The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has opened online registration for a special six-month bridge course . This course is for teachers who hold a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree and are currently working in primary schools across India. The registration portal went live after being launched by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on the occasion of NIOS's 36th Foundation Day.
Teachers who were hired as primary teachers with a BEd degree between June 28, 2018, and August 11, 2023 , must apply for and complete this course. This step is necessary to keep their eligibility for teaching at the primary level.
Key Details of the Bridge Course
Here are the important details about the NIOS six-month bridge course:
| Course Name | Six-Month Bridge Course for BEd-Qualified Primary Teachers |
| Organising Body | National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | bridge.nios.ac.in |
| Target Teachers | BEd-qualified primary teachers |
| Appointment Period | Between June 28, 2018, and August 11, 2023 |
| Course Status | Mandatory for eligibility |
Why This Course is Mandatory
This bridge course is a direct result of a ruling by the Supreme Court of India. The Court stated that teachers with only a BEd degree are not fully suitable for teaching children in primary classes (Class 1 to 5). BEd training mostly focuses on teaching higher classes (secondary level), while primary education requires different skills, often covered by courses like the Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
The Supreme Court therefore directed the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) to prepare a special course. This course would give BEd teachers the specific training needed to teach effectively at the primary level. The Ministry of Education, Government of India, has approved this course, and NIOS is now conducting it.
By completing this bridge course, BEd-qualified primary teachers will gain the necessary skills and knowledge. This ensures they meet the standards set for teaching young children and remain eligible for their positions.
Who Needs to Apply?
This course is specifically for a certain group of teachers. If you are a primary teacher with a BEd degree, and you were appointed during the period of June 28, 2018, to August 11, 2023 , then enrolling in this course is compulsory for you. Failing to complete it may affect your job eligibility.
How to Apply Online
To register for the six-month bridge course, follow these simple steps:
- Go to the official NIOS bridge course website: bridge.nios.ac.in .
- Find and click on the link for online registration.
- Fill out the application form with your correct personal and professional details.
- Upload scanned copies of all the required documents as listed below.
- Review all the information carefully before submitting your application.
It is important to complete your registration within the given deadline. Keep checking the NIOS website for any updates regarding the last date to apply.
Required Documents for Registration
Please make sure you have the following documents ready in digital format (scanned copies) before you begin your online application:
- A recent passport-size photograph .
- Your official BEd degree certificate .
- Your appointment letter as a primary teacher.
- A self-declaration certificate from you, officially certified and signed by your school principal. This letter confirms your employment as a primary teacher.
- Your school's unique identification code, known as the U-DISE Plus code .
Having these documents prepared beforehand will make the application process smoother and faster.
Get Technical Support
If you experience any technical issues or need help during the online registration, you can send an email to the support team. Their email address is bridgesupport@nios.ac.in . They will assist you with any website-related problems.
This initiative by NIOS, following the Supreme Court's directions, is a crucial step to ensure that all teachers at the primary level are fully equipped with the right skills for foundational education. It helps maintain high-quality teaching standards for young students across India.