Union Education Minister Joshi launches the six-month Certificate Course in PTE

Union Minister for Education, Pralhad Joshi launched the six-month Certificate (Bridge) Course in Primary Teacher Education (PTE) on Sept 16, 2026 in New Delhi. The Course is tailored for in-service primary school teachers who hold a B.Ed. degree. It will serve as a critical pathway for such teachers to attain certification to teach at the primary level. This specialized professional development programme will provide comprehensive training to help teachers to develop the necessary skills and competencies to effectively educate learners at the primary level (I-V).

The Bridge Course will be implemented through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and will equip teachers with child-centred, inclusive and development-appropriate teaching practices, strengthening the quality of education at the foundational and primary stages.

The Course will enable teachers to cater to the diverse learning needs of young children. Comprising six theory courses and a school-based practicum, the programme provides a robust framework to connect educational theory with classroom practice. The Bridge Course aims at empowering primary teachers with the skills, attitudes and reflective capacities necessary to ensure quality education and lifelong learning for all children in primary classrooms. It promotes a vision of teaching as a dynamic, context-sensitive, and inquiry-based profession. (updated on 17th september 2026)