NIOS to Introduce Mandatory Bridge Course for B.Ed. Qualified Teachers

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is launching a mandatory six-month bridge course for B.Ed. qualified assistant teachers in primary schools, following a Supreme Court directive. With over 66,000 teachers registered, the course aims to meet essential qualification requirements. The training will be conducted online and via distance learning, with a schedule to be announced soon. This initiative is crucial for teachers appointed between June 28, 2018, and August 11, 2023, as failure to complete the course may invalidate their appointments. Stay tuned for more updates on this important educational development.

By Ambika Singh Sep 9, 2026, 19:12 IST

New Training Initiative for B.Ed. Teachers

A significant announcement has been made regarding B.Ed. qualified assistant teachers in primary education. In response to a directive from the Supreme Court, the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is preparing to implement a special six-month bridge course for these educators. This training is essential for meeting the qualification standards required for teaching at the primary level. As per NIOS, a total of 66,154 B.Ed. teachers nationwide have enrolled for this course, with Uttar Pradesh reporting the highest number of registrations.

**Registration Statistics**
The special training program has attracted 66,154 teachers from across the country. Uttar Pradesh tops the list with 33,640 registrations, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 10,650, Bihar with 7,569, and West Bengal with 6,627. Additionally, 1,376 teachers from Assam and 1,208 from Chhattisgarh have also signed up.

**Eligibility for the Course**
This bridge course is compulsory for B.Ed.-qualified assistant teachers who were appointed in primary schools between June 28, 2018, and August 11, 2023. In line with the Supreme Court's ruling, these teachers must complete the required training.

The course spans six months and must be finished within one year from the official start date. Not completing the course within this timeframe may lead to the invalidation of the teacher's appointment.

**Upcoming Schedule Announcement**
The training received approval from state governments approximately four months ago. However, some teachers had previously filed petitions in the Supreme Court for exemption from this bridge course. With those petitions resolved, the training can now proceed. Alok Kumar Gupta, Deputy Director of the Capacity Building Cell at NIOS in Noida, confirmed that preparations for online and distance learning modes are complete, and the training schedule will be announced shortly.