Swatantra Khandelwal Content Curator
Content Curator | Updated On - Dec 12, 2025
Elementary education forms the foundation of a child's academic journey, covering Classes 1 to 8 in India. For aspiring teachers passionate about shaping young minds, pursuing courses in elementary education opens doors to a rewarding and stable career. This guide explores available courses, eligibility, career prospects, and what you need to know to become an elementary teacher.
What is Elementary Education?
Elementary education refers to the first stage of formal education after kindergarten, typically covering Classes 1 to 8 for children aged 6 to 14 years. As a professional field, it prepares teachers to educate children during their most formative years using age-appropriate teaching methodologies, child psychology, and classroom management techniques.
The Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009 mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14, creating consistent demand for qualified elementary teachers across government schools, private institutions, and NGOs.
Elementary Education Courses in India
1. Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed)
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: Class 12 with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories)
- Fees: INR 10,000 - 50,000 (total course)
The most popular entry-level course for elementary teaching, D.El.Ed trains candidates to teach Classes 1-8 through practical pedagogy, child psychology, and teaching practice.
- Where to Study: District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs), State Councils of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs)
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2. Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed)
- Duration: 4 years (integrated)
- Eligibility: Class 12 with 50% marks (45% for reserved)
- Fees: INR 60,000 - 6,00,000 (total course)
An integrated undergraduate program combining general education with professional teacher training, offering deeper understanding and better career progression than diploma courses.
- Top Institutions: University of Delhi, Jamia Millia Islamia, Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs), Aligarh Muslim University
- Admission: Through CUCET or university-specific entrance exams
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3. Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) with Elementary Specialization
- Duration: 2 years (after graduation)
- Eligibility: Bachelor's degree with 50% marks
- Fees: INR 40,000 - 4,00,000 (total)
Suitable for graduates wanting to enter elementary teaching, offering advanced pedagogical training and versatility in career options.
- Admission: State-level entrance tests (UP B.Ed JEE, MAH B.Ed CET, etc.)
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Quick Course Comparison
| Course | Duration | After | Total Investment | Career Entry | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D.El.Ed | 2 years | Class 12 | INR 10,000-50,000 | Quickest (2 years) | Budget-conscious, quick career start |
| B.El.Ed | 4 years | Class 12 | INR 60,000-6,00,000 | 4 years | Long-term career, better progression |
| B.Ed (Elementary) | 2 years | Graduation | INR 40,000-4,00,000 | 5 years total | Career changers, graduates |
4. Master of Education (M.Ed) - Elementary Specialization
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: B.Ed/B.El.Ed with 50% marks
- Fees: INR 50,000 - 3,00,000
For leadership roles, curriculum development, and research careers. Opens doors to principal positions, teacher training roles, and educational consultancy.
- Top Institutions: TISS Mumbai, Jamia Millia Islamia, University of Delhi, RIEs
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5. Certificate Courses (6 months - 1 year)
Specialized short-term programs for skill enhancement:
- Montessori Teacher Training
- Learning Disabilities & Special Education
- Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
- Teaching English to Young Learners
- Elementary Mathematics Teaching
Fees: INR 5,000 - 50,000
Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) - Mandatory Requirement
To teach in government and many private schools, clearing TET is mandatory.
