In a significant move to revamp teacher education, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved a major reform, converting six District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) into full-fledged higher education institutions. This strategic decision, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, marks a pivotal shift in how future teachers in the state will be trained.
From DIETs to Degree-Granting Institutes: The Selected Six
The six DIETs chosen for this first-phase upgradation are located in Gautam Buddha Nagar (Dankaur), Jaunpur, Hapur, Meerut, Banaras (Varanasi), and Gorakhpur. These institutes were selected from nearly 70 DIETs operational across Uttar Pradesh. The transformation will empower them to offer four-year integrated undergraduate programmes combined with teacher training.
Previously, aspiring teachers had to complete a three-year graduation degree (BA, BSc, or BCom) before enrolling in a separate two-year Bachelor of Education (BEd) course. The new model condenses this pathway. Students can now pursue professional teacher training immediately after Class 12 through integrated BA-BEd, BSc-BEd, and BCom-BEd courses. This not only reduces the overall duration of teacher preparation but is designed to enhance academic quality through a multidisciplinary approach.
Roadmap and Infrastructure: A Rs 16 Crore Push
The state education department, following recommendations from the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), is set to finalise the implementation plan. A crucial meeting with the principals of the selected DIETs is scheduled for Monday to chart the detailed roadmap. This will include finalising the academic structure, faculty deployment, and the necessary infrastructure upgrades.
To support this ambitious transformation, the state government has allocated a budget of Rs 16 crore specifically for infrastructure development. These funds will be utilised to construct new buildings, establish modern classrooms and laboratories, develop digital libraries, and create other essential academic facilities to meet the standards of higher education institutes.
Phasing Out Old System, Ushering in NEP-Aligned Training
Officials confirmed that the existing two-year Diploma in Elementary Education (DElEd) programme will be gradually discontinued in these institutes. In its place, the four-year integrated degree programmes will be established, fully aligning with the NEP's vision. RS Yadav, Principal of DIET in GB Nagar, emphasized that this move will "train teachers directly after the 12th grade, reducing the overall duration of teacher preparation while improving academic quality."
District DIET Principal Raj Singh Yadav highlighted that the Dankaur institute had submitted a proposal for introducing BEd courses about a year ago and already possesses many required facilities. "The institute was also selected as a Centre of Excellence, further strengthening its case for upgradation," he added. Faculty at these DIETs will now work on revising curricula, modifying textbooks, and upgrading teaching-learning materials in line with NEP guidelines.
This initiative is widely seen as a milestone for improving both the quality and accessibility of teacher education in Uttar Pradesh. It is expected to benefit thousands of students across the state, creating a streamlined, modern pathway into the teaching profession.
