How to become a Preschool Teacher — your road, class by class

A preschool teacher teaches children aged 3 to 6 through play and activity in nursery, kindergarten and preparatory classes. NCTE's norms for the Diploma in Preschool Education (DPSE) set the training for this job. [1]

A normal working day

• Plan play-based activities for language, numbers and the world around.
• Watch each child's growth and keep simple records.
• Talk with parents and keep the classroom safe and joyful.

Pay

No central pay scale for preschool teachers was found in a current official notice, so pay is not printed.

Main routes

Time and cost

DPSE

2 academic years (finish within 3) [1]

Internship

At least 20 weeks: 4 in year 1, 16 in year 2 [1]

DPSE fees are set by the affiliating body or state; NCTE bans donations and capitation fees, so no amount is printed.

Hidden challenges

• You need 80% attendance in course work and practicum and 90% in the school internship. [1]
• One-fourth of the total marks come from classroom observation and the 16-week internship — practice counts as much as theory. [1]
• Admission rules differ by state — some use Class 12 marks only, others an entrance test. [1]

Who should not choose it

• You lose patience with noise, tears and repetition.
• You prefer lecturing to playing and singing with children.
• You dislike talking with parents every day.

1. You are here Class 8 · Class 9

   Enjoy young children

   • DPSE prepares teachers for children aged 3 to 6 in nursery, kindergarten and preparatory schools. [1]

   Doubt What does a preschool teacher do?

   Teaches children aged 3 to 6 through joyful, play- and activity-based learning in nursery, kindergarten or preparatory classes, as NCTE's DPSE norms describe. [1]

   Next: Read the Routes list above.

   Doubt Is DPSE the same as D.E.C.Ed?

   Yes. NCTE says the Diploma in Preschool Education (DPSE) was earlier known as the Diploma in Early Childhood Education (D.E.C.Ed). [1]

   Next: Look for either name in college lists.

2. You are here Class 10

   Any stream — keep 50%

   • DPSE needs at least 50% in Class 12 or equivalent — no stream is fixed. [1]

   Stream / subjects: Any stream; aim for 50% or more in Class 12.

   Doubt Which stream do I need to become a nursery teacher?

   Any. NCTE's only rule for DPSE is at least 50% in Class 12 or equivalent, with relaxations for reserved categories as per central or state rules. [1]

   Next: Choose a stream you can score 50%+ in.

   Doubt Can I join DPSE right after Class 10?

   No. NCTE requires at least 50% in the higher secondary (Class 12) or an equivalent exam. [1]

   Next: Finish Class 12 first.

3. You are here Class 11 · Class 12

   Score 50% and apply

   • Admission is on merit — Class 12 marks and / or an entrance test, as the state or UT decides. [1]

   Doubt Is there an entrance exam for DPSE?

   It depends on your state. NCTE says admission is on merit from Class 12 marks and / or an entrance examination or another process set by the state government or UT administration. [1]

   Next: Check your state's DPSE admission notice.

   Doubt What percentage do I need for DPSE?

   At least 50% in Class 12 or equivalent. SC, ST, OBC, PwD and other categories get relaxations as per central or state rules. [1]

   Next: Keep your category certificate ready.

4. You are here In college

   Two years of DPSE

   • Theory, practicum and school internship: observation of preschools, planned practice teaching, then full-time internship in public, private or NGO preschools. [1]
   • Courses include child development, health and nutrition, maths and language in early years, children with special needs and working with parents. [1]

   Doubt How long is the DPSE course?

   Two academic years, and you must finish within three years of admission. There are at least 200 working days a year. [1]

   Next: Plan two full years of study.

   Doubt How much internship does DPSE have?

   At least 20 weeks in preschools — 4 weeks of classroom observation in year 1 and 16 weeks of internship in year 2. [1]

   Next: Treat the internship like your first job.

   Doubt What attendance does DPSE need?

   80% for course work and practicum, and 90% for the school internship. [1]

   Next: Do not miss internship days.

   Doubt What subjects are taught in DPSE?

   Early childhood care and education in India, understanding children, health and nutrition, gender and diversity, preschool curriculum, methods and materials, maths, language and environment for young children, planning a preschool programme, children with special needs and working with parents and community. [1]

   Next: Start reading about how young children learn.

5. You are here Graduated

   Assessment and your first school

   • 20–30% of each theory course is internal assessment and 70–80% is the examining body's exam; one-fourth of total marks are for classroom observation and the 16-week internship. [1]

   Doubt How are DPSE students assessed?

   Each theory course has 20–30% internal assessment and 70–80% external exam. One-fourth of the total marks go to classroom observation and the 16-week school internship. [1]

   Next: Keep good observation records.

   Doubt How do I check that a DPSE college is genuine?

   NCTE's norms apply to recognised teacher education institutions; each must charge only the fee prescribed by the affiliating body or state and may not take donations or capitation fees. [1]

   Next: Ask to see the institution's NCTE recognition order.

