New Delhi, October 23 (APAC Media): Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi has launched a six-month Certificate (Bridge) Course in Primary Teacher Education (PTE) to strengthen the teaching skills of in-service primary school teachers holding Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degrees.
The programme was launched in New Delhi on September 16, 2026, and will be implemented through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
The course aims to equip teachers with the professional competencies required to teach Classes I to V, with an emphasis on child-centred, inclusive and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.
Bridge Course to Enhance Teaching Skills
Designed in accordance with the framework of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), the programme combines theoretical learning with practical classroom experience.
It comprises six theory courses, at least 10 days of online contact classes and a minimum of 20 days of school-based training.
The curriculum includes practice teaching, reflective journals, portfolios, video tutorials and digital learning resources.
The initiative aims to help teachers address the diverse learning needs of children and improve the quality of education at the foundational and primary stages.
Eligibility and Online Admission
The bridge course is intended for eligible in-service primary teachers appointed between June 28, 2018, and August 11, 2023, with B.Ed. qualifications, whose appointments are protected under the applicable NCTE notification.
The programme will be offered through the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode, enabling teachers to continue their professional responsibilities while completing the course.
The medium of instruction will be Hindi and English, while candidates may take the theory examination in any of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Eligible teachers can register online through the NIOS bridge course portal at https://bridge.nios.ac.in and access digital study materials and supplementary learning resources.
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