Assistant Teacher
Works with lead teachers to support students in and out of the classroom, often in small groups.
Overview
Assistant Teachers collaborate with Lead Teachers, Administrators and Classroom Aides to provide students with an enriching and productive educational environment. They oversee students in non-classroom settings like lunch, recess and field trips, and they work in small groups or one-on-one with students in the classroom to reinforce instructional material.
Where they work
- Government and Private Schools
- Day-cares
- Non-profit Organisations
- Tutoring Centres
Work environment
You have to work in a classroom environment, working with the children. Part-time work and contractual jobs may be available. Organizations usually work for 5 to 6 days a week and 8 to 9 hours a day. This may vary from organization to organization. Shift system may be available. Overtime may be required. Being self-employed is also an option.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You love to interact with young children
- You are patient and a good listener
- You have a passion for teaching
- You are organised and approachable
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10 + 2 in any stream
- 2Complete Bachelor's degree in any discipline followed by Diploma in Primary Education or equivalent degree
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree in any discipline followed by B.Ed. (General/in Special Education)
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.)/B.A.-B.Ed./B.Sc.-B.Ed.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Education.
Government institutes
- Regional Institute of Education, Mysore, Karnataka
- Banaras Institute of Teachers Education, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Regional Institute of Education, Ajmer, Rajasthan
- Patna Women's College, Patna, Bihar
- Ewing Christian College, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
- State Institute of Science Education, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
- Biswanath College of Education, Chariali, Assam
- District Institute of Education and Training, Surat, Gujarat
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Women Primary Teachers Education College, Chandwara, Muzaffarpur, Bihar
- Primary Teachers Education College, Madhepura, Bihar
- M. Hossain Teachers Training Institute, Kashipur, West Bengal
- Al Ameen Minority Educational and Cultural Institution Trust, Kolkata, West Bengal
- SCT College of Education, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- G.D. Goenka University, Gurugram, Haryana
- St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, West Bengal
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Teacher's Assistants
- 2Kindergarten/Elementary School Teacher
- 3Middle School Teacher
- 4High School Teacher/Special Education Teacher (Upon Obtaining Additional Education)
- 5School Leadership Team Member
- 6Section Head/Supervisor
- 7Vice Principal
- 8Principal
Expected income
₹20,000 – ₹80,000 per month and more
These figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
School Teacher
Guides and nurtures children in schools, teaching academic and practical knowledge.
Pre-school Educator
Teaches language, social and motor skills to children who have yet to enter kindergarten.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 267 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Teacher_Assistant/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.