Yoga Instructor
Trained expert who teaches yoga for physical and mental well-being.
Overview
An expert trained in the art of yoga can become a Yoga Instructor. Yoga is an ancient and complex practice, rooted in Indian philosophy. It began as a spiritual practice but has become popular as a way of promoting physical and mental well-being.
Where they work
- Yoga studios
- Fitness facilities
- Sports teams
- Corporate business settings (as a corporate yoga instructor)
Work environment
The timings are flexible if you work independently. In Yoga studios, or fitness facilities, you might be required to work 6 to 7 hours for 5 to 6 days. Shift system is applicable. Entrepreneurship: you can even become a personal yoga instructor and visit clients' homes to teach them yoga.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You enjoy sports
- You are physically fit and agile
- You are an effective communicator
- You like to help others
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 (B.N.Y.S./B.A./B.Sc) in Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (M.A./M.Sc.) in Yoga and Naturopathy.
Alternative route 3
- 1Pursue a certificate course from any of the institutes certified by the Yoga Certification Board.
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
The course is offered by the Department of Physical Education. Check whether the institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC or the AYUSH Yoga Certification Board before applying. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra
- Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi
- Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan, West Bengal
- Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, Maharashtra
- Gandhigram Rural Institute, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu
- JC Bose University of Science and Technology, Faridabad, Haryana
- Lucknow University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Chandigarh University, Chandigarh
- Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Pune, Maharashtra
- Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Jaipur National University, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Dr. D.Y. Patil University, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Singhania University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
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
- 1Trainee yoga Instructor
- 2Yoga instructor
- 3Senior Yoga Instructor
Related careers to explore
Naturopathic Doctor
Treats patients through naturopathy — natural therapies that support the body's ability to heal.
Physical Fitness Trainer
Helps people of all ages improve health and fitness through exercise and healthy diet.
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, Physical Education.
- 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.
Example from the field
Farina Farid — Currently a Yoga Instructor based in Hyderabad who quit her career in modelling and found solace in yoga and meditation. In 2010, she enrolled in the Bihar School of Yoga and started her practice in Yoga after graduating.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 445 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/yoga-instructor/india
- 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.