CBSE's Mandatory Bridge Course for Primary Teachers Faces Backlash Over High Fees
In Bengaluru, a directive from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) requiring in-service primary teachers to complete a six-month bridge course has sparked significant discontent among educators. The program, which carries a fee of Rs 25,000, has been met with concerns over affordability, particularly for teachers in private schools who often earn modest salaries.
Mandatory Training Under Supreme Court Order
The course is mandated for in-service primary school teachers who were appointed with a BEd degree between June 28, 2018, and August 11, 2023. This training, conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), is essential to validate their employment, as per a Supreme Court order. However, many teachers argue that the cost is prohibitive.
"It is no secret that all private school teachers are not so well paid. How can we afford a course fee of that scale for an online course?" questioned one teacher, highlighting the financial strain.
Support for Training but Calls for Affordability
Sandeep Pai S, chairperson of Bangalore Sahodaya, an association of CBSE schools, acknowledged the importance of the training. He explained that BEd teachers typically receive subject-specific training for classes 6 and above, but teaching lower grades requires different skills, making this bridge course crucial.
"Our logic is that if a teacher is capable of teaching in class 6, she/he can teach grade 1 as well. This is not true as lower classes call for a different set of capabilities. The training is, therefore, crucial," he stated.
However, he emphasized that when such training is made mandatory, it should be offered at an affordable cost. "At the same time, when it is made mandatory, training should be given at an affordable cost. We know that salary of a teacher is not uniform in schools. As a one-time measure, the fees should be reduced," he added, advocating for fee reductions to ease the burden on educators.
Low Registration Rates and Deadline Extension
According to NIOS, registration for the course has been extremely low in Karnataka. As of December 29, 2025, only 38 teachers in the Bengaluru region had paid the fee. Across India, the total number stood at 62,657, with the highest registrations in:
- Prayagraj: 31,364
- Bhopal: 10,322
- Patna: 7,627
In response to the low uptake, the last date for registration has been extended to March 10, providing teachers with additional time to enroll.
Broader Implications for Education Policy
This situation underscores ongoing challenges in implementing educational reforms, particularly when they involve financial costs for teachers. The controversy highlights the need for policymakers to balance mandatory training requirements with considerations for educator affordability and support.
As the debate continues, stakeholders are calling for a review of the fee structure to ensure that the bridge course does not become a barrier for teachers seeking to comply with regulatory standards.
