Teacher Salaries in CBSE, Kendriya Vidyalaya, and Navodaya Vidyalaya in India
Teacher salaries in India vary significantly depending on the type of employer. CBSE, KV, and NV Schools are all popular choices amongst the aspiring teachers in India. Just like any other job, candidates also wonder about the salary range in different schools. To quench the curiosity, we have provided the tentative salary range given with comparison using the top schools: CBSE, KVS, and NVS to help them make the choice.
Salary of Teachers in CBSE, KV, and NV Schools
In India, Teaching is considered a noble profession as teachers play an important role in shaping the society of tomorrow. Teachers in India receive quite a considerable amount of compensation, especially if it comes to government schools. The salary depends upon various factors such as the school, location, and experience of the teachers.
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Several educational institutions in India offer teaching positions, each with a salary structure that is quite well. Generally, teacher salaries in CBSE, Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV), and Navodaya Vidyalaya (NVS) are based on their qualifications and experience, and they vary. KV and NVS teachers follow 7th Pay Commission scales, with CBSE school salaries differ by school type, with private schools offering variable pay. In this article on the salaries of teachers in CBSE, KV, and NV, we have shared the tentative salaries along with a salary comparison among three prominent institutions: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and Navodaya Vidyalayas.
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There's no single minimum salary, but CBSE teachers generally start from ₹10,000-₹25,000/month, with fresher ranging from ₹1.2L-₹4.5L/year. It varies depending on the location and school type.
- Salary of Teachers in CBSE, KV, and NV - Overview
- Salary of Teachers in CBSE Schools
- Kendriya Vidyalayas Teacher Salary
- Salary of Teachers in Navodaya Vidyalayas
- Comparison Between Salary of Teachers in CBSE, KV, and NV
- Allowances: What to Expect (KV & NVS)
- Career Progression & Promotions
- Eligibility & Qualifications
Salary of Teachers in CBSE, KV, and NV - Overview
CBSE is a board of affiliation and does not set pay; private CBSE schools set their own salaries. Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) and Navodaya Vidyalaya (NVS) follow the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) pay matrix; their remuneration includes basic pay plus allowances (DA, HRA, TA), pensions (NPS), and other central government benefits.
| School |
Salary Structure |
Features |
|---|---|---|
| CBSE Schools |
The salary of CBSE teachers varies based on location, experience, and subject |
Satisfactory salary, which is as par with other government and private schools |
| Kendriya Vidyalayas |
7th Pay Commission |
Central government schools are typically located in defense establishments. The salary is quite well and there are several benefits added as well. |
| Navodaya Vidyalayas |
7th Pay Commission |
Residential schools for talented rural students. The salaries are quite considerable. |
Salary of Teachers in CBSE Schools
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools are affiliated with the national education board in India.
| Teacher Role | Average Monthly Salary | Range (Low–High) |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-primary Teacher | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 | ₹8,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Primary Teacher | ₹12,000 – ₹25,000 | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 |
| TGT (Trained Graduate Teacher) | ₹18,000 – ₹35,000 | ₹15,000 – ₹40,000 |
| PGT (Post Graduate Teacher) | ₹22,000 – ₹45,000 | ₹18,000 – ₹55,000 |
| Vice Principal | ₹35,000 – ₹70,000 | ₹30,000 – ₹80,000 |
| Principal | ₹50,000 – ₹1,20,000 | ₹40,000 – ₹1,50,000+ |
Note: City (metro vs Tier-2/3), school brand/reputation and experience heavily influence pay. Government-run CBSE schools (state government employees) will have separate pay structures set by the respective state.
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Kendriya Vidyalayas Teacher Salary
KV teachers are central government employees and follow the 7th CPC pay matrix. The figures below show basic pay and an approximate in-hand range after typical allowances (DA, HRA) for 2026.
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay (Start) | Approx. In-hand Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRT | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | ₹55,000 – ₹60,000 |
| TGT | Level 7 | ₹44,900 | ₹65,000 – ₹72,000 |
| PGT | Level 8 | ₹47,600 | ₹70,000 – ₹78,000 |
| Vice Principal | Level 10 | ₹56,100 | ₹85,000 – ₹95,000 |
| Principal | Level 12 | ₹78,800 | ₹1,10,000 – ₹1,25,000 |
Note: These in-hand estimates include basic + DA (assumed ~50% for 2026) + HRA (city-based) and other common allowances. Actual in-hand varies by posting location and exact DA at time of pay.
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Salary of Teachers in Navodaya Vidyalayas
Navodaya Vidyalayas are residential schools established and run by the government of India to provide quality education to talented rural students. There is an entrance exam that students need to qualify for to take admission into the NV. NVS follows the 7th CPC pay matrix, similar to KVs, but many NVS postings are residential; this adds housing/boarding-related perks and sometimes night-duty allowances.
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay (Start) | Approx. In-hand Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| TGT | Level 7 | ₹44,900 | ₹68,000 – ₹75,000 |
| PGT | Level 8 | ₹47,600 | ₹72,000 – ₹80,000 |
| House Master / Warden | Level 6–7 | ₹35,400 – ₹44,900 | ₹55,000 – ₹70,000 |
| Vice Principal | Level 10 | ₹56,100 | ₹85,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Principal | Level 12 | ₹78,800 | ₹1,15,000 – ₹1,30,000 |
Comparison Between Salary of Teachers in CBSE, KV, and NV
The table below provides an at-a-glance comparison to help readers quickly understand differences in stability, pay and benefits.
| Category | CBSE Private | Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) | Navodaya Vidyalaya (NVS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salary Stability | Low | Very High | Very High |
| Typical Monthly Salary | ₹10k–₹45k | ₹55k–₹78k | ₹68k–₹80k |
| Allowances | Limited | High (DA, HRA) | Very High (+ residential perks) |
| Accommodation | No | Usually No | Often Free |
| Type | Private Employer | Central Govt | Central Govt (Residential) |
Allowances: What to Expect (KV & NVS)
Before reading the allowance table, note that KV and NVS follow central government allowance rules; DA and HRA levels fluctuate over time.
| Allowance | Details |
|---|---|
| DA (Dearness Allowance) | Percentage of Basic (variable). Assumed ~50% in 2026 for estimates — subject to govt revisions. |
| HRA (House Rent Allowance) | 8%, 16% or 24% of basic depending on city classification. |
| TA (Transport Allowance) | Fixed/grade-dependent allowance for commuting. |
| Night Duty / Residential Allowance | Applicable for NVS housemasters/warden roles and night duties. |
| LTC & Medical | Leave Travel Concession and CGHS / medical allowances as per central rules. |
Career Progression & Promotions
Typical promotion ladder in government schools follows a structured path; private schools may vary in titles and timelines.
| Stage | Designation |
|---|---|
| Entry | Primary Teacher (PRT) |
| Mid | TGT |
| Senior | PGT |
| Leadership | Vice Principal / Principal |
| Administrative | Deputy Commissioner / HQ Roles |
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Eligibility & Qualifications
Below are common minimum qualifications required by most schools and central recruitment boards.
| Post | Typical Qualifications |
|---|---|
| PRT | DElEd or BElEd + CTET (Paper I often required for central jobs) |
| TGT | Graduate + BEd + CTET (Paper II usually preferred/required) |
| PGT | Postgraduate (relevant subject) + BEd |
| Principal | PG + BEd + prescribed years of experience |
Salary differs based on the teacher's experience, qualifications, and location. The classes they're teaching also matter.
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The choice depends on the candidate who has to work in KVS or NVS.