Mandatory Teacher Certification Enforced Across Indian States

In a sweeping reform to uplift education standards, the Central Government has made in service teacher training and certification mandatory for all public school teachers nationwide. Effective from the 2025 26 academic year, educators must complete a 100 hour training program annually through online and offline modes. The training modules will focus on digital pedagogy, inclusive education, and classroom management. The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) will oversee quality and accreditation. Teachers will receive incentives, including salary hikes and promotions, upon certification. This move addresses concerns raised in various education quality surveys that highlighted outdated teaching practices and limited student engagement. Several states have already initiated pilot versions of the scheme with encouraging outcomes. The teacher unions, however, have requested more clarity on workload and recognition. This reform is part of India’s broader strategy to align its school system with global best practices.