B.Ed or NET: Which One Is Better for Starting Your Career in Academia

B.Ed or NET: Which One Is Better for Starting Your Career in Academia
December 2, 2024
Teaching Exams . UGC NET

Many of you have dreams, that involve a lifelong pursuit of teaching. You may have dreamt of starting your career in a school as a teacher, or you may think about joining a college or university as a professor. But you are still confused and cannot be able to decide the right direction to move. To assist you with making the best decision for your career development, this article will offer a comprehensive comparison between B.Ed. and NET. We will also discuss some points you need to remember before choosing any path.

UGC NET and B.Ed: Differences/ Similarities

In India if you want to become a teacher and start your career in the field of education you have two options to choose from. Such as: 

  1. School Teacher
  2. Professor

What is B.Ed? 

Bachelor of Education or B.Ed is an undergraduate degree course that provides training and prepares students/aspirants to start their career in teaching. The course duration normally consists of 2 years, depending upon the program structure the organization has offered. If you want to move forward with your dreams of being a school educator, this degree program is often mandatory. Having this degree will provide you with opportunities to teach in both public and private schools. Though there is no upper age limit for this particular course, but it’s worth mentioning that most states have issued age restrictions to join a public school as an educator. The restrictions vary from 36-40 years of age. However, if you want to join a B.Ed course, you need to get your bachelor degree first.

What is NET?

We have already learned about some aspects of  B.Ed courses. Now we need to know more about NET. Though it is quite opposite to B.Ed, it also opens the door to secure employability in academia. NET stands for National Eligibility Test, it is a standardized te to determine the eligibility to become an Assistant Professor. This exam is conducted by NTA on behalf of University Grants Commission (UGC).

Take a quick look into the differences between B.Ed and NET

B.Ed or Net: Some more differences

Earning a Bachelor of Education degree is a great way to gain practical experience in the classroom. B.Ed. programs are great options for those who are passionate about working with elementary and secondary education students.

On the other hand, UGC NET usually offers research-oriented training. You should take the UGC NET if you are interested in working for a university as an assistant professor or funding research projects.

Read More: UGC NET Eligibility Criteria: Qualification, Age Limit, and Reservation Details

A Guide to Make an Informed Career Choice

Selecting the right career path can be challenging when you lack proper guidance. But, it is one of the significant decisions you have to make at some point in your life. To be able to decide what is the right career path for you often needs a thoughtful and informed approach, as it affects not only your professional life but also it can make your personal life miserable. 

To decide whether a career is promising or not, check out the below-mentioned points, it will help you in making continuous self-assessments and also provide confidence to make a strong decision about your career.

Identify Goals: To decide whether you choose NET or B.Ed for your career, primarily you need to find out what are your goals. If you are keen to join and teach school-level students you must focus on pedagogy and classroom management. 

If you have a desire to teach at colleges and universities as an assistant professor and aspire to continue your career in research, then NET can be the wisest choice for you to start.

Considering Educational Eligibility: Educational eligibility can be a determinant factor in choosing your career. Each career needs a special set of skills and specific educational qualifications. 

If you want to join B.Ed courses you have to have your undergraduate degree first, with at least 50% of marks. 

For NET candidates, you need to have your postgraduate degree with at least 55% of marks to sit for the test. 

Assessment of Stability and Growth: It requires a lot of research before beginning a career. Because it is necessary to learn about the pros and cons before deciding the right path for you. You need to keep in mind the stability and growth of your career before starting.

NET and B.Ed, both are related to teaching, but both are completely opposite. One is a competitive test that can make you eligible to become an assistant professor and the other is a development course that can make you eligible to start your career as an educator in schools. Both career options provide growth and stability. Being a teacher is one of the most rewarding and respectful career options in this country.

Considering Remuneration: Who doesn’t want to have a good salary at the end of the month? Each one of us wants that. Every job provides you with an amount of salary for sustenance. You have to choose which is right for you.

Earning a qualification such as NET or completing a B.Ed and securing a position at schools and colleges can potentially lead to a favourable salary, which could contribute to your livelihood.

Read More: Coaching or Self Study Which Way is Better for Your Career

Which is Better, From a Career Perspective, a B.Ed or a NET?

The benefits of UGC NET and B.Ed are non comparable, because both have different requirements, although leading to the same professional field. Whenever to decide the right career path for an aspirant it all comes down to the candidate’s preference.

If becoming a teacher is your professional goal, these two career opportunities can guide you to get there. Both careers have great opportunities for the future. However, you should always be careful when picking a job. Because all it takes is one poor choice to ruin your future.

FAQs

What is the cost of a B.Ed course in India?

The annual B.Ed program fees in India range from 30000 to 100000 rupees. However, the tuition fees of public institutions are much lower than those of private institutes.  Average fees for pursuing B.Ed in distance also cover the amount from 20000 to 50000 rupees.

Is B.Ed enough for teaching?

B.Ed degree is the highest degree to become a school teacher in India. 

Can B.Ed and NET be pursued at the same time?

If you are a postgraduate candidate pursuing B.Ed you can also prepare for UGC NET simultaneously. It can level up your knowledge and open up more routes for future opportunities. To pursue B.Ed you need to have an undergraduate/postgraduate degree. It involves the development of some set of skills that are required in school teaching. Whereas preparing for NET needs a postgraduate degree. It is a competitive exam and it requires in-depth knowledge in specific subjects that need certain research skills.

Can B.Ed provide a secured job right away?

If you are willing to teach in private institutions, you can apply as soon as you get your B.Ed degree. But if you want to join Public schools in India, like Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya, or public institutions of different states, you need to sit for the competitive exams like CTET, SSCs of respective states, qualify and join these schools. BSSEI, a leading educational institute provides opportunities to prepare for CTET exams.

Is NET tougher than B.Ed?

NET is a completely different preparation than B.Ed. Both are non-comparable. B.Ed provides detailed learning about pedagogical skills and NET is an exam to determine the eligibility for aspiring assistant professors. If you study smart both will be easy to understand.

Is it worth doing a B.Ed course in 2024?

Deciding to pursue a B.Ed in 2024 largely depends on your passion for teaching and career goals. Consider the job market demand for educators, the quality of programs available, and the financial investment required. If teaching aligns with your aspirations and opportunities look promising, it can be a worthwhile decision. Evaluate your circumstances to make the best choice for your future.

What is the future of B.Ed?

The future of B.Ed (Bachelor of Education) programs is looking promising as there is a growing emphasis on quality education and teacher training. With advancements in technology and pedagogy, B.Ed programs are increasingly integrating online learning, innovative teaching methods, and specialized training to equip educators for diverse classroom environments. Additionally, the demand for qualified teachers continues to rise, suggesting a sustained relevance for B.Ed graduates in the evolving educational landscape.

B.ed vs ugc net
ugc net vs b.ed