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A post-graduate degree opens up a plethora of career possibilities for students. To pursue a teaching career, a professional qualification like a BEd degree is often required. Alternatively, those aspiring to teach in higher education institutions can work towards obtaining UGC NET certification. With these qualifications, post-graduates can embark on fulfilling and influential teaching careers, shaping the minds of future generations and contributing significantly to the educational landscape.
Career Opportunities for a Post-Graduate in Teaching
After completing post-graduation, one can choose teaching as a career. There are two substreams in teaching that a candidate can choose as per his or her interest. These are either to serve a school or college/ university as a teacher. Following are the career opportunities available for post-graduates:
Post Graduate Teacher (PGT)
The post-graduate teachers teach students of senior secondary or higher secondary i.e. students of the classes 11th and 12th.
PGT Overview | |
Essential Qualification |
Or
|
Age limit | The maximum age limit is 40 years |
Average Annual Salary | INR 6 LPA |
Assistant Professor
After post-graduation, a candidate has the opportunity to join the field of higher education in colleges or universities as an assistant professor. It is the entry-level grade of the professorship. The following are the needed qualifications for being an assistant professor:
Assistant Professor Overview | |
Essential Qualification |
Or
|
Age limit | The maximum age limit is 40 years |
Average Annual Salary | INR 6-7 LPA (Average) |
As, per the latest guidelines of UGC, the Basic pay of an assistant professor is fixed at 57,700 in the initial phase. Though the Salary Package might seem less, however, the perks, allowances and other factors like job security are more lucrative to the government job seeker.
Governmental Teaching Opportunities for Post-Graduates
Candidates having post-graduation have opportunities to apply for teaching jobs in governmental institutes including state and central ones. Some of the major institutions where a candidate can apply are:
- University and College Assistant Professorship: Indian universities and colleges regularly hire post-graduates with advanced degrees (such as M.Phil. and Ph.D.) as assistant professors, associate professors, and professors. These positions involve teaching, research, and contributing to the academic community.
- Government School Teaching: Government schools in India often have vacancies for teachers at primary, middle, and high school levels. Candidates with a post-graduate degree and a teaching certification (such as B.Ed.) can apply for these positions.
- National Institutes and Research Organizations: Institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and other research institutions offer teaching opportunities for candidates with post-graduate and doctoral degrees.
- Technical and Vocational Institutes: Institutes like the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR) offer teaching positions in technical and vocational education.
- National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT): NCERT occasionally advertises positions for educationists, curriculum developers, and researchers.
- Online Education Platforms: With the rise of online education, government initiatives like SWAYAM provide opportunities for educators to create and deliver courses.
Conclusion
Hence, after post-graduation candidates who want to pursue teaching as a career can apply for PGT and Assistant Professor grades. One needs to have a post-graduation and a B.Ed (Bachelor in Education) degree or any other equivalent qualification to become a teacher at the PGT scale and a Master’s Degree and UGC NET Certificate to become an assistant professor. Government educational institutions are providing better grades to teachers and hence can be a good opportunity to work.