How to Become a Teacher in India: Career Guide, Courses, Entrance Exams, Qualifications, After 12th, Jobs, Salary

If you have a passion for teaching and guiding young minds, then a career as a teacher may be perfect for you. With India's booming education sector, there is a growing demand for qualified teachers across all levels of education.

Becoming a teacher in India requires dedication, hard work, and specific qualifications. In this guide, we'll take you step-by-step through the process of becoming a teacher in India, explore each aspect in detail, and also include valuable insights on salaries, career growth, and upskilling opportunities.

Becoming a Teacher: The Prerequisites

Becoming a teacher in India requires a certain level of education, certification, and experience. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Graduate with a bachelor's degree or higher from a recognised university.

2. Pursue a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree, which is mandatory to become a teacher in most schools. The duration of the course is two years.

3. After completing the B.Ed. programme, you can appear for teacher eligibility tests (TETs) or state eligibility tests (SETs). These tests are mandatory to prove your eligibility for teaching jobs in government and government-aided schools.

4. After clearing the exams, acquire additional qualifications such as a Master of Education (M.Ed.) or Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.) to enhance your employability and career growth.

The TET and SET tests assess your knowledge in specific subject areas, pedagogy, teaching methodologies, and general aptitude for teaching students at the primary, secondary, or senior secondary levels.

To teach in subjects such as mathematics, science, social studies, or languages at the senior secondary level, you need to have a graduate degree with at least 50% marks, followed by a postgraduate (PG) degree with a minimum of 50% marks in the respective subject.

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Upskilling and Specialisations Needed for a Teacher

As a teacher, it is important to continuously upskill yourself to stay abreast of new teaching methodologies and technologies that aid effective learning outcomes.

Short-term certificate programmes on topics like classroom management skills or soft-skills development would come in handy when dealing with students from different backgrounds.

Here are some popular upskilling courses for teachers:

1. Certificate course in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL)
2. Diploma in Special Education
3. Postgraduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling
4. Certificate Course in Classroom Management

Upskilling courses can help you become an expert in a particular area of teaching or even explore specialisations, such as language teaching, special education, science, and math. These specialisations will help you stand out from other teachers and increase your chances of getting hired by private schools.

Also read - Top Teaching Courses After Graduation

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Job Potential and Career Growth of a Teacher

There are various job roles available for teachers, such as nursery/kindergarten teachers, primary school teachers, secondary school teachers, college professors, etc. The salary range varies according to the job role.

Average Salaries for Different Teaching Jobs in India

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Teaching jobs offer good career progression opportunities where you can climb the ladder from being a classroom teacher to becoming a principal, headmaster, or headmistress. Here are some career progression options for teachers in Indian or beyond schools:

1. Head of Department (HOD)
2. Coordinator
3. School Principal
4. Vice-principal
5. Education Consultant
6. Curriculum Developer

Also check - How to Write an Application for a Teaching Job

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Non-teaching roles

If you wish to explore non-teaching career options after completing your B.Ed. degree, you can opt for alternate career paths, such as:

1. Education Counsellor
2. Educational Content Developer
3. Academic Coordinator
4. Admission Counsellor
5. Student Advisor

Entrepreneurial roles

Entrepreneurial opportunities in the education sector include setting up coaching centres or tutoring services, designing educational software or mobile apps, building e-learning platforms, or even starting an online course aggregator platform.

Here are some entrepreneurial opportunities in the education sector:

1. Coaching Centre Tutoring Service
2. Educational Software Development
3. E-Learning Platform Creation
4. Online Course Aggregator Platform 

Check out - Top 25 Primary and Secondary Teacher Interview Questions

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Tips for Succeeding as a Teacher

Becoming a teacher in India can be a fulfilling and rewarding career path, with a growing demand for quality education and skilled teachers. 

To start your journey, choose an appropriate education pathway and keep upskilling through short-term courses and workshops to continuously develop as a teacher.

There are various job roles available to teachers, with opportunities for career progression and alternate career paths. Remember that being passionate about teaching, having good teaching skills, and being patient are keys to succeeding as a teacher.

At WiZR, we offer personalised career guidance, skill assessment and financing options for young professionals seeking upskilling programmes/certification courses in teaching.

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FAQs

1. Do I need specific certification to start tutoring?

While there's no specific certification required to start tutoring, having relevant credentials such as a B.Ed. degree or TET/SET certification will make you more attractive to potential clients.

2. What certification would I need to apply for teaching jobs abroad?

The requirements for overseas jobs vary depending on the country's regulations, but acquiring a degree in education coupled with a TESOL or TEFL certification is considered valuable for positions that require teaching the English language.

3. Can anyone become a teacher online?

Yes, anyone with access to high-speed internet and a device to conduct online classes can become an online teacher. However, they should possess the necessary expertise in the subject they want to teach and have good communication skills to deliver their lessons effectively.

4. Which types of teachers are in high demand?

Teachers who specialise in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math) are currently in high demand due to the shortage of qualified instructors in these fields. Additionally, teachers who specialise in special education or English language instruction are always in demand.

5. Can I do B.Ed. and PG together?

Yes, it is possible to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Education (B.Ed.) along with postgraduate studies by enrolling in integrated B.Ed.+PG programmes offered by select universities across India.