The teaching profession is a highly-specialized field, and requires comprehensive training to gain expertise in the field. For some reason teaching is considered simple and easy to do. There are some myths and incorrect generalizations that exist about the teaching career.

It is commonly believed that anyone can teach, provided he has some knowledge for the subject. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Knowledge is just one thing that a teacher should have among other things. The fundamental qualities required are excellent communication skills, the ability to hold the attention of young minds, to inspire confidence and finally, the ability to set an example by word and deed.

The answer to the question, how to become a teacher in India, is not a simple one. As a teacher, you need to have a Bachelors in Education (B.Ed) degree. Colleges across the country offer these degrees. Some universities offer B.Ed courses by correspondence too. One can do a Masters in Education (M.Ed) later, to add to qualifications. But it is also important to have the necessary in-depth knowledge of the subject you want to teach and are going to specialize in.

As a matter of fact, M. Ed is only required to enhance your possibilities of promotion or getting the next higher grade. In case you want to specialize as a nursery teacher only; you must undergo a special nursery teachers’ training, available at various universities.

Basic Training Certificate (BTC), Diploma in Education (D.Ed) and Teacher Training Certificate (TTC) are other teaching courses in India that can help you get a teaching job.

In case an individual plans to be a games/physical fitness instructor, he/she will require obtaining a certificate/ degree or diploma from any one of the sports institutes located around the country.

One can also appear for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) conducted by the CBSE for appointment as a teacher for classes I – VIII in government and state schools as well as unaided private schools that accept CTET scores.

College and university teaching requires a different approach. After finishing M.A. in a subject, one can become a specialist by doing M. Phil. or Ph.D. If you want to know how to become a lecturer in India, it is important to remember that you will have to clear the NET exam conducted by the University Grants Commission (UGC). One can then apply to colleges for a job as and when a vacancy arises.