By team abhyaspeeth 
Following a directive from the Supreme Court, primary school teachers across several states, including Uttar Pradesh, will now be required to undergo a six-month bridge course. This comes in the wake of a ruling that changes the eligibility criteria for teaching positions in government schools, particularly affecting those who previously held B.Ed. degrees.
Until August 11, 2023, a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree was a valid qualification for teaching at the primary level. However, the Supreme Court’s decision on August 7, 2024, invalidated this provision, prompting the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) to develop a structured bridge course aimed at enhancing teacher qualifications and aligning them with updated standards.
The bridge course is designed to improve the professional and academic competencies of teachers. It will focus on modern teaching techniques, curriculum planning, classroom session design, and the use of educational tools and digital resources. In addition, the program will include training on understanding student psychology and personality development, as well as lessons on professional ethics.
According to a notification from NCTE Member Secretary Abhilasha Jha Mishra, the course is compulsory for those teachers who lost their appointments following the Supreme Court’s verdict in 2023. However, candidates who have merely applied or have yet to accept appointments are exempt from this requirement.
The bridge course will play a crucial role in helping affected teachers regain their positions by equipping them with the necessary pedagogical skills. It is expected that approximately 35,000 teachers in Uttar Pradesh alone may be impacted by this mandate.
In addition to teacher training, a similar initiative is being rolled out for students. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a bridge course for students in Classes V and VIII to help them transition smoothly to the revised academic framework. This course will familiarize them with the new curriculum, ensuring a better understanding of foundational concepts for continued academic success.