| Aspect | CTET | State TET |
|---|---|---|
| Conducted By | CBSE | State Education Departments |
| Frequency | Twice yearly (July & December) | Once/twice yearly (varies) |
| Valid For | KVS, NVS, Central schools | State government schools |
| Validity | Lifetime | 7 years to lifetime (state-dependent) |
| Pass Percentage | 60% (55% for reserved) | Usually 60% |
| Application Fee | INR 1,000 (Gen), INR 500 (Reserved) | INR 200-600 (varies) |
Papers:
- Paper I: For Classes 1-5 teaching
- Paper II: For Classes 6-8 teaching (requires graduation)
Eligibility Criteria Summary
| Course | Educational Qualification | Minimum % | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| D.El.Ed | Class 12 (any stream) | 50% (45% reserved) | 18-35 years |
| B.El.Ed | Class 12 (any stream) | 50% (45% reserved) | 17-25 years |
| B.Ed | Bachelor's degree | 50% | Varies by state |
| M.Ed | B.Ed/B.El.Ed | 50% | No upper limit |
Career Opportunities & Salary
| Position | Fresher Salary | 5-10 Years | 10+ Years | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government School Teacher | INR 2.5-3.5 LPA | INR 4-6 LPA | INR 6-9 LPA | Qualification + TET + Govt exam |
| KVS/NVS Teacher | INR 4.4-5 LPA | INR 6-8 LPA | INR 8-12 LPA | Qualification + TET + KVS exam |
| Private School Teacher | INR 2-3.5 LPA | INR 3.5-5.5 LPA | INR 5-8 LPA | Qualification (TET preferred) |
| International School | INR 4-6 LPA | INR 7-10 LPA | INR 10-15 LPA | Qualification + International cert |
| Curriculum Developer | INR 3.5-5 LPA | INR 5-8 LPA | INR 8-12 LPA | B.Ed/M.Ed |
| Ed-Tech Content Writer | INR 3-4.5 LPA | INR 4.5-7 LPA | INR 7-10 LPA | B.Ed + Digital skills |
| Teacher Trainer | INR 4-5.5 LPA | INR 6-9 LPA | INR 9-13 LPA | M.Ed or experience |
| School Principal | INR 6-8 LPA | INR 8-12 LPA | INR 12-20 LPA | M.Ed + 5-10 yrs experience |
| Educational Consultant | INR 4-6 LPA | INR 6-10 LPA | INR 10-15 LPA | M.Ed + expertise |
| Special Educator | INR 3-5 LPA | INR 5-7.5 LPA | INR 7.5-11 LPA | Special education cert |
Top Institutions
| Institution | Location | Courses | Annual Fees | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs) | Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysore | B.El.Ed, M.Ed | INR 500-2,000 | CUCET |
| University of Delhi | New Delhi | B.El.Ed | INR 500-1,500 | CUCET |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi | B.El.Ed, M.Ed | INR 1,000-5,000 | Entrance Test |
| TISS | Mumbai | M.A. Education, M.Ed | INR 50,000 | TISS NET |
| DIETs | All districts | D.El.Ed | INR 2,000-10,000 (total) | State counselling |
| Aligarh Muslim University | Aligarh | B.El.Ed | INR 5,000-15,000 | AMU Entrance |
Admission Timeline
| Course | Application | Exam | Counselling | Session Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D.El.Ed | May-July | June-July | July-Aug | July-Aug |
| B.El.Ed | March-April | May (CUCET) | June-July | July-Aug |
| B.Ed | March-May | April-June | July | July-Aug |
| M.Ed | April-June | May-July | Aug | Aug-Sep |
Scholarships
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
| Post Matric (SC/ST/OBC) | Up to INR 10,000/year | SC/ST/OBC, Income < INR 2.5 LPA |
| Central Sector Scheme | INR 12,000-20,000/year | 80%+ in Class 12, Income < INR 4.5 LPA |
| PM Scholarship | INR 2,500/month | Ex-servicemen/police children |
| State Merit | INR 5,000-15,000/year | Varies by state |
| Minority Scholarship | INR 5,000-10,000/year | Minority communities |
Apply at: scholarships.gov.in (National Scholarship Portal)
Skills You'll Develop
- Pedagogical Skills: Activity-based learning, storytelling, creating teaching aids
- Communication: Child-friendly language, parent-teacher interaction, multilingual teaching
- Psychological Understanding: Child development, behavior management, identifying learning difficulties
- Technology: Educational apps, digital content creation, online teaching platforms
- Administrative: Lesson planning, assessment, time management
Entrance Exam Preparation Tips
Exam Pattern Covers:
- Teaching Aptitude (30-40%)
- Child Development & Pedagogy (30%)
- Language Proficiency (20%)
- General Knowledge & Current Affairs (10-20%)
Preparation Strategy:
- Study NCERT books (Classes 6-12) for subject knowledge
- Focus on NEP 2020, RTE Act 2009, education policies
- Practice previous years' papers (minimum 5-10)
- Take mock tests for time management
- Read educational psychology books (S.K. Mangal recommended)
Timeline: 2-3 months of dedicated preparation
Career Pathways
Future Scope & Job Growth
Growing Demand Due To:
- NEP 2020: Focus on foundational learning (ages 3-8)
- Ed-Tech Boom: Digital learning platforms need elementary education experts
- International Schools: Expanding across India
- Inclusive Education: Special educators in demand
- Rural Initiatives: Government and NGO programs
Job Market: 8-10% annual growth, approximately 1.5 lakh teaching positions available yearly
Quick FAQs
Ques. Can I pursue this after any stream in Class 12?
Ans. Yes, all streams (Science, Commerce, and Arts) are eligible for entry-level elementary education programs like D.El.Ed and B.El.Ed.
