How to Become a Teacher: Process, Eligibility, Courses, and Salary

‘Homework kaise bhul gaye, khaana khana to nahi bhulte’ You must have this line once in your childhood. This is what our teachers used to tell us after making excuses for homework. The teacher is said to be one of the most respected jobs in our country. Many of us get inspired by us and search regarding how to become a teacher on Google. There are mainly four types of teachers in India – primary, secondary, higher secondary, and tertiary teachers.

This blog will take you through the process of how to become a teacher in India. We will take you through the roles, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills of each type of teacher. We will also guide you through the way regarding how to become a government teacher in India. We will also compare the government teachers vs private teachers. Make sure you read till the last to find out about the salary of teachers in India.

Different Levels of Teachers

Before finding the answer to the question of how to become a teacher, let’s know about the different levels of teachers. This will give you an overview of what type of teacher you need to become. There are mainly four levels of teachers:

1. Primary Level Teachers
2. Secondary Level Teachers
3. Higher Secondary Teachers
4. Tertiary Level Professors

Let’s look at the roles, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills needed to become a teacher of the above-mentioned level.

Know more about a Career in Teaching here!

Primary Level Teachers

• Role: Primary teachers work with young children, usually in the age group of 6 to 12 years. They lay the foundation for learning by teaching basic subjects such as mathematics, language, science, and social studies.
• Responsibilities: Primary teachers create engaging lesson plans, assess student progress, and foster a positive learning environment. They often handle multiple subjects and focus on holistic development.
• Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in education (BEd) or a related field is generally required for primary teachers.
• Skills: Patience, creativity, and strong communication skills are essential for effective primary teaching.

Secondary Level Teachers

• Role: Secondary school teachers work with students in grades 6 through 10. They specialize in specific subjects such as mathematics, English, history, or science.
• Responsibilities: Secondary teachers deliver subject-specific content, prepare students for standardized exams, and provide guidance on career choices.
• Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in the relevant subject area along with a teaching certification is necessary for secondary teachers.
• Skills: In-depth knowledge of the subject, classroom management, and the ability to engage diverse learners.

Higher Secondary Teachers

• Role: Higher secondary teachers work with students in grades 11 and 12. They prepare students for college or university education.
• Responsibilities: Higher secondary teachers teach advanced subjects, guide students in choosing career paths, and help them prepare for competitive exams.
• Qualifications: A master’s degree in the relevant subject and a teaching certification are required for higher secondary teachers.
• Skills: Expertise in the subject matter, mentoring abilities, and effective communication with students and parents.

Tertiary Level Teachers

• Role: Professors work in colleges and universities. They teach undergraduate and graduate courses, conduct research, and publish scholarly work.
• Responsibilities: Professors deliver lectures, supervise research projects, and contribute to academic advancements.
• Qualifications: A doctoral degree (PhD) in the relevant field is essential for becoming a professor.
• Skills: Research expertise, critical thinking, and the ability to inspire and mentor students.

These were some of the important levels of teachers in India. You just saw the different levels of teachers and their roles and responsibilities along with the qualifications and skills needed. Congratulation! You climbed the first step of the ladder regarding how to become a teacher.

Students also love reading about Teaching as a Profession.

How to Become a Teacher in India

Let’s now look at the direct answers that you have been looking for. But before that, you need to understand that there are many pathways to becoming a teacher. You can choose to become a teacher after 12^th and after graduation. 

Here are some generic steps outlined that will help you become a teacher. You can follow these steps and pursue the career of your dreams:

1. Set your goal and choose your teaching level.
2. Fulfil the required eligibility criteria.
3. Appear for teaching entrance exams.
4. Apply for teaching jobs.

These are the generic steps on how to become a teacher in India. You can easily choose to become one after your 12^th class or graduation. Let’s now discuss each of these mentioned processes in detail.

Set Your Goal and Choose Teaching Level

To become a teacher, firstly you need to figure out what you love about teaching. This means – the subject of your domain. Then, you need to pick which age group you want to teach little kids, secondary or higher secondary students, or college students. Each group needs different things from their teachers. You need to decide which group suits you best. 

Doesn’t matter if you’re teaching preschoolers or college students, teaching is about helping people learn and grow. So, choose the level that feels right for you, and get ready to make a positive impact in the classroom.

