NCTE Proposes Discontinuation of B.El.Ed Programme: Transition to Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP)

Three decades after its inception by Delhi University, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has proposed the discontinuation of the Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed) programme. According to the recently released draft NCTE (Recognition Norms and Procedure) Regulations, 2025, no new admissions will be allowed to the B.El.Ed programme from the 2026-27 academic session onwards.

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Transition to Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP)

Institutions currently offering B.El.Ed will be required to transition to the new Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) before the 2026-27 academic session. The ITEP, a four-year integrated programme, will replace the B.El.Ed course as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s initiative to streamline teacher education in India.

ITEP will be offered in multiple disciplines, including BA B.Ed, B.Sc B.Ed, and B.Com B.Ed, ensuring a holistic approach to teacher education. Initially launched in a pilot phase during the 2023-24 academic session, ITEP will now be a regular programme across institutions starting from 2025-26. This programme will include specialisations in Yoga, Physical Education, Sanskrit Education, and Art Education.

Evolution of Teacher Education Regulations

The last major revision in teacher education regulations was in 2014, when NCTE established norms for various teacher education programmes, including B.El.Ed. Delhi University introduced the B.El.Ed programme in the 1994-95 academic year, and it was officially recognized by NCTE in 1999. However, with the introduction of NEP 2020, the focus has shifted towards integrated and multidisciplinary approaches in education.

Admission and Entrance Examinations

As per the draft regulations, the National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct a nationwide National Common Entrance Test (NCET) for ITEP admissions. Additionally, a single nationwide entrance test will be introduced for B.Ed and M.Ed programmes, replacing the current CUET-UG and CUET-PG admission processes for these courses in central universities.

Future of Teacher Education in India

The replacement of B.El.Ed with ITEP marks a significant transformation in teacher education, aligning it with the objectives of NEP 2020. The shift aims to provide aspiring teachers with a more comprehensive and multidisciplinary educational framework, ensuring better preparedness for future teaching roles.

With around 90-95 institutions across the country currently offering the B.El.Ed programme, this transition will have a broad impact on teacher education. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft regulations before their final implementation.

Stay updated on further developments regarding the transition to ITEP and other changes in teacher education regulations in India.

Read Also: 

• Pathways to Becoming a School Teacher in India Under NEP 2020
• A Comprehensive Guide on DU B.Ed (CUET PG) Entrance Exam
• Four-year integrated teacher training program to be offered from next year: Ministry of Education

 

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