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This guide will help you understand the complete process of becoming a pre-primary teacher in India, step by step.
Pre-primary teaching has become one of the most trusted and stable career options in India. With new preschools and early learning centres opening every year, schools now seek trained, certified teachers who can care for young children.
Parents today prefer teachers who understand child behaviour, activity-based learning, and classroom management. This is why completing a recognised preschool teacher training program has become important for anyone who wants to enter this field.
If you enjoy working with children, are creative, or want a stable and joyful career, pre-primary teaching can be a good choice. With the right pre primary teacher training course or NTT course, you can learn the skills needed to start your journey with confidence.
This guide explains what a pre-primary teacher does, how to become one, the qualifications needed, and the courses that can help you prepare.
What Does a Pre-Primary Teacher Do? (Role & Responsibilities)
A pre-primary teacher is important in a child’s early years, as these years influence how they think, learn, and interact with others. The teacher’s job is to guide them through simple activities that build confidence and curiosity.
Here are the primary responsibilities:
- Teach basic early-learning skills: Letters, numbers, colours, shapes, and simple concepts through fun activities.
- Plan engaging lessons: Use stories, games, songs, and art to make learning enjoyable for young children.
- Support emotional and social growth: Help children express themselves, share with others, and follow simple routines.
- Manage the classroom: Maintain a positive, safe, and friendly environment where children feel comfortable.
- Observe children’s progress: Notice each child’s strengths, behaviour, and learning needs.
- Communicate with parents: Share updates about the child’s activities, improvement, and areas of support.
A trained teacher understands how to balance learning and play. This is why many learners choose courses like a PPTTC course or an online pre primary teacher training course to learn these skills before entering a classroom.
Qualifications Needed to Become a Pre-Primary Teacher in India
To become a pre-primary teacher in India, you need a mix of basic education, formal training, and practical classroom skills. The requirements are simple and easy to achieve, even for beginners.
Minimum Education Requirement
- You must have completed 10+2 (Higher Secondary) from a recognised board.
- Some training programs may ask for at least 50% marks in 12th.
Required Teacher Training Programs
To work in a preschool or nursery, you must complete a recognised training course such as:
- Diploma in ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education)
- Pre-Primary Teacher Training (PPTT Course)
- Diploma in Nursery Teacher Training (NTT Course)
- Certificate-based pre primary teacher training course
- Flexible options like nursery teacher training online
These programs usually take 6 months to 1 year and teach the basics of early childhood education.
Additional Course Options (For Advanced Roles)
If you want to grow into senior positions or apply for certain schools, you can also pursue:
- Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Early Childhood Education
- Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.)
These are optional but useful for long-term career growth.
Government Job Requirements:
For government schools or national-level institutions, you may need to clear:
- Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) – Paper I: This is required for roles in schools or other public institutions.
Step-by-Step Process to Become a Pre-Primary Teacher in India
Becoming a pre-primary teacher is easy if you follow these steps. This guide is for students, beginners, or anyone restarting their career.
Step 1: Complete Your Basic Education
You must first finish 10+2 (Higher Secondary) from any recognised board. This is the minimum requirement to join most training programs.
Step 2: Join a Recognised Teacher Training Program
The next step is to enrol in a certified course that prepares you for preschool teaching. You can choose from options like:
- A structured pre primary teacher course
- A classroom-based PPTTC course
- A one-year NTT course
- Flexible nursery teacher training course online or self-paced preschool teacher training online
These programs focus on lesson planning, managing child behaviour, learning through activities, and handling a classroom.
Step 3: Get Practical Classroom Experience
Almost every training program includes:
- Observing real preschool classrooms
- Assisting senior teachers
- Short internships
Step 4: Build Core Teaching Skills
Pre-primary teachers are expected to develop skills such as:
- Communication
- Patience
- Creative activity planning
- Basic child psychology
- Observation skills
Courses like an online pre primary teacher training course help you develop these skills even if you are learning from home.
Step 5: Apply for Jobs in Preschools and Early Learning Centres
After completing your training and internship, you can start applying for jobs in:
- Preschools
- Nursery schools
- Daycare centres
- Activity-based learning centres
Popular Teacher Training Courses for Pre-Primary & Nursery Teachers
Several training programs in India prepare you to work with young children. Each course focuses on early childhood education but differs in depth, duration, and teaching approach. Here are the most popular options:
1. Pre Primary Teacher Training Course (PPTTC)
A pre primary teacher training course or PPTTC course is designed for those who want to work with children in the age group of 2 to 6 years. It covers lesson planning, play-based learning, classroom routines, and introductory child psychology.
This is a good choice if you want direct entry into pre-primary or nursery schools.
2. Nursery Teacher Training (NTT / Diploma in NTT / Online NTT Course)
The NTT course focuses on nursery-level teaching methods and child development. Many institutes also offer a diploma in NTT, which includes teaching aids, art and craft, rhymes, storytelling, and project work. You can also choose an Online NTT course if you prefer flexible learning from home.
3. Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
ECCE programs provide a comprehensive understanding of early childhood development, focusing on emotional, physical, social, and cognitive growth. They are ideal for those seeking a solid foundation in early childhood education, which can lead to academic or coordinator positions later on.
4. Phonics Teachers’ Training
Phonics training helps teachers learn methods to teach reading, sounds, and spelling in a structured way. It is beneficial for preschool and primary teachers who handle language, reading, and early literacy. Many educators add phonics training to their teacher training for preschool to improve their teaching profile.