Fulfill the Eligibility Criteria

There are certain eligibility requirements that you need to take care of. You need to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject (e.g., BA, BSc, BCom). After completing your undergraduate degree, pursue a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree. These programs provide specialized training for teaching.

The average course fees for BEd range between INR 8,000 to 1,60,000. Candidates aspiring to teach in government schools must also appear for national-level entrance exams. 

Appear for Teaching Entrance Exams

There are certain national-level exams for teachers in India. These exams can make you eligible for teaching. This can also help you find the answer to the question of how to become a government teacher in India. Some of the popular entrance exams are:

1. Teacher Eligibility Test (TET): This exam is for people who want to teach in primary (Classes I to V) or secondary (Classes VI to VIII) schools. Both Central and State governments conduct it.
2. Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET): The CBSE conducts this exam. It’s for teaching jobs in Central Government schools and some schools in Union Territories. Some private schools also consider it.
3. National Eligibility Test (NET): This test helps you become an Assistant Professor or get a Junior Research Fellowship in universities and colleges.

Suggested Read: Teaching Courses in India

Apply for Teaching Jobs

Once you have the necessary qualifications, start applying for teaching positions in schools or colleges. Government schools often have higher salary packages for teachers compared to private schools. 

The average salary for a government school teacher (freshers) is around INR 3,50,000 to INR 4,00,000 per annum, while private school teachers earn around INR 2,00,000 to INR 3,00,000 per annum.

These were some of the generic steps to the answer to the question of how to become a teacher in India. Let’s now look at the steps regarding becoming a government teacher in India. 

How to Become a Government Teacher in India

The recent job insecurity and recession trends have made people more inclined towards government jobs in India. There is always a sense of security when you are doing a government job.  Let’s discuss the process regarding how to become a government teacher in India.

• You should pursue a bachelor’s degree in the subject you want to teach along with a BEd degree afterward.
• After completing your education, passing the entrance exam is the next step. The two major teaching entrance exams for aspiring government teachers are CTET and TET. 
• You can also consider volunteering or working as a teaching assistant to gain hands-on experience in a classroom setting.
• While not mandatory, pursuing additional certifications can enhance your qualifications. For example, you can pursue a Master’s Degree in Education (MEd) for higher studies.
• After that, you need to find the niche that suits your domain. Just classify the work domain and then you are ready to become a government teacher. 

This is the generic process of becoming a government teacher in India. This process may change with respect to state-specific criteria. 

Also, read about Become a Professor here!

Difference Between Government Teachers VS Private Teachers 

I guess we have discussed the answer to the question of how to become a teacher in India. Let’s now talk about the differences between a government teacher and a private teacher. There are many significant differences between both. Let’s understand the differences using a table.

Aspect	Government Teachers	Private Teachers
Minimum Qualification	BEd, BElEd, or DElEd required	BEd is not always compulsory, other qualifications accepted
Eligibility Tests	Compulsory tests like TET, CTET, etc.	Not mandatory for private school teachers
Work Schedule	Structured with pre-determined days and holidays	Varies; may have different work-life balance dynamics
Teacher-Student Ratio	Generally higher in government schools	Varies; smaller class sizes in some private schools
Job Security	Government teachers get a highly secure job	Private school teachers are not secure of their job

Suggested Read: How to Become a Professor in India

That’s All for Now!

We hope you have got the answer to the question of how to become a teacher in India. Becoming a teacher here involves deciding which level you want to teach at, meeting eligibility criteria, passing entrance exams like TET or CTET, and applying for teaching jobs. You need to get a bachelor’s degree and then a BEd, and having extra qualifications like an MEd can help. For government teaching jobs, you must clear CTET or TET exams, which offer job security and set schedules. 

Private teaching may have different requirements and less job security. Deciding between government and private teaching depends on your qualifications, work-life balance, and job stability. Overall, understanding what you need to do, working hard, and loving teaching are important for success in education.

That’s all for today! If you still have questions, why don’t you connect with our experts? 

iDreamCareer is here to assist you in making an informed decision about your future in this thriving field. Take advantage of iDreamCareer’s College & Course Selection Program today and embark on the path toward a successful career. Avoid any hesitation and seize the opportunity to confidently discover and pursue your dream career.

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