So, you want to be a government teacher in India? Good choice, it’s a stable job with a good salary and respect, and the chance to shape young mind. But how do actually get there.
Do you need a degree, which exams should you take, what is the whole process? The process might be confusing but we will break it for you in simple terms.
In this guide you will find everything you need to know about how to become a government teacher in India in step by step.
Who Is Government Teacher?
A government teacher is a teacher who works in a government school, college, or university, appointed by the state or central government. Their job is to teach students, create lesson plans, conduct exams, and ensure proper learning. Government teachers follow a fixed curriculum set by education boards and play a key role in shaping students’ futures. Unlike private teachers, they enjoy job security, a stable salary, and other benefits.
Types Of Government Teacher
- Primary School Teacher (PRT)
A PRT teaches young children from Classes 1 to 5, focusing on building a strong learning foundation. They teach basic subjects like Maths, English, Science, and Social Studies in a fun and engaging way.
- Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT)
A TGT teaches Classes 6 to 10, where subjects become more detailed and complex. They specialize in subjects like Maths, Science, or Social Science and help students build strong conceptual knowledge.
- Post Graduate Teacher (PGT)
A PGT teaches Classes 11 and 12, handling advanced subjects. These students prepare for board exams and competitive exams, so PGTs must have in-depth subject knowledge. They guide students in career-related decisions and higher studies.
- College/University Professor
Professors teach in government colleges and universities, focusing on specialized subjects. They not only teach but also conduct research and mentor students for higher studies and career growth.
How To Become A Government Teacher In India
1. Complete Your Education
To start, the educational qualifications required depend on the level you wish to teach.
- PRT (Primary Teacher – Classes 1 to 5)
To become a primary teacher, you must complete 12th grade with at least 50% marks and then pursue a Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.) or a Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.). Some candidates also opt for a Diploma in Education (D.Ed.), which takes two years to complete.
- TGT (Trained Graduate Teacher – Classes 6 to 8)
For middle school teaching positions, you need a bachelor’s degree (BA, BSc, or BCom) with at least 50% marks and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree. The subjects you can teach depend on what you studied in your bachelor’s degree. You must also have proficiency in English, Hindi, or a regional language.
- PGT (Post Graduate Teacher – Classes 9 to 12)
To teach higher classes, you need a postgraduate degree (MA, MSc, or MCom) in your subject along with a B.Ed. For better career growth, you can also pursue a Master of Education (M.Ed.).
2. Pass the Required Entrance Exams
Once you have completed your education, you must pass government teaching exams to become eligible for jobs.
- CTET & State TET (For PRT & TGT Teachers)
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) or State Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is mandatory for candidates who want to teach in government schools. These exams have two papers:
Paper I – For teaching classes 1 to 5
Paper II – For teaching classes 6 to 8
If you wish to teach both levels, you must clear both papers. CTET is for central government schools, while TET is for state government schools.
- PGT Exam (For Post Graduate Teachers)
To become a PGT teacher, you must clear the PGT exam, which is conducted at the state level. Additionally, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) conduct separate exams for recruiting teachers in their schools across India.
3. Gain Teaching Experience
Practical experience is important before applying for full-time teaching positions. You can:
- Work as a guest teacher in schools
- Tutor students privately to develop teaching skills
- Volunteer at NGOs to gain hands-on experience in education
This will help improve your confidence and make you a strong candidate for government teaching jobs.
4. Get Additional Certifications
While not mandatory, getting extra certifications can increase your job opportunities. Some useful certifications include:
- Nursery Teacher Training (NTT)
- Advanced Diploma in Teaching Strategies
- Online Teaching and Learning Certification
These courses help you improve your teaching skills and make you stand out in job applications.
5. Apply for Government Teaching Jobs & Attend Interviews
Every year, the government announces vacancies for teaching positions in schools like KVS, NVS, and state government schools. Keep an eye on official government websites and apply for the positions you qualify for.
If shortlisted, you will be called for an interview, where your subject knowledge, teaching skills, and communication abilities will be tested. Once you clear the interview, you will be offered a government teaching job with a stable salary and benefits.
Eligibility Criteria To Become A Government Teacher
- For Primary Teachers Classes 1 to 5 you need to 12th pass with 50% marks + D.El.Ed. / B.El.Ed. / D.Ed.
