Education & Academia
Editorially verified
How to become a

Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT)

TGTs teach Classes 6-10 a specialised subject. A stable, respected school-teaching career including government, KV and NVS posts.

₹3.5–12 LPA

typical range

CTET

key entrance exam

4 steps

school → career
Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) illustration

About this career

A Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) in India is a specialized educator responsible for teaching students in Classes 6 through 10. In your daily routine, you will prepare structured lesson plans, deliver engaging subject-specific lectures, and assess student performance through regular assignments and examinations. You act as a mentor, ensuring that students grasp core concepts while fostering a positive learning environment within the classroom.

Beyond academics, you play a vital role in the holistic development of students by managing disciplinary matters and organizing extracurricular activities. Whether working in government schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, or Navodaya Vidyalayas, you are a cornerstone of the secondary education system, helping build the foundational knowledge students need for their future academic pursuits.

Who it's for

This career is ideal for students who possess deep subject expertise, genuine patience, and a passion for mentoring young adolescents.

What you'll actually do

A typical week in this role.

Preparing daily lesson plans for Classes 6-10

Conducting interactive classroom lectures

Evaluating student assignments and assessments

Maintaining classroom discipline and engagement

Participating in parent-teacher meetings

The path from school

The realistic route, one step at a time.

1
Undergraduate
3-4 years

Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.A., B.Sc., or B.Com) in your chosen teaching subject from a recognized university.

Focus: Maintain a strong academic record in your core subject to meet eligibility criteria for B.Ed programs.

2
Professional Training
2 years

Pursue a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree to gain the necessary pedagogical training and teaching qualifications.

Focus: Master classroom management techniques and subject-specific teaching methodologies.

3
Licensing & Eligibility
6 months

Qualify for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) or the relevant State Teacher Eligibility Test (State TET).

Focus: Focus on clearing the Paper II exam specifically designed for teachers of classes 6 to 8.

4
Recruitment & Entry
1 year

Apply for TGT positions through competitive recruitment processes conducted by KVS, NVS, or state-level education boards.

Focus: Prepare for the specific written examinations and interview rounds conducted by the respective recruitment bodies.

What it pays in India

Indicative, conservative medians — real offers vary by city, college and company.

Entry level

₹3.5LPA

Starting out
Mid-career

₹7LPA

A few years in
Senior

₹12LPA

Experienced

The honest picture

The upsides worth chasing — and the trade-offs to go in with eyes open.

Why people love it

High job security in government sectors

Respectable position within the community

Opportunities for professional growth

What to weigh up

High administrative and reporting workload

Demanding classroom management requirements

Limited salary growth compared to corporate

How your career grows

A typical arc from your first role to leadership.

1
Entry Level

Beginning as a TGT in a government or private school.

2
Mid Level

Gaining seniority and potentially leading a subject department.

3
Senior Level

Promoted to Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) after further education.

4
Leadership

Advancing to roles like Vice-Principal or School Principal.

The essentials

Exams, degrees, where people study, and the skills that matter.

Entrance exams

The tests that open the door — real and currently conducted.
CTET
State TET
KVS/NVS recruitment

Degrees that get you there

Qualifications employers and licences recognise.
Bachelor's + B.Ed

Where people study this

Well-regarded institutions or programme types — not exhaustive.
Any recognised university + B.Ed

Skills that matter

What you'll be hired and promoted on.
Teaching
Subject Knowledge
Classroom Management
Patience

Who hires for this

Employers and organisations that recruit for this role in India.

K

Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan

N

Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti

D

Directorate of Education (State Governments)

D

Delhi Public School Society

A

Atomic Energy Education Society

A

Army Public Schools

Demand outlook

Stable school demand; government posts offer strong pay and security.

How ready are you for this career?

Get your Career Readiness Index — a live 300–900 score built from what you actually do, that you, your parents and your school can watch improve.