Which Course is Best for a Primary Teacher in India?

Which Course is Best for a Primary Teacher in India?

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Anshul
Anshul Jindal
Associate Senior Executive
Updated on Nov 25, 2025 10:41 IST
Dreaming of becoming a primary teacher in India but feeling overwhelmed by the endless options from short online certificates to integrated degrees? Whether you're fresh out of 12th or a graduate, this guide will help you cut through the noise, compare your choices, and pick the course that truly fits your career vision.

This guide will help you compare your choices to make the best one.

Which Course is Best for a Primary Teacher in India?

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:

Table of contents
  • 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

Q:   How to prepare for mah bed CET exam?
A:

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.

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The highest score will depend on the result of 2026 session. As of last year, Vajjha Ganapathi Sasthry scored ~126.84 and the maximum marks remains in mid-120s.

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A:

IGNOU BEd entrance test isn't difficult if you have prepared well for the exam. In general, this test falls under moderate difficulty level.

Certificate Courses

  • Duration: A few hours to 6 months
  • Fees: Free to around INR 12,000
  • Admission: Merit-based or direct 

These courses, often available online, are ideal for resume building or casual upskilling.

Also Read:

Popular Diploma Courses:

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.

  • 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.

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

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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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About the Author
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Anshul Jindal
Associate Senior Executive

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 AILET, MHCET Law, and NLET.

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