New Delhi: Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday launched a six-month Certificate (Bridge) Course in Primary Teacher Education (PTE) for in-service primary school teachers holding B.Ed degrees.
The programme is aimed at enabling eligible teachers to acquire the certification, knowledge and pedagogical skills required to teach students in Classes I to V. It will be implemented through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
Designed in accordance with the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) framework, the course will focus on child-centred, inclusive and developmentally appropriate teaching practices to strengthen education at the foundational and primary stages.
Theory, school-based training
The programme comprises six theory courses and a school-based practicum. It will include at least 10 days of online contact classes and a minimum of 20 days of school-based experience.
The course will combine academic learning with classroom practice through practice teaching, reflective journals and portfolios. Video tutorials, e-learning material and digital platforms will also form part of the open and distance learning (ODL) programme.
The medium of instruction will be Hindi and English, while teachers will be allowed to write the theory examination in any of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Course follows Supreme Court judgment
The bridge course follows the Supreme Court’s April 8, 2024 judgment in Devesh Sharma vs Union of India, which enabled the NCTE to formulate a bridge course for certain primary teachers appointed without a D.El.Ed qualification.
The programme is intended for in-service primary teachers appointed between June 28, 2018 and August 11, 2023, who hold B.Ed degrees and whose appointments are protected under the NCTE notification issued on June 28, 2018.
Online admission through NIOS
Eligible teachers can register online through the NIOS bridge-course portal and upload the required documents. They can also track their admission status through the designated dashboard.
Course material, including self-learning resources and supplementary audio-visual and interactive content, will be provided digitally, enabling teachers to pursue the programme while continuing their professional responsibilities.
