How to Become a Teacher in India

Teaching in India is an incredible opportunity to experience meaningful cultural exchange while pursuing your passion for education. As the world’s most populous country, India is always in need of teachers, and reports show that there has been a significant push to expand access to education even more in recent years, creating even more demand for qualified educators across all grade levels. 

If you are interested in the opportunity to work abroad, keep reading to get an outline of how to become a teacher in India, including step-by-step instructions and details about why earning a U.S. teaching license is the strongest foundation for your international teaching career.

What Do You Need to Be a Teacher in India?

While hiring practices can vary between public schools and private institutions, teachers in India are generally required to have the following qualifications and experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in any subject from an accredited institution
• A U.S. teaching license or similarly globally-respected teaching credential
• 1-2 years of teaching experience, although this is not always required

The timeline for becoming a teacher depends on which qualifications you already have. People who already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field can earn a U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months through Moreland University’s 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program or similar programs.

Steps to Becoming a Teacher in India

A U.S. teaching license can open doors for educators around the world because it is widely regarded as a high-level credential anywhere you go, and fully accredited online programs like TEACH-NOW empower international teachers to earn their license from any country. At Moreland, we recommend pursuing licensure through Washington, D.C., because it offers a straightforward pathway to U.S. certification. 

Here are the basic steps you’ll need to follow to add a D.C. teaching license to your credentials and help you journey to becoming a teacher in India:

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Earning a bachelor’s degree is usually considered the biggest step toward becoming a teacher in India or any other country. If your degree is in a subject other than education, that’s ok! You can still become an international teacher by completing a D.C.-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP).

Step 2: Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)

Completing an EPP like our 100% online TEACH-NOW program will prepare you for a thriving education career by helping you build essential instructional skills and giving you practical clinical experience. Completable in as little as 9 months with interest-free monthly payment plans and no application fee, TEACH-NOW is a trusted, affordable option for educators worldwide.

Step 3: Complete a Clinical Practice

Hands-on classroom experience is the best way to learn what it’s like to work in a real teaching environment. Clinical learning (student teaching) is built into Moreland’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program and can be completed in your current classroom if you’re already working as a teacher. For aspiring teachers, we can help you find a placement opportunity to complete this immersive portion of the program.

Step 4: Pass the Required Praxis Exams

To earn a U.S. teaching license through Washington D.C., all aspiring teachers must pass the Praxis Core exam for general knowledge, the Praxis Subject Assessment for their content area specialization, and the Principles of Learning and Teaching test for their desired grade level.

Step 5: Submit Fingerprints and Pass a Background Check

Every teacher pursuing a U.S. teaching license through Washington D.C. must successfully clear a background check and submit fingerprints. You do not need to travel to the U.S. to complete this requirement.

Step 6: Submit Your Licensure Application

Once you have completed the previous steps, it’s time to submit your application for teacher certification to Washington D.C.’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). You will need to include documents such as official transcripts, test scores, and verification of program completion as part of your application packet. 

In addition to these steps for earning your U.S. teaching license, you will also need to secure an employment visa to teach in India. Be sure to consider this while researching job opportunities and handling logistics like arranging housing, familiarizing yourself with local customs, and even learning basic Hindi to help your transition go smoothly.

Can You Become a Teacher in India Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes, it is possible to teach in India without a degree in education. International schools and schools focusing on English language instruction especially welcome teachers who have a bachelor’s degree in any field as long as they also have a teaching license. However, earning formal teaching credentials through programs like TEACH-NOW can significantly improve your job prospects and earning potential.

Moreland University Supports Teachers in India

Teaching in India can be more than just a career opportunity; it can be a fun, eye-opening way to explore a new culture while growing as a person and a professional through countless rewarding moments in the classroom and outside of it. By earning a U.S. teaching license, you can add an extra dimension to your resume and become an even better applicant for Indian schools seeking skilled, credentialed educators. 

Take the next step in your teaching journey today by completing your free TEACH-NOW application. It takes less than 15 minutes, and once you’re enrolled, you can be just 9 months away from a career creating a meaningful impact in India or anywhere you choose.