- D.El.Ed (Diploma in Elementary Education): Requires Class 12 with typically 50% marks (with a relaxation to 45% for reserved categories like SC/ST/OBC in most states).
- B.El.Ed (Bachelor of Elementary Education): Requires Class 12 with usually 50% marks.
- B.Ed (Bachelor of Education): Requires a Bachelor's degree from any stream with a minimum of 50% marks. This path is suitable for graduates who decide later to pursue elementary teaching.
Ques. Is TET mandatory for private schools?
Ans. TET (Teacher Eligibility Test) is technically not a strict mandate for all private schools, but it is highly preferred and becoming an implicit necessity, particularly in reputed institutions.
- Government Schools (KVS, NVS, State Govt. Schools): TET (CTET or State TET) is mandatory to be eligible for the recruitment exams. This is a non-negotiable requirement under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
- RTE Act Provision: The RTE Act mandates that all teachers appointed from March 31, 2015, for classes 1 to 8 must possess a TET certificate. While private unaided schools have generally had more autonomy, adherence to this mandate is increasing, especially for schools seeking or maintaining CBSE/ICSE affiliation.
- Market Reality: In 2023, the CTET Paper 1 pass rate was around 24.61% of the candidates who appeared (out of approximately 12.13 lakh candidates), and Paper 2 was around 8.66% (out of approximately 11.66 lakh candidates). The sheer difficulty and low pass rate make a TET-qualified teacher a valuable asset for any school, private or government.
Ques. Can I teach secondary classes with B.El.Ed?
Ans. No, B.El.Ed (Bachelor of Elementary Education) is explicitly designed and recognised by the NCTE to qualify you to teach only up to the upper primary stage, i.e., Classes 1 to 8.
- Qualification Mapping:
- Primary (Classes 1-5): D.El.Ed, B.El.Ed (with Paper I of TET).
- Upper Primary (Classes 6-8): D.El.Ed (with a bridge course), B.El.Ed, B.Ed (with Paper II of TET).
- Secondary/Senior Secondary (Classes 9-12): Requires a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree with the relevant subject specialization (e.g., B.Sc. + B.Ed, B.A. + B.Ed).
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: The NEP is driving a shift towards a new 4-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP), which will eventually replace the current D.El.Ed and B.Ed programs, but the teaching level specialization will remain.
Ques. Which is better: D.El.Ed or B.El.Ed?
Ans. The "better" course depends on your career goals, but B.El.Ed offers significantly better long-term academic and professional progression.
| Feature | Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) | Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years | 4 years (Integrated UG) |
| Career Entry | Quicker entry into teaching (2 years post-12th). | Longer pathway (4 years post-12th). |
| Level Taught | Classes 1-8 (often requires a bridge course for 6-8). | Classes 1-8 with strong foundation. |
| Higher Studies | Need to pursue B.Ed (2 years) then M.Ed (2 years). | Directly eligible for M.Ed (2 years). |
| Salary/Progression | Lower starting salary in government jobs (due to designation), slower progression. | Better career progression; may be preferred for principal/leadership roles later. |
| Best For | Budget-conscious students seeking the quickest path to a teaching certificate. | Students aiming for academic depth, better pay-scale positions, and future leadership/curriculum roles. |
Ques. Can I do this through distance learning?
Ans. Yes, NCTE-recognized distance learning is available, but the options are very specific and usually target in-service, untrained teachers.
- General Rule: For aspiring fresh teachers, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) primarily mandates a face-to-face (regular) mode for programs like B.El.Ed and D.El.Ed to ensure quality practical training and internship.
- Recognized ODL Programs:
- The NCTE does recognize a D.El.Ed. (Open and Distance Learning) program.
- Institutions like Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offer the B.Ed (ODL) program, but it is typically reserved for in-service teachers who are already working in a school and possess an NCTE-recognized teacher education qualification in a face-to-face mode.
- Key Takeaway: If you are a fresh candidate not currently employed as a teacher, you should only enroll in an approved regular, face-to-face course. Always check the current list of recognized programs on the official NCTE website to avoid disqualification for government teaching positions.
Next Steps
- Choose Your Course: Based on current education level, budget, and career timeline
- Check NCTE Recognition: Ensure institution is NCTE-approved
- Prepare for Entrance: Start 2-3 months before exam
- Apply for Scholarships: Use National Scholarship Portal
- Gain Experience: Volunteer at schools or NGOs
- Network: Connect with working teachers for insights
Key Reminder: After completing your course, clearing TET is essential for government teaching positions. Start TET preparation during your final year.
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