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Subject Teacher

Overview, Education, Careers Types, Skills, Career Path, Resources

Subject teachers educate students in specific subjects, creating lesson plans and assessing performance. They foster a positive learning environment.

Average Salary

₹3,50,000

Growth

medium

Satisfaction

high

Educational Requirements

Education Requirements for Becoming a Subject Teacher

To become a subject teacher in India, several educational qualifications and skills are typically required. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

  • Bachelor's Degree:

    • A bachelor's degree in the specific subject you wish to teach (e.g., Mathematics, Science, English, History) is essential. Most universities require a minimum percentage or GPA.
  • Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.):

    • A B.Ed. degree is mandatory to teach in most schools. This degree provides training in teaching methodologies, classroom management, and educational psychology.
  • Master's Degree (Optional but Recommended):

    • A master's degree in your subject can enhance your expertise and open doors to teaching higher grades (11th and 12th) or in colleges.
  • Qualifying Exams:

    • Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET): For teaching in central government schools (like Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas).
    • State Teacher Eligibility Test (STET): For teaching in state government schools. Each state conducts its own STET.
  • Skills Required:

    • Subject Matter Expertise: Deep understanding of the subject you intend to teach.
    • Communication Skills: Ability to explain complex topics clearly and engagingly.
    • Patience and Empathy: Understanding and addressing the diverse needs of students.
    • Classroom Management: Skills to maintain discipline and create a conducive learning environment.
    • Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with using technology in teaching, such as interactive whiteboards and online resources.
Study Path
Top Colleges

To pursue a career as a subject teacher in India, several top colleges offer excellent programs in education and subject-specific disciplines. Here are some of the best institutions:

  • Top Colleges for Education (B.Ed. and M.Ed.):

    • Department of Education, Delhi University: Known for its comprehensive B.Ed. and M.Ed. programs.
    • Faculty of Education, Banaras Hindu University (BHU): Offers a wide range of teacher education programs.
    • Regional Institute of Education (RIE), NCERT: Located in various cities (Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysore, Shillong), these institutes offer integrated B.Sc. B.Ed. and B.A. B.Ed. programs.
    • Lady Irwin College, Delhi University: Renowned for its B.Ed. program, especially in Home Science and related fields.
    • Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai: Offers specialized programs in education with a focus on social justice.
  • Top Colleges for Subject-Specific Bachelor's and Master's Degrees:

    • Miranda House, Delhi University: Offers excellent programs in sciences and humanities.
    • Hindu College, Delhi University: Known for its strong faculty and academic rigor in various subjects.
    • Presidency College, Kolkata: A historic institution with strong programs in arts and sciences.
    • Loyola College, Chennai: Offers quality education in various disciplines.
    • St. Stephen's College, Delhi University: Highly regarded for its programs in humanities and sciences.
  • Other Notable Institutions:

    • Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi: Offers comprehensive education programs.
    • Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh: Known for its strong faculty in arts, sciences, and education.
    • Osmania University, Hyderabad: Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

When selecting a college, consider factors such as faculty expertise, infrastructure, placement opportunities, and the specific subjects you wish to teach.

Fees

The fees for courses required to become a subject teacher in India can vary widely depending on the type of institution (government, private, or autonomous) and the level of the course (B.Ed., M.Ed., etc.). Here’s a general overview:

  • Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.):

    • Government Colleges: ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 per year.
    • Private Colleges: ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000 per year.
    • Autonomous Colleges: ₹40,000 to ₹1,00,000 per year.
  • Master of Education (M.Ed.):

    • Government Colleges: ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per year.
    • Private Colleges: ₹60,000 to ₹2,00,000 per year.
    • Autonomous Colleges: ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000 per year.
  • Bachelor's Degree (B.A., B.Sc., etc.):

    • Government Colleges: ₹3,000 to ₹15,000 per year.
    • Private Colleges: ₹20,000 to ₹80,000 per year.
  • Master's Degree (M.A., M.Sc., etc.):

    • Government Colleges: ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 per year.
    • Private Colleges: ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000 per year.
  • Additional Costs:

    • Application Fees: ₹500 to ₹1,000 per application.
    • Exam Fees (CTET, STET): ₹800 to ₹1,200 per exam.
    • Study Materials: ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 per year.

Note: Fees are approximate and can vary. It's advisable to check the specific college or university's official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

To become a subject teacher in India, several exams can help you secure a teaching position, especially in government and well-reputed private schools. Here’s a detailed description of the key exams:

  • Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET):

    • Purpose: CTET is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to certify teachers for central government schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), and other central schools.
    • Eligibility: Candidates with a B.Ed. and a bachelor's degree are eligible. There are two papers: Paper I for primary teachers (Classes I-V) and Paper II for upper primary teachers (Classes VI-VIII).
    • Syllabus: Covers child development and pedagogy, language I and II, mathematics, environmental studies (for Paper I), and science/social science (for Paper II).
  • State Teacher Eligibility Test (STET):

    • Purpose: STET is conducted by individual state governments to certify teachers for state government schools.
    • Eligibility: Similar to CTET, candidates with a B.Ed. and a bachelor's degree are eligible. Each state has its specific eligibility criteria.
    • Syllabus: Varies by state but generally includes child development and pedagogy, language I and II, and the subject matter for the specific class levels.
  • Other Recruitment Exams:

    • KVS Recruitment Exam: Conducted by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan for recruiting teachers in KVS schools across India.
    • NVS Recruitment Exam: Conducted by Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti for recruiting teachers in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.
    • DSSSB Exam: Conducted by the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board for recruiting teachers in Delhi government schools.
  • Private School Exams/Interviews:

    • Many private schools conduct their own exams and interviews. These often include written tests, demo classes, and personal interviews to assess subject knowledge, teaching skills, and communication abilities.
Exam NameExam Date
Pros And Cons

Pros

  1. Making a positive impact on students' lives.
  2. Job security, especially in government schools.
  3. Opportunities for professional development.
  4. Respect and recognition in the community.
  5. Enjoying summer and other school holidays.
  6. Intellectual stimulation through continuous learning.
  7. Contributing to nation-building through education.
  8. Varied daily tasks, avoiding monotony.
  9. Personal satisfaction from student success.
  10. Opportunities for extracurricular involvement.

Cons

  1. High workload with lesson planning and grading.
  2. Dealing with challenging student behaviors.
  3. Limited career advancement opportunities.
  4. Salary may be lower compared to other professions.
  5. Emotional stress from student-related issues.
  6. Bureaucratic processes in government schools.
  7. Lack of resources in some schools.
  8. Dealing with parental expectations and pressure.
  9. Keeping up with curriculum changes and updates.
  10. Long hours beyond classroom teaching.