   Doubt Where do DPSE students do their internship?

   Each institution must tie up with at least ten preschools or pre-primary schools for internship and school-based work; having its own attached preschool is desirable. [1]

   Next: Ask the college which preschools it works with.

6. You are here Working / switching career

   Grow into primary teaching

   • To teach Classes I–V in central schools you need an NCTE elementary teacher qualification and CTET Paper I. [2] [3]

   Doubt Can a preschool teacher later teach Class 1 to 5?

   Yes, with the right qualifications. Primary teaching in central schools needs an NCTE-recognised elementary teacher qualification and CTET Paper I — DPSE alone is for ages 3 to 6. [2] [3] [1]

   Next: Read the school teacher blueprint for the CTET road.

   Doubt Can I work with children with special needs after DPSE?

   DPSE includes a course on working with children with special needs. To teach them as a special educator you need an RCI-recognised course and RCI registration. [1] [4]

   Next: See the special education teacher blueprint.

Diploma in Preschool Education (NCTE norms) · NCTE (norms) · state government / affiliating body (admission and exams)

Entry

Class 12 with 50% [1]

Length

2 years (max 3) [1]

Internship

20 weeks minimum [1]

Intake unit

50 students a year [1]

Stage table source [1]

Open the full exam guide

• National norms: NCTE's DPSE rules apply across India; each state or UT sets its own admission process and fees within them. [1]

National route applies. This career follows the same rules in every state and UT.

1. NCTE Regulations 2014 — Appendix 1: Norms and standards for the Diploma in Preschool Education (DPSE) (Gazette, image PDF) (opens in a new tab) preschool education for ages 3 to 6, DPSE earlier called D.E.C.Ed, 2 years (max 3), 200 working days, 36 hours a week, attendance 80% / 90%, intake unit 50 (up to four units for government institutions), 50% in Class 12, relaxations, merit / entrance by state or UT, fees as per affiliating body, no capitation; theory courses, practicum, 3-stage internship of at least 20 weeks (4 + 16), tie-up with at least ten preschools; assessment 20–30% internal / 70–80% external, one-fourth for observation and internship · Last checked 28 Oct 2026
2. CBSE — CTET September 2026 Information Bulletin (22nd edition) (opens in a new tab) applications 11 May – 10 Jun 2026, fees, NCTE qualifications, Paper I / II structure, 150 MCQs, no negative marking, 60% pass, concessions, applicability to central / UT / state schools, no right to recruitment · Last checked 25 Oct 2026
3. KVS & NVS — Recruitment Notification 01/2025, teaching and non-teaching posts (CBSE, 13 Nov 2025) (opens in a new tab) Librarian (KVS) 147 and TGT (Library) (NVS) 134 vacancies, B.Lib / B.Lib.I.Sc 50% + computer applications + Hindi and English, Level 7 ₹44,900–1,42,400, age up to 35, CTET not needed for Librarian; TGT (Physical & Health Edn.) KVS 144, TGT (Physical Education) NVS 124 male + 128 female, PGT (Physical Education) NVS 63, B.P.Ed / M.P.Ed qualifications with 50%, no CTET for PE posts; Special Educator (TGT) KVS 493 and NVS 495, Special Educator (PRT) KVS 494, B.Ed / D.Ed Special Education 50%, CTET Paper II / Paper I, RCI CRR registration, Level 7 / Level 6, age 35 / 30; two tiers + interview (85 : 15), ₹1,200 exam fee + ₹500 processing, SC / ST / PwBD / ex-servicemen exempt from exam fee · Last checked 28 Oct 2026
4. Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992 (as amended), RCI copy (opens in a new tab) Central Rehabilitation Register; section 13 — only enrolled professionals may hold posts, practise or certify; up to 1 year and / or ₹1,000 fine · Last checked 25 Oct 2026
5. SCERT Nagaland — NMMSS Examination 2027 advertisement (27 Jul 2026) (opens in a new tab) Class 8 eligibility, 55% / 50% Class 7 marks, ₹1,000 a month from Class 9 to 12 (one state's notice of the central scheme) · Last checked 24 Oct 2026
6. Ministry of Education — PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships guidelines (2022-23 onwards), copy hosted by NIT Kurukshetra (opens in a new tab) 80th percentile, ₹4.5 lakh income, regular degree only, no other scholarship, ₹12,000 / ₹20,000 rates, renewal rules · Last checked 24 Oct 2026
7. Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment — Post Matric Scholarship for SC students, guidelines 2020-21 to 2025-26 (copy hosted by Goa Social Welfare) (opens in a new tab) ₹2.5 lakh income limit, fees + academic allowance, no pre-payment of fees, CA/ICWA/CS students covered · Last checked 24 Oct 2026

Read more: all sources

Spotted something out of date? Email margdarshan07support10@gmail.com with the official link and we will update it.