Quick answer
Teacher education is the training that prepares people to teach (pre-service) and keeps practising teachers developing (in-service). In India, pre-service courses such as D.El.Ed, B.Ed, and the four-year ITEP are regulated by NCTE, while in-service training is run by NCERT, SCERTs, DIETs, CBSE, and schools, increasingly through online platforms such as DIKSHA.
- Pre-service education prepares new teachers; in-service education develops working teachers.
- NCTE regulates teacher education programmes and institutions.
- NEP 2020 makes the four-year integrated B.Ed the long-term minimum qualification.
- NEP 2020 recommends 50 hours of continuous professional development each year.
Why is teacher education needed?
- Teaching needs specific knowledge: how children learn, how to explain, and how to assess.
- Classroom skills such as questioning and management improve with guided practice.
- Curricula and assessment change, as with NEP 2020 and competency-based learning.
- Inclusive education requires skills for supporting children with different needs.
- Technology and new methods need training to use well.
What are the pre-service teacher education courses in India?
| Programme | Prepares for | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) | Primary classes | 2 years after Class 12 |
| Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) | Upper primary and secondary | 2 years after graduation |
| Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) | Foundational to secondary stages, by specialisation | 4 years after Class 12 |
| Master of Education (M.Ed) | Teacher educators and leadership | 2 years after B.Ed |
How does in-service teacher education work?
- National programmes such as NISHTHA, delivered through DIKSHA.
- State training by SCERTs and DIETs.
- CBSE capacity building programmes for affiliated school teachers.
- School-based training: peer observation, coaching, and subject team meetings.
- Online courses through SWAYAM and other platforms.
See teacher professional development for how schools can organise this.
What does NEP 2020 change in teacher education?
- The four-year integrated B.Ed is to become the minimum qualification for school teachers by 2030.
- Teacher education is to move into multidisciplinary higher education institutions.
- Substandard stand-alone teacher education institutions are to face strict action.
- A National Professional Standards for Teachers framework guides career progression.
What are the challenges in teacher education?
- Uneven quality across institutions.
- Too little real classroom practice in some courses.
- Training that is not followed up in the classroom.
- Limited time for teachers to attend training during the term.
What can schools do to support teacher education?
Schools can host trainee teachers for internships, give new teachers a mentor, track training hours for every teacher, and link training to classroom goals. Keeping qualifications, certificates, and training records in one staff record system helps with board inspections and appraisal.
Frequently asked questions
What is teacher education?
Programmes that prepare people to teach and help working teachers keep developing.
What is pre-service teacher education?
Training before starting to teach, such as D.El.Ed, B.Ed, or ITEP.
What is in-service teacher education?
Training for teachers already working in schools, such as workshops, courses, and coaching.
Who regulates teacher education in India?
The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).
What is NISHTHA?
A national in-service training programme for school teachers and heads, delivered online through DIKSHA.
How many hours of training should teachers get each year?
NEP 2020 recommends at least 50 hours of continuous professional development a year.
What is ITEP?
The four-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme, taken after Class 12.