One of the most eminent scientists also called the missile man of India, former president and an educationalist Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam once said, “Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber, and future of an individual. If the people remember me as a good teacher, that will be the biggest honor for me.” Historically, teachers have always been highly-respected in India, be it Dronacharya from a thousand years ago or Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, whose birthday is celebrated as teachers’ day across the nation. Teaching is a lucrative career, more so today than ever, as we as a nation realize the importance of recruiting the best talent and providing good salaries and perks to the architects of the future generation. Ever since the onset of the pandemic caused educational institutions to be shut down across the nation, locking millions of students out of the classroom, the demand for platforms and apps for teaching online has shot up. Online teaching today, has also become a viable career choice among individuals looking to work from home such as freshers looking for extra income, part-time teachers, private tutors, housewives looking to restart their teaching career, and likewise. In this article, we discuss various ways in which one can become a teacher in India.
First off, to become eligible for teaching at any educational institution in India, it is vital for individuals to have a Bachelor’s degree in education (B.Ed.). A candidate may also pursue a Master’s degree in education (M.Ed.) as well to add to their qualification and become more employable as a teacher. Candidates also have the choice to opt for a Basic Training Certificate (BTC) or a diploma course in Education (D.Ed.) depending upon the candidate’s eligibility and interest. Individuals who desire to become a government teacher through the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) can also take the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) exam. This exam is conducted to recruit government teachers for classes 1st to 8th in schools affiliated to CBSE boards like the Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS). To be eligible, a candidate must have completed a B.Ed. degree with minimum of 55% marks in aggregate, although it can vary across schools. Aside from a B.Ed. degree, some schools may ask for a master’s degree in the subject for which the candidate has applied to teach higher classes. The entrance examinations for admission in B.Ed. programs are conducted at the national as well as state-level by every state. Nowadays, there are many employment opportunities for a candidate after becoming eligible to become a teacher. He can teach in government schools, private or public schools, an individual skilled in arts or music can also become a teacher at various art colleges and music academies across the nation. Apart from this teaching jobs are also available at schools run by state or municipalities, various colleges, and universities and as private tutors. Online teaching through social media and various app for teaching online is also a viable career option.
The basic categorization of teachers and their role is on the basis of the standard of students they teach. Teachers who teach the lowest standards are called elementary teachers. When students pass their elementary classes, they are taught by primary school teachers and then by high school/secondary school teachers until they complete their class XII. There are also jobs for Special Teachers who are required to teach the differently-abled students who face a wide array of challenges in learning ranging from physical to mental and emotional disabilities. Naturally, the nature of work and skills required to teach different types and levels of students will be quite different. Therefore, for best results, you need to define your goal concretely and work towards achieving the same.
The pay scale of a teacher in India, especially in government-run schools in quite handsome. A candidate working as a teacher in central schools can earn anything from Rs. 3,50,000 to Rs. 4,00,000 per annum as a fresher. Aside from the salary, government schools also offer several perks and allowances like medical cover, paid leaves, and a great work-life balance to go along with it. Whereas, a candidate working as a teacher in a private school can earn between Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 3,00,000 per annum as a fresher. Of course, if you become highly skilled as a teacher in the private sector, the sky is the limit for you.
So, these are some facts that you need to keep in mind before setting sail for your journey towards becoming a teacher in India.
