How to Become a Primary School Teacher (PRT) in India

Introduction

Before we go on to answer how to become a Primary School Teacher (PRT) in India, why not begin by understanding the basics? Let’s begin by exploring what is a PGT teacher.

An elementary school teacher is referred to as a primary teacher (PRT). These teachers in India generally teach grades 1-5, which are also known as the primary grades. This means that they are responsible for teaching students who are typically between the ages of 6-11 years old.

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These teachers teach a range of subjects including language (typically English and the regional language of the state), mathematics, science, social studies, and environmental studies. The primary goal of Primary School Teachers (PRT) is to help young students develop foundational skills and knowledge that will serve as a basis for their future education.

Now that we have a basic understanding of a Primary Teacher/PRT, let’s get onto the next question, what is the eligibility to become a Primary Teacher/PRT in India?

Eligibility to Become a Primary Teacher/PRT in India

To become a primary teacher, a candidate must meet the following criteria*:

Must have cleared Senior Secondary with a minimum of 50% marks

Must have a degree/diploma in education

Must be proficient in English

Must have cleared CTET Paper-1 / Respective State TET

Government-run schools in India may also require you to have

Graduation with a 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education
OR, 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education
OR, Diploma in Education (Special Ed.)
OR, Graduation with a minimum of 50% marks along with a degree of Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
OR, must be a Graduate with a four-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) dual-major bachelor's degree offering BA-BEd, BSc- BEd, or BCom-BE

*It is always advisable to refer to the specific requirements and qualifications outlined by the educational institution or organisation when applying for a Primary Teacher/PRT position.

With these criteria in mind, remember that the path to becoming a successful primary teacher involves more than just meeting the minimum requirements. It's about standing out and showcasing your unique capabilities and passion for teaching.

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Myth Buster

B.Ed is *not mandatory* to get a teaching job as a primary teacher/PRT in Private schools. Private schools in India demand candidates to have requisite skills & a teaching qualification, which can be PgCTL, PGCE, or any other.

Selection Process to Become a Primary Teacher in India

In government schools, the recruitment of primary school teachers/PRTs is carried out through a rigorous selection process. As part of this process, candidates are required to appear for two written exams, commonly known as PRT exams, which include Paper-I and Paper-II.

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After the written exam, candidates who qualify are called for an interview, where they are evaluated based on their communication skills, teaching experience, and overall personality. Once the interview process is complete, a panel of selected candidates is released, and the candidates are shortlisted based on their overall performance in both the written exam and the interview. The candidates are then recruited as government teachers and are assigned to teach in primary schools across the state or the district.

Interviewee asking what is the pay scale of a Primary School Teacher in India

Private schools release hiring notifications according to their own staffing capacity & conduct the hiring on their own. The process of recruitment of primary teachers generally includes resume shortlisting, interview rounds, and demo classes in the case of these schools.

Salary of a Primary Teacher in India

Now let's delve into one of the essential aspects of being a working professional: the salary. The pay scale of a Primary Teacher/PRT in India. Let’s discuss the remuneration received by Primary Teachers/ PRTs in detail and explore the factors that can influence their earnings.

Details	PRT Salary
Pay Scale	Entry Scale: Rs. 9300-34800 with Grade Pay of Rs. 4200/- Senior Scale: Rs.9300-34800 with Grade Pay of Rs. 4600/- Selection Scale: Rs.9300-34800 with Grade Pay of Rs.4800/-
Grade Pay	Rs 4200
Basic Pay	Rs 35400
DA Revised For Central Govt Teacher – 31 %	Rs 10974
HRA Revised For Central Govt Teacher – ( 27 %, 18% and 9 % for X,Y,Z class cities)	Rs 3240
Travel Allowance	Rs 3600 + DA There on
Total Approximate Gross Salary (With HRA)	Rs 40240
Total Approximate Gross Salary (Without HRA)	Rs 42000

The salary for Primary Teachers/PRTs in government schools are regulated by the 7th Pay Commission*. This includes a pay band of ₹9,300 to ₹34,800, grade pay of around ₹4,200, and various allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance (TA).

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Private school pay scales for Primary Teachers/PRTs often differ from government teachers as they are not bound by the 7th Pay Commission. Private school salaries depend on factors like qualifications, experience, school reputation, location, and school budget. Additional benefits such as health insurance, housing allowances, and professional development opportunities may also be offered.

To find your next career opportunity as a Primary School Teacher in a private school, check out Suraasa jobs below. Also, see for yourself what the salary packages look like in India.

Career Growth Opportunities for a Primary Teacher in India

Another crucial aspect when seeking answers for how to become a Primary School Teacher/PRT in India is the growth opportunities. Let’s talk about that in detail.

One way to enhance your career prospects is by taking up courses that provide a comprehensive understanding of pedagogy and teaching methodologies, along with certifications that demonstrate your expertise. Such initiatives can significantly increase the chances of career advancement as a Primary Teacher/PRT.

The Teacher Training course which is best to become primary teacher in India

Additionally, pursuing internationally accredited courses like PgCTL can open up opportunities to work as a Primary Teacher/PRT with higher salaries. These courses provide exposure to global teaching practices and equip teachers like you with the latest teaching techniques and strategies.

With experience and expertise, you can even advance to become a senior teacher, head teacher, or coordinator, overseeing the work of other teachers and guiding them in the classroom.

Principal at a young age as working with right qualifications of a primary teacher

You can also pursue higher education degrees in education such as a Master's or a PhD, which can lead to opportunities to work as a professor or researcher in the field of education.

Alternatively, you can also look for opportunities to work in the government sector as a primary education officer or consultant, working to improve education policies and initiatives. Overall, there are several exciting career paths that one can explore after working as a Primary Teacher/PRT.