National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST)

Public statement of what constitutes teacher quality

Sh. Dharmendra Pradhan

Hon'ble Education Minister, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 serves as a guide towards the educational trajectory of the nation for excellence. Through its forward-thinking approach, it paves the way for the teacher education system that not only imparts knowledge but also instils a passion for learning, critical thinking, and creativity – qualities that are indispensable in preparing the teachers for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Acknowledging the pivotal role teachers play in shaping the minds of the future generation, the policy recognizes that equipping teachers with the necessary tools and knowledge is paramount. Professional standards for teachers are essential for ensuring the quality of education by delineating the expectations and guidelines for effective teaching practices. These standards play a vital role in shaping the skills, knowledge, and competencies of teachers.

National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has developed the National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) Guiding Document to be a compendium of guiding principles, articulating the anticipated responsibilities and competencies inherent to the role of a teacher across varying levels of expertise and different stages of a professional career thus serving as a benchmark for the cultivation of a proficient and dynamic teaching force.

I am confident that, with the continued efforts, the educational landscape of our nation will witness positive transformations that will benefit generations to come.

Sh. Dharmendra Pradhan

Smt. Annpurna Devi

Smt. Annpurna Devi
Hon'ble Minister of State for Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India

The National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) sets a significant milestone in the commitment to elevating the teaching profession and ensuring quality education for all. NPST Guiding Document has been formulated with rigorous consultation, research, and collaboration with educators, experts, expert bodies, and other stakeholders in the field. These standards encapsulate the essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions that define effective teaching in the 21st Century. The NPST Guiding Document provides a comprehensive framework that not only sets clear expectations for teachers but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement of moral and ethics, subject knowledge and evidence building for career management.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) and all stakeholders who have played a pivotal role in the development of these standards.

Sh. Sanjay Kumar, IAS

Secretary DoSE&L, Ministry of Education, Government of India

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has brought transformative reforms in the field of Teacher Education in India. To achieve the goal of holistic and quality education for all, the policy has laid particular emphasis on the development of the teaching profession and has placed teachers at the center of all reforms. The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has developed a comprehensive Guiding Document to achieve a well-designed common set of National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) keeping in mind all the objectives of NEP 2020. Based on a series of discussions/consultations and collaboration with different stakeholders, this document has been prepared following a bottom-up approach and various levels of research. I expect the guiding document to be a catalyst in developing teachers' competency and enable them to become teachers at par with global standards.

I extend my congratulations to the NCTE and all the stakeholders involved in this task.

Sh. Sanjay Kumar, IAS

Professor Pankaj Arora

Professor Pankaj Arora
Chairperson, NCTE

The National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) Guiding Document, 2023 was released by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) in response to the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) mandate, which prompted the organization to restructure and take on the role of “Professional Standard Setting Body (PSSB) (Para 5.20.)”. These guidelines will make it easier to create a precise framework that outlines the abilities, understandings, practices, attitudes, and knowledges that teachers need to have to effectively support students' learning. Additionally, they serve as a benchmark for professional development, assisting educators in making ongoing improvements throughout their careers.

Best Wishes

Ms. Abhilasha Jha Misra, IRAS

Member Secretary, NCTE

The National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) represent a significant stride toward reimagining the role and growth of teachers in alignment with the vision of NEP 2020. These standards are designed to create a shared understanding of what it means to be a professional teacher in today’s evolving educational landscape. By outlining clear, progressive benchmarks for competencies, values, and professional conduct, NPST serves as a dynamic reference point for teachers throughout their careers—from novice to expert—guiding their journey of continuous learning and development.

More than just a policy document, NPST aims to foster a culture of excellence, ethical practice, and accountability within the teaching profession. It reinforces the importance of supportive institutional ecosystems, where teachers are mentored, motivated, and equipped to respond to the diverse needs of learners.

Recognizing that meaningful change in education begins with empowered educators, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) is committed to work in collaboration with teachers, academic institutions, and state authorities to contextualize these standards across varied educational settings. Through dialogue, shared ownership, and sustained capacity building, we envision NPST as a cornerstone in building a professional and respected teaching workforce.

Together, let us move forward in building a future where every teacher is enabled, every classroom is enriched, and every learner is inspired.

Jai Hind.

Ms. Abhilasha Jha Misra, IRAS