- For Trained Graduate Teachers (TGT) – Classes 6 to 8 you need to Graduation (BA/BSc/BCom) with 50% marks + B.Ed.
- For Post Graduate Teachers (PGT) – Classes 9 to 12 you need to Postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MCom) with 50% marks + B.Ed.
*Entrance Exam: You must qualify CTET/TET (for PRT & TGT) or PGT Exam (for PGT).
Roles And Responsibilities Of A Government Teacher
- Teaching and Preparing Lessons: Government teachers plan lessons and teach subjects as per the syllabus, ensuring students understand the topics well.
- Checking Student Progress: They conduct tests, assignments, and exams to see how well students are learning and give feedback to help them improve.
- Managing the Classroom: Teachers maintain discipline, create a positive learning space, and make sure students follow school rules.
- Handling School Work: They keep student records, prepare reports, and do other school-related paperwork.
- Guiding and Supporting Students: Besides teaching, they help students with career advice, personal growth, and emotional well-being.
- Encouraging Activities: Teachers motivate students to take part in sports, cultural programs, and other activities for overall development.
- Learning New Teaching Methods: They attend workshops and training sessions to improve their teaching skills and stay updated with new education rules.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Being A Government Teacher
Advantages of Being a Government Teacher
- Job Security: Government teaching jobs provide lifelong stability with a secure income and timely salary increments.
- Fixed Working Hours: Teachers enjoy a well-structured schedule with weekends and holidays, ensuring a good work-life balance.
- Retirement Benefits: Government teachers receive pensions, gratuities, and other post-retirement benefits, providing financial security.
- Respect and Social Status: Teaching is a highly respected profession, and government teachers are valued in society.
- Paid Leaves and Holidays: Teachers get summer vacations, national holidays, and medical leave with pay.
- Opportunities for Growth: Teachers can get promotions to senior positions like principal or educational administrator based on experience and qualifications.
Disadvantages of Being a Government Teacher
- Slow Career Growth: Promotions take time, and salary hikes depend on government policies and seniority.
- Workload beyond Teaching: Teachers handle administrative tasks, student records, and exam duties, increasing their workload.
- Limited Flexibility in Teaching: They must strictly follow the syllabus and government guidelines, leaving little room for innovation.
- Competitive Exams for Selection: Becoming a government teacher requires clearing tough entrance exams, which can be challenging.
- Transfer Policies: Teachers may be transferred to different locations, which can cause inconvenience.
- Limited Use of Technology: Many government schools lack advanced teaching tools and modern infrastructure, making teaching less interactive.
Salary Of a Government Teacher
As per AmbitionBox, the salary of a government teacher depends on their position and experience. Here is the salary range for different types of teachers:
| PRT Teacher (Primary Teacher) | INR 3.2 Lakhs – INR 5 Lakhs per year |
| TGT Teacher (Trained Graduate Teacher) | INR 4 Lakhs – INR 4.2 Lakhs per year |
| PGT Teacher (Post Graduate Teacher) | INR 1.8 Lakh – INR 9 Lakhs per year |
The salary may change based on the state, school type (central or state government), and extra benefits like house rent, medical allowance, and annual increments. Government teachers also get job security, pension, and promotions, making it a good career choice.
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Takeaway
In the end, becoming a government teacher in India is a good career choice for those who really love teaching and want job security. The process required right education, clearing entrance exams, and gaining practical experience. It also comes with good salary stability, and benefits. So if you have the dedication and patience, a career as a government teacher can be both rewarding and fulfilling.
FAQs
Q1. Is CTET compulsory for government teaching jobs?
Ans:Yes, CTET is required for central government schools, while state government schools require the respective State TET.
Q2. What is the age limit to become a government teacher?
Ans:PRT: 18-35 years, TGT: 21-35 years, PGT: 21-40 years (relaxations for reserved categories).
Q3. What subjects can I teach as a TGT or PGT?
Ans:TGTs teach subjects from their bachelor's degree, while PGTs teach subjects from their post-graduation degree.
Q4. How long does it take to become a government teacher?
Ans:It takes 3-6 years, including graduation (3 years), B.Ed. (2 years), and the required exams.
Q5. Can diploma holders apply for government teacher jobs?
Ans:Yes, D.El.Ed. Or B.El.Ed. holders can apply for PRT positions.