New Delhi — In a significant move aimed at upgrading the quality of early-stage education across the country, the Ministry of Education on Thursday announced the launch of a six-month bridge course designed specifically for primary school teachers who lack formal pedagogical qualifications. The initiative, unveiled at a press conference by the Minister of Education, seeks to bring thousands of currently untrained educators on par with the professional standards mandated under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Under the new programme, teachers who are currently engaged in primary schools but do not hold a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree or any recognised teaching qualification will be enrolled in an intensive bridge course spanning six months. The curriculum will cover foundational teaching methodologies, child psychology, classroom management, and the use of digital tools in elementary education. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a formal certification that the government says will be recognised across all state and central school systems.
Education officials told reporters that the bridge course would be delivered through a hybrid model — combining online modules hosted on the DIKSHA platform with in-person workshops conducted at designated Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) across states. The Ministry has identified approximately 4.5 lakh primary teachers nationwide who currently work without a formal teaching degree, a figure that underscores the scale of the challenge India has faced in meeting the NEP's mandate that all teachers by 2030 should possess specialised pedagogical training.
The programme was developed in consultation with the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) and the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF). State education departments have been asked to identify eligible teachers and facilitate their enrolment beginning this academic session. A minority of states that already operate their own teacher certification programmes are being encouraged to align those with the national framework rather than create parallel tracks.
Teacher unions have responded cautiously. While acknowledging the necessity of formalising teacher qualifications, several organisations expressed concern that a six-month programme might be insufficient to fully equip working teachers — many of whom come from rural backgrounds and have limited exposure to modern teaching practices. The Ministry has said it will offer remedial sessions and extended support for teachers who need additional guidance after the core course concludes.
