How to Become a Teacher in 2025: Courses, Qualifications and Salary

Who is a Teacher?

A teacher is someone who facilitates pupils' acquisition of information, competence, or virtue via the activity of teaching. They may also be referred to as school-teachers or educators. Without the teacher's effectiveness, commitment, and sincerity, no educational approach could provide any worthwhile results. A good teacher has a powerful and enduring impact on the formation of character.

The following are some of the quick highlights of how to become a teacher in India:

Eligibility to Become a Teacher in India 

1. Getting a degree from a recognized university is one of the most crucial steps to becoming a teacher in India.
2. Teachers in the nation are required to obtain a B.Ed. in addition to their undergraduate and graduate degrees in the topic of their choosing.
3. An M.Ed. is also available to those who desire to specialize and teach at higher levels.
4. To be qualified to teach in a range of schools and colleges, candidates must pass several National and State Level Teaching Entrance Examinations, such as SET, TET, NET, and others.

Qualifications Required to Become a Teacher 

There are different qualifications for different teaching levels. 

Pre - Primary and Primary Teachers

• Required Degrees: To become a pre-primary or primary teacher, you typically need a Bachelor of Arts ( B.A). Or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc), followed by a Diploma in Education (D.Ed.) or Bachelor of Education ( B.Ed.).
• Specialized Courses or Certifications: Additionally, specialized courses or certifications in early childhood education may be required , depending on the institution.

Secondary and Higher Secondary Teachers

Required Degrees : For teaching at the secondary (classes 6-10) or higher secondary level ( class 11-12), you must have a Master’s degree in the relevant subject, along with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree.

College/University Professors

• Required Degrees : To become a college or university professor, you need at least a Masters degree in the subject you wish to teach.
• Additional Requirements: You will also need to clear the NET(National Eligibility Test) for university level teaching positions, which is a mandatory requirement for applying to assistant professor roles at most universities and colleges in India.

How to Become a Certified Teacher in India in 2025?

Teaching is an incredibly fulfilling career in India and it is vital to the country's future. Understanding the requirements tests and certifications necessary to become a teacher is essential regardless of your goal of teaching in schools, colleges or universities. This comprehensive manual describes the steps involved in becoming a teacher in India as well as the credentials and tests needed at different levels.

Get Required Educational Qualifications

Getting the required education is the first step towards pursuing a teaching career in India. Depending on whether you want to teach at the primary secondary or higher education levels different requirements apply.

For Primary and Secondary School Teachers
To teach at the primary or secondary school level you'll need to have at least a Bachelor’s Degree (B. a. /B. Sc. A Bachelor of Education (B. Ed. ) follows. Ed. ).

For College/University Teachers in Higher Education Generally obtaining a Masters Degree (M. ) is a prerequisite for teaching at the college or university level. 1. /M. Sc. in the topic of your choice. You then need to pass the National Eligibility Test (NET) or comparable state-level exams.

Complete a B.Ed Program

Or a teacher in a secondary school. The B. Ed. The goal of the course is to give you the tools you need to conduct classroom management, employ contemporary teaching methods and comprehend child psychology.

Once you've earned your B. In Ed. will allow you to sit for teaching exams like the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) in order to work as a teacher in either public or private schools.

Clear Teacher Eligibility Tests ( TET)

The government of India administers Teacher Eligibility Tests (TET) to prospective school teachers in order to make sure they fulfill the necessary requirements. One of the most important steps in becoming a teacher in India is this.

Types of TET Exams

• CTET (Central Teachers Eligibility Test) - Conducted by the central Board of Secondary Education Tests ( TET ) for those aspiring to become school teachers. 
• State TET:  Each state conducts its own TET for teacher recruitment in state government schools.

These exams test your knowledge of the subject matter, teaching methodology , and child development, and you need to pass these exams to be eligible to apply for teaching position in schools.

