: Teaching Job Roles in CBSE, Kendriya Vidyalaya, and Navodaya Vidyalaya: Detailed Comparison
ETT (Elementary Teacher Training)
ETT is a state-level diploma that qualifies candidates for elementary teaching posts according to specific state rules.
Why choose ETT? It’s useful if you plan to teach in states where ETT is the preferred route. Commonly chosen in Punjab, Haryana and a few other states.
Fees: ₹10,000–40,000 per year.
Certificate in Preschool Teaching
For students who want a quick, practical entry into private pre-schools and playschools, short certificates focus on classroom activities and child care basics.
Why choose a certificate? Fast, affordable, and practical great for immediate employment in private setups.
Fees: often below ₹20,000 in many institutes.
How to Become a Primary Teacher in India After 12th
Follow this straightforward roadmap to plan your studies, exams, and career path:
- Choose the right course: DElEd is recommended for government primary jobs; NTT for pre-primary roles.
- Confirm eligibility: check required marks, age limits, and whether an entrance test is needed.
- Apply for entrance tests (if any) and for college admission.
- Complete the diploma with practical teaching internships and projects.
- Qualify for CTET or your State TET for eligibility to apply for government positions.
- Apply for teacher vacancies in government or private schools.
Primary Teacher Exam Eligibility (CTET & State TET)
The following table compares the most common requirements for CTET and State TET exams.
| Exam |
Required Qualification |
Minimum Marks |
Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| DElEd (ongoing or completed) / Equivalent |
45–50% |
National |
|
| DElEd / ETT (as per state) |
45–50% |
State-Level |
Primary Teacher Course Fees Range
The average fee in the courses.
| Course |
Government College Fees (per year) |
Private College Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| DElEd |
₹5,000–15,000 |
₹20,000–50,000 |
| NTT |
₹8,000–12,000 |
₹15,000–45,000 |
| ETT |
₹5,000–10,000 |
₹20,000–40,000 |
Also Check: How to Become a Professor in India?
Career Opportunities After Primary Teacher Courses
Common job roles and career paths include:
- Primary School Teacher (Classes 1–5)
- Nursery / Pre-primary Teacher
- Government Primary Teacher (after DElEd + TET + state selection)
- Montessori / Playschool Teacher
- Private school teacher, tuition/home tutor
- School coordinator, curriculum developer (with experience)
Selecting the right training after 12th depends on whether you prefer pre-primary or primary teaching, budget, and long-term plans for government service.
