Which Course is Best for a Primary Teacher in India?
This guide will help you compare your choices to make the best one.
Primary Teacher Course
Every thriving teaching career starts with the right education. If you're trying to decide which course is best for a primary teacher in India, this complete guide is your companion.
Also Check:
- Types of Primary Teacher Training Courses in India
- Certificate Courses
- Additional Insights: Fees, Syllabus, Admissions & Career Scope
Types of Primary Teacher Training Courses in India
Teacher training courses are offered in different formats depending on your education level and career goals.
| Course Type |
Duration |
Eligibility |
Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate |
Few hours – 6 mo |
10th/12th Pass |
Skill enhancement, resume building |
| Diploma (DElEd, NTT, ETT, PTT) |
1 – 2 years |
12th with 50%+ |
Quick entry into the teaching profession |
| BElEd |
4 years |
12th Pass |
Strong foundation for the elementary level |
| BEd |
2 – 4 years |
Graduate (50% marks) |
Career growth, upper-primary & beyond |
| MEd |
2 years |
B.Ed / BElEd |
Leadership, specialization, research |
| Integrated BA BEd (ITEP) |
4 years |
12th Pass |
NEP 2030 aligned, future-ready path |
Certificate Courses
- Duration: A few hours to 6 months
- Fees: Free to around INR 12,000
- Admission: Merit-based or direct
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These courses, often available online, are ideal for resume building or casual upskilling.
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The theory isn't difficult if you study carefully. But the practical internships and assignments (lesson plans, classroom management), sometimes tests one's patience.
To prepare for the MAH BEd CET exam, start with understanding the syllabus and pattern. Attempt previous year and mock question papers.
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Popular Diploma Courses:
- DElEd (Diploma in Elementary Education)
- NTT (Nursery Teacher Training)
- ETT (Elementary Teacher Training)
- PTT (Primary Teacher Training)
1. BElEd (Bachelor of Elementary Education)
If you want a strong academic foundation, BElEd is a great 4-year program right after 12th.
- Admission: Entrance exams like DUET, Bihar BEd CET
- Focus: Pedagogy, Child Development, Educational Psychology, Practical Internships
2. BEd (Bachelor of Education)
If you’re already a graduate, BEd is the standard pathway to teaching.
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- Admission: Entrance exams (CUET, state BEd tests)
- Focus: Subject specialization, advanced pedagogy, school internships
Many wonder BEd or DElEd which is better. If you want primary teaching only, DElEd works best. But for higher classes and career growth, BEd is better.
3. Postgraduate Course (MEd)
MEd offers specialization and leadership opportunities.
- Duration: 2 years
- Focus: Educational leadership, research methodology, specialized education areas
- Career Scope: Roles like curriculum developer, academic head, education consultant, or higher-level administrative positions
Also Read: Difference between BEd and BElEd
4. Integrated BA BEd (4-Year ITEP Programs)
These courses are emerging as the futuristic path for overall, policy-aligned teacher preparation.
The right way to start mah bed CET preparation is to get understand the pattern as well as the syllabus throughly. Prepare using a timetable and get conceptual clarity. Attempt as many questions as you can.
Start with checking syllabus and pattern. Make a timetable and spend atleast 2-3 hours on every subject. Attempt past year and mock papers.
No, but it isn't difficult either. The exam's difficulty is on moderate level. With right preparation, candidate's can crack IGNOU BEd Entrance Test
Also Check: Government Teacher Salary in India - Primary, Secondary Teachers, Perks, Benefits, Allowances, and more
Additional Insights: Fees, Syllabus, Admissions & Career Scope
Fees:
- Certificate: Up to around INR 12,000
- Diploma: INR 7,200–3 lac total
- BElEd: INR 16,000–70,000 per year
- MEd: INR 11,700–45,000
Syllabus Topics Include:
- Child psychology, lesson planning, school administration, teaching aids, EVS, creative art, IT skills, community engagement.
Admissions & Entrance Exams:
Admissions can be merit-based or via exams like DU BElEd Test, BEET, AP EDCET; diplomas may also require ETT entrance. Some courses need interviews or counselling.
Also Check These State-level Teaching Exams
Job Profiles & Salaries:
- Fresh salary: 1.5–2 LPA for certificate/diploma
- Bachelor’s degree holders: INR 2–7 LPA
- PG (MEd): 1.7–3 LPA initially
- Roles span primary teacher, online tutor, curriculum developer, nursery teacher, and consultant educator
The best courses for a primary teacher depends on the course you will choose. The right one after 12th will be DElEd or NTT whereas after graduation one can opt for BEd. Just make sure to select a degree that is recognised by NCTE.
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Anshul Jindal completed her Masters in Computer Applications from JIMS, Delhi, and has over 4 years of experience in content writing. Currently at Shiksa, creating content for exams like IGNOU BEd Entrance Exam, RIE
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The maximum marks in EdCET is 150 where every question carries around 1 mark.