Gain Practical Teaching Experience 

Being an effective teacher requires both theoretical knowledge and real-world teaching experience. At the time of your B. In Ed. program you must complete a teaching internship in which you will be assigned to schools to obtain practical experience.  
This will help you manage students create teaching strategies comprehend classroom dynamics and enhance your interpersonal and communication abilities.

Apply for Teaching Jobs 

After you've finished your B. Ed. You can apply for teaching jobs in schools all over the nation if you have taken and passed the appropriate TET exams. 
 Schools post openings for teachers on their websites or through official notifications. 

• Government Schools : Candidates must pass the TET and fulfill the eligibility requirements established by the state or federal government in order to be admitted to a government school. 
• Private Schools: While TET credentials may not always be required applicants with a B may still be considered. Ed. are typically favored. 
• International Schools: Although these institutions may have their own hiring practices they usually favor instructors with foreign degrees and work experience.

Consider Further Studies for Advanced Teaching Roles

Additional coursework may be helpful if you want to teach at the college or university level or seek a higher-paying position in the education industry. As was previously stated, earning a Masters degree (M.A. M. Sc. teaching jobs in higher education institutions after passing the NET qualifying exam. Additionally it can be beneficial to obtain additional certifications or qualifications in specialized fields or subjects if you want to teach in those areas.

Types of Teachers in India 

It is essential to decide at what level one wants to teach before beginning their professional path since one will require a distinct attitude and set of abilities. Below are some of the types of teachers in India-

Pre-Primary School Teacher

The second most significant figure in a student's life, just after their parents, is their preschool teacher. They oversee and instruct children between the ages of 3 and 5. These teachers build the foundation for social interaction and the personality the kid will acquire as they grow up, in addition to teaching the very fundamentals of the alphabet.

Primary School Teachers

Students in classes 1 through 5 in elementary schools range in age from 6 to 12 years old. It is the duty of elementary school instructors to instill in the students both fundamental, age-appropriate educational concepts and life skills. They leave a youngster with lifelong impressions that they will carry with them.

Read More about the Primary Teacher Salary. 

Secondary School Teachers

They have graduated work with pupils in grades 6 through 10. Secondary school teachers are responsible for developing a full awareness of their students' lives and assisting them in pursuing their interests and objectives in addition to their education. They support pupils in discovering their own interests and skills.

Senior Secondary School Teachers

They are post-graduates with in-depth knowledge of a range of specialized fields. These educators give thorough explanations of the issues covered in class and give pupils fundamental advice on selecting occupations.

Special Education Teachers

Special educators are teachers who work with pupils who have special needs, such as those who may be autistic or have learning impairments. These educators have received specialized training to help them choose the best approach to follow while working with special needs kids.

Lecturer/Professor

Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, Professors, or Lecturers are the typical titles for college instructors. A college classroom is considerably different from a school classroom. The lecturer has to have in-depth expertise because the students attend college to specialize. Also, because they are much older, college students and their professors interact differently.

Steps Involved to Become a Teacher In India

The teacher's main objective is to make sure that the pupils understand the material and topic so that they are better equipped to perform by fully understanding the ideas. The basic stages that must be taken in order to become a teacher are listed below-

Step 1: Establish a Goal: Making decisions

When considering whether a career in teaching is the best fit, one must be certain they have complete knowledge of the abilities necessary to become a professional teacher. The instructor should be flexible and make well-respected judgments. When conditions alter or things don't go as expected, they should be adaptable enough to make modifications. Good instructors must have a lot of patience. A school environment might not be the greatest place for someone with temper problems to work.

Step 2: Choose One of the Three Instructional Levels

Applicants must choose one of the three instructional levels they may face. The groups split for the pupils are as follows-

Primary or secondary school teaching is an option for candidates; higher secondary teaching is not a direct recruiting choice (except for experienced candidates). If candidates want to become teachers, they must have degrees in many courses, including Science, English, Math, Social Studies, etc. Also, they need to have a two-year primary school graduation with a minimum GPA of 50%. 

Step 3: Entrance Exam Preparation

Candidates seeking to become teachers must pass the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET), a nationwide teacher eligibility test. In addition to this, there are a number of state-level teacher admission exams that may be taken to become a teacher. The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is given by individual states, but CTET candidates may benefit from passing one test with chances for employment across the country. 