5. Online Preschool and Pre-Primary Teacher Training Programs
For learners who need flexibility, there are many preschool teacher training online options. You can take an online pre primary teacher training course that offers digital notes, recorded lectures, and online assessments.
Some institutes also provide an Online Preschool teacher training certificate in India, which supports job applications in private preschools.
These programs act as a form of preschool teacher certification and are useful for both beginners and experienced teachers.
Skills Every Successful Pre-Primary Teacher Should Have
Working with young children requires more than just subject knowledge. Pre-primary teachers need a mix of patience, creativity, and strong communication skills. These skills help create a safe and joyful learning environment for children.
Here are the most important ones:
1. Patience and empathy
Young children learn slowly and express themselves differently. A good teacher listens, understands their emotions, and responds with care.
2 Good communication
Teachers must explain ideas in simple words, use clear instructions, and interact confidently with both children and parents.
3. Creativity in planning activities
Storytelling, art, music, games, and hands-on tasks are essential in preschool learning. Creative teachers make lessons engaging and fun.
4. Understanding of child psychology
Basic knowledge of how children think, behave, and learn helps in managing the classroom smoothly. This is taught in programs such as preschool teacher training courses that focus on early childhood development.
5. Classroom management
A pre-primary teacher must maintain a friendly and safe environment, organise materials, and handle routine activities with ease.
6. Observation skills
Noticing each child’s progress, behaviour, and learning needs helps teachers adapt their approach and give better support.
7. Ability to build trust with children
Young learners feel more confident when the teacher is warm, approachable, and consistent.
These skills can be learned and improved through training programs like an online pre-primary teacher training course or an NTT course, which prepare teachers for real classroom scenarios.
Career Opportunities After Completing Pre-Primary or NTT Course
Teacher training opens the door to many roles in early childhood education. Once you complete a recognised program and gain some practical experience, you can work in preschools, daycare centres, nursery schools, and activity-based learning spaces. These roles allow you to grow at your own pace and explore different areas of teaching.
| Career Role | What You Do | Where You Work |
| Preschool Teacher | Teach children basic concepts through activities, rhymes, stories, and play. | Preschools, early learning centres |
| Nursery Teacher | Handle children aged 3–4, plan activities, and build early learning skills. | Nursery schools, private schools |
| Assistant Teacher | Support the main teacher in classroom activities and routines. | Preschools, nursery classrooms |
| Daycare Teacher | Take care of children during longer daycare hours, plan simple learning tasks. | Daycare centres, creches |
| Shadow Teacher | Support children who need extra help or individual guidance. | Preschools, inclusive schools |
| Home Tutor (Early Learning) | Teach foundational skills to children at home through personalised sessions. | Home-based learning setups |
| Pre-Primary Coordinator | Manage teachers, design lesson plans, and oversee preschool operations. | Preschools, kindergarten schools |
| Activity Trainer | Conduct workshops in art, craft, phonics, dance, storytelling, or motor skills. | Activity centres, after-school programs |
Pre-Primary Teacher Salary Breakdown in India
The salary of a pre-primary teacher in India is steady and increases with experience, training, and the type of school. As per the Source, the annual salary range is ₹1 Lakh to ₹4.5 Lakhs.
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary |
| Entry Level | ₹1 Lakh – ₹2 Lakhs |
| Mid-Level (2–4 years) | ₹2 Lakhs – ₹3.5 Lakhs |
| Senior / Coordinator Roles | ₹3.5 Lakhs – ₹5 Lakhs |
Your Journey to Becoming a Pre-Primary Teacher Starts Here
Building a career in pre-primary teaching is a simple and rewarding journey. With the right qualifications, practical training, and a genuine interest in early childhood learning, you can step into a role that offers stability, purpose, and long-term growth. Whether you’re starting fresh or returning to work after a break, this field gives you plenty of opportunities to grow at your own pace.
If you’re ready to move forward, institutes like National Academy offer structured programs that help you begin with confidence. Through Diploma in ECCEd, Pre Primary Teacher Course, and other early childhood education programs, we provide simple, flexible, and practical learning designed for real classroom needs. With our supportive faculty, hands-on training, and student-friendly approach, we make it easy for you to prepare for a career in preschools and early learning centres across India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a preschool teacher after 12th?
Yes. After 12th, you can join Teacher training for preschool programs and start working in preschools after completing the course.
What is the difference between NTT and ECCEd?
NTT course focuses on nursery-level teaching, while ECCEd covers early childhood development for a wider age group. Both are accepted for preschool jobs depending on schools and the geographical presence.
Are certifications required to work in preschools?
Nursery Teacher Training is mostly popular in the northern belt of India. In Mumbai, it is usually called as PPTT and ECCEd.
Is there a nursery teacher training course in Mumbai?
Yes. Many institutes offer a nursery teacher training course in Mumbai, with both online and offline learning options.
Are online certificates valid for preschool teaching?
Yes. Many schools accept preschool teacher certification earned through online or blended learning programs. However, live online offers the same certificate where is mode of learning is not mentioned.
How do I start teaching in a preschool?
Complete a recognised early childhood program such as ECCEd, NTT course, or a pre primary teacher course, gain basic internship experience, and apply directly to preschools or early learning centres.
