NCTE (National Council for Teacher Education) was established in 1973 on the proposal of the Union Ministry of Education. However, the organisation got legal status in 1993. It is an independent organisation whose goal is to raise the standard of teacher preparation in India. According to the 1993 Act, its several duties include:
- Researching and disseminating information on various topics related to teacher education.
- Advising Centre, State and UGC on Teacher Education.
- Keeping vigilance and co-ordination of the teacher education system across the state.
- Set the minimum qualifications of teachers and the minimum qualifications of students in teacher training institutions.
- Preparation of general guidelines for various courses related to teacher education.
- To encourage in research and formulation of new ideas about this educational system.
- To arrange inspection and provide funds in this regard.
- Taking appropriate steps to ensure that teacher education does not become a commercial product.
- To arrange training for teachers.
All elementary and secondary teacher training institutes in India are required to have NCTE approval, as per the NCTE ACT (1993). Legally speaking, degrees in teacher education from reputable universities are not allowed. NCTE B.Ed by post aims to stop education, develops contemporary curricula and teaching techniques, and sets a code of professional ethics to safeguard teachers’ professional demeanour in order to uphold adequate standards in teacher education.
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