Step 4: Apply to Several Schools of your Choice

Upon the release of the findings, the CTET scorecard's categories were all valid for seven years. In addition to schools in the Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Chandigarh Union Territory (UT) administrative regions, the CTET candidate is qualified to apply to schools run by the federal government (KVS, NVS, Central Tibetan Schools, etc.). Applicants for the CTET may also submit applications to independent private schools, which may consider the exam. This should be taken into account by the state government, neighborhood organizations, and assisted school institutions.

Applicants should be aware of the abilities required and appropriate for the profession of teaching before deciding on a career path. Candidates must be ready for school and decide the topic they wish to specialize in. Applicants must take the following actions in order to become teachers in India-

Read more about Teacher Training.

How to Become a Teacher in India after 12th?

Upon completion of the 12th-grade board examinations, the following are some of the most important procedures that must be taken in order to become a teacher-

School-Level Preparation

Those who want to become teachers in India must start their preparation in the classroom. While answering questions, one should be conversant with the subjects and work well with other pupils. Candidates for teaching positions should concentrate on developing their patience and understanding throughout their academic careers.

UG Preparation

1. In India, one can either begin teaching after passing the 10+2 examinations or while still studying them. 
2. Candidates must, however, pass the admission tests in order to work as a government teacher.
3. To pursue a B.Ed., admission exams such as CTET, TET, STET, and others are held. Candidates for government teaching positions must have completed a B.Ed. and begun working for the government. Schools.

PG Preparation

A post-graduate holder instructor is a requirement at several schools. Candidates can pursue an M.Ed. for additional study after earning a B.Ed. or a Certificate in Education. Candidates must pass the entrance tests in order to be admitted to PG programs.

Courses to Become a Teacher in India

After earning a UG degree, students must complete a B.Ed course in order to become teachers in India. The following are some must-get advanced degrees in order to move up their grades-

BA BEd Integrated Course

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degrees are combined in the BA/B.Ed. Integrated Program (B.ED.). The course lasts for four years. Applicants have the option to choose the integrated course based on their preferences. To be eligible for this course, one must have received an overall grade of 50% in their 10+2 exam from an accredited board, where one of the key themes should be English.

B.Sc and B.Ed Integrated Course

The integrated course combines the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and the Bachelor of Education degrees (B.Ed.). The course lasts for four years. Applicants have the option to choose the integrated course based on their preferences. To be eligible for this course, one must have received an overall grade of 50% in their 10+2 exam from an accredited board, where the primary topic should be science.

Diploma in Elementary Education

D.El.Ed. is a diploma program for primary teachers. Candidates are prepared to serve in schools as primary teachers through this training program. The course lasts for two years. To be eligible for this course, one must have received an overall grade of 50% in their 10+2 exam from an accredited board. The proportion could vary from one school to another.

Bachelor of Physical Education

BPE courses are also known as Bachelor of Physical Education (B.P.ED) degrees. It is a three-year undergraduate program with a primary emphasis on physical education. To be eligible for this course, one must have received an overall grade of 50% in their 10+2 exam from an accredited board. The proportion could vary from one school to another.

B.Ed

It is a course for undergraduates and is open to anyone interested in the teaching profession. After completing any graduate degree or after doing the 10+2 course, it is possible to enroll. A B.ED. is required to teach at the secondary or higher secondary level. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 50% in both the 10+2 and undergrad exams from an accredited board is required for enrollment in this program. In order to enroll in the course, candidates must pass the admission test.

Some advanced courses for teaching careers include-

1. Assistant Professor Course
2. MA Education
3. M.Ed.
4. M.Phil in Education
5. M.Sc Education

Entrance Exams to Become a Teacher in India

The following list includes some of the tests applicants must pass to become teachers in India-

Teacher Eligibility Test (TET)

It is conducted by both Federal and State governments of India participated in. It is a very minimal requirement to be employed as a teacher in India for grades I through VIII. Examples of professional teaching certifications that may be utilized to take the test include the B.T.C. (D.El.Ed.), B.Ed., and B.El.Ed. Candidates must have a score of at least 60% to pass.

Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET)

It is an admission test administered for schools controlled by the Central Board of Secondary Education and the Indian Central Government (CBSE). Only CTET-clear applicants are accepted for teaching vacancies in UT-accredited institutions. To ascertain if applicants are qualified for recruitment as teachers for Classes 1 through 8 in Central Government Schools like KVS, NVS, etc., the computer-based test (CBT) is given twice a year. Also, a lot of private institutions demand CTET certificates as part of their admissions standards.

State Teacher Eligibility Test (STET)

It is offered to anyone interested in pursuing a career as a teacher in their state by the various state governments of India. The STET consists of two tests,Paper I, and Paper II. Applicants must take Paper I if they wish to teach Classes 9 and 10, whereas those who want to teach Classes 11 and 12 must complete Paper II. Interested candidates must keep in mind that it is a requirement that candidates have a domicile in the particular State before moving forward.

National Eligibility Test (NET) UGC-NET

It is being carried out by CBSE on behalf of UGC. To choose competent candidates for the jobs of Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or just Assistant Professor in Indian colleges and universities, the UGC NET is held twice a year. There are a total of two papers in the UGC NET test (papers I and II). 

Top 10 Best Colleges of Teacher Degree in India 

The following are some of the colleges for teacher degrees in India 2025-

1. IIT Roorkee, Roorkee
2. IIT Delhi, Delhi
3. IIT Kanpur, Kanpur
4. SRM University, Amaravati
5. Amity University, Noida
6. Lovely Professional University, Phagwara
7. BITS Pilani, Pilani
8. IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur
9. IISC Bangalore, Bangalore
10. Lady Irwin College

Salary of a Teacher in India 2025

In India, teaching is regarded as the most prestigious and respected profession. Compared to private schools, the pay package for instructors at public schools is significantly higher. A new government school teacher may expect to make between INR 3,50,000 and INR 4,00,000 LPA on average. A private school teacher's compensation ranges from INR 2,00,000 to INR 3,00,000 LPA.

The following are the details for the salary of a teacher in different sectors and with or without experience-

Sector-Wise Salary of a Teacher

Experience-Wise Salary of a Teacher 

Role and Responsibilities 

The main responsibility of a teacher is to impart knowledge to students in the classroom. They do the following duties to achieve this, which may change depending on the institution and degree of education-

1. Attend training sessions and opportunities for further education.
2. Assess student work and provide parents and students with comments.
3. Collaborate with faculty, staff, and administration.
4. Control the supply in the classroom.
5. Create and present powerful lessons.
6. Establish and enforce rules in the classroom.
7. Get pupils ready for standardized exams.
8. Keep an eye on pupils outside the classroom and give struggling students individualized instruction.
9. Set a good example for their students.
10. To improve efficacy, become more adept at various teaching techniques.

Related Article: How to Become a Professor in India

Job Roles 

Following is a list of some in-demand job openings for teachers-

1. Art Colleges and Music Academics
2. Colleges and Universities
3. Government Schools
4. Municipality/State Government Schools
5. Private Schools
6. Public Schools
7. Tutors

Recruiters

One of the most sought-after professions in India is teaching, and some of the top employers of teachers are mentioned below-

1. Defense Schools like APS, Air Force School.
2. Kendriya Vidyalaya.
3. Private schools such as G.D. Goenka School, and Tagore International School.
4. Public and Private schools in your area under various like ICSE, IB, etc.
5. Technical Universities approved by AICTE (All India Council of Technical Education).

Skills Required to Become a Teacher in India 

The following is the list which includes some of the necessary skill sets for becoming a teacher-

1. Capacity for teamwork
2. Creative Thinking Ability
3. Critical Thinking Skills
4. Communication Skills
5. Having Empathy
6. Leadership Skills
7. Organizational Skills
8. Patience