Are you confused between pursuing B.Ed (Bachelor of Education) or preparing for the UGC NET (National Eligibility Test)? You’re not alone.
Thousands of students ask the same question every year while planning their careers in the education sector.
In this detailed comparison, we’ll help you understand the key differences, eligibility, career scope, salary potential, and ideal path based on your academic goals.
Quick Summary Table: B.Ed vs NET
Criteria | B.Ed | UGC NET |
Full Form | Bachelor of Education | University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test |
Duration | 2 years (after UG) | Conducted yearly twice |
Eligibility | Graduation with 50% marks | Post-Graduation with 55% marks (GEN) |
Purpose | For school teaching | For Assistant Professor & JRF in colleges |
Recognition | NCTE-approved teaching degree | Conducted by NTA for UGC |
Career Outcomes | School Teacher | College Lecturer, Researcher, PhD Eligibility |
Salary Range | ₹30,000 – ₹60,000/month (Govt Schools) | ₹80,000 – ₹1,20,000/month (Govt Colleges/Universities) |
Recommended For | UG or PG Graduates aiming for school teaching | PG holders aspiring for higher education roles |
What is B.Ed? – Career Gateway to School Teaching
The Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) is a 2-year professional degree course that equips candidates to become trained teachers at the primary, secondary, and higher secondary school levels.
Key Highlights:
- Mandatory for teaching in government/private schools in India.
- Accepted qualification for TET, TRB, and other teacher recruitment exams.
- Required for becoming PG Assistant Teachers in Tamil Nadu and other states.
Who Should Choose B.Ed?
- UG graduates (BA, B.Sc., B.Com) who want to teach at school level.
- Candidates preparing for TET / TRB / CTET / KVS / DSSSB.
- Those looking for a steady, secure government job in education.
What is UGC NET? – The Academic Ladder to Higher Education
The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) is a national-level exam that determines eligibility for:
- Assistant Professorship in Indian universities and colleges.
- Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for funded PhD programs.
- Can Join for PhD admission
Key Highlights:
- Conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency) twice a year.
- Requires Post-Graduation in any subject with 55% marks (GEN) and relaxation there for other categories.
- Offers academic prestige and higher salary packages.
Who Should Choose NET?
- PG holders (MA, M.Sc., M.Com, MBA, etc.) who aim for a college lecturer or research career.
- Aspirants looking to pursue PhD with JRF funding.
- Those interested in academic publications, conferences, and research careers.
B.Ed vs NET: Which is Better for YOU?
It depends on your career goals:
Your Goal | Best Path |
Want to become a Government School Teacher | B.Ed + TET/TRB |
Want to teach in colleges or universities | UGC NET (and JRF for research) |
Interested in PhD and academic research | UGC NET + JRF |
Have only UG qualification | Start with B.Ed |
Already done PG | Go for NET (can do B.Ed later if needed) |
Are you in Tamil Nadu?
In Tamil Nadu, if you