In a significant reform, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has announced the reintroduction of one-year Bachelor of Education (BEd) and Master of Education (MEd) programmes. These revamped courses will be available from the academic session 2026-27, with specific eligibility criteria in place.
The newly introduced one-year BEd and MEd courses will commence admissions from 2026-27. Eligible students will have the option to enrol in these shorter-duration programmes, alongside the existing two-year courses.
The one-year MEd programme will be offered as a full-time, regular course, while the two-year MEd will continue to cater to working professionals, including teachers and education administrators. According to NCTE, the two-year MEd course, introduced in 2015, failed to generate sufficient student interest, resulting in vacant seats and limited curriculum effectiveness. The revised one-year MEd will include a stronger research focus and practical community engagement.
Candidates must meet the following criteria to qualify for the one-year BEd programme:
– A four-year undergraduate degree, or
– A three-year undergraduate degree along with a postgraduate (Master’s) degree.
Those holding only a three-year undergraduate degree without a postgraduate qualification must opt for the existing two-year BEd course.
This reform aims to enhance teacher education by streamlining course duration while maintaining academic rigour and practical exposure.
