NCTE brings back one-year B.Ed, M.Ed programs after a decade

In a major shift in policy, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) is set to reintroduce the one-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) and Master of Education (M.Ed) programs, beginning with the 2026-27 academic year.

This change comes nearly a decade after the courses were lengthened to two years, aiming to create a more efficient pathway for aspiring educators.

This initiative is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the University Grants Commission's National Higher Education Qualifications Framework.

"Before 2014, the one-year B.Ed and M.Ed courses were the cornerstone of teacher education. This revival is influenced by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. With the NEP, the UGC introduced the National Higher Education Qualifications Framework, which allows for a one-year master’s degree at level 6.5," said Pankaj Arora, Chairman of NCTE.

Program structure

The one-year M.Ed program will be offered as a full-time course, while a part-time two-year option will cater to professionals like teachers and education leaders.

"The two-year M.Ed program initiated in 2015 has not significantly advanced teacher education or fostered a passion for teaching among young students. Many institutions faced empty seats, and the curriculum fell short of necessary improvements. The M.Ed course will incorporate both a research element and hands-on community engagement tasks," said Arora.

Eligibility criteria

To enrol in the one-year B.Ed program, candidates must hold a four-year undergraduate degree or a postgraduate qualification. For those with a three-year undergraduate degree, the existing two-year B.Ed program will remain available.

Arora explained, "Each of these pathways is tailored for different individuals...anyone at any point wishing to enter teaching should have access to the right program. These programs will also feature four specializations per the new school education framework under the NEP – foundational, preparatory, middle, and secondary school levels."

No changes since 2014

Initially, the B.Ed and M.Ed programs were one-year courses for decades before being extended to two years under the 2014 regulations. This change introduced new modules such as yoga education and gender studies, along with a 20-week internship.

"In a bid to enhance quality, we extended the B.Ed program's duration to create a more professional and rigorous teacher education experience," noted a parliamentary response from 2015. Despite these efforts, the two-year M.Ed program failed to deliver the anticipated improvements in teacher training, leading the NCTE to reassess the program frameworks.

Regulation revisions

These regulations, setting norms for teacher education, have not been revised since the last major update in 2014. The revival of the one-year B.Ed and M.Ed programs is not intended to replace the two-year versions but rather to provide additional flexibility and options for those pursuing careers in education.

Integrated Teacher Education Program

The Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP), a four-year course launched in 2023-24, will become a regular offering starting in the 2025-26 academic year. This program will provide specializations in Yoga, Physical Education, Sanskrit Education, and Art Education.

"If someone decides after high school that they want to teach, there's ITEP. If they make that choice after three years of college, they can opt for a two-year B.Ed. For those completing a postgraduate or four-year graduation program, a one-year B.Ed will be available, " Arora said.

The NCTE aims to address concerns that the longer programs did not significantly improve outcomes for teacher education nor successfully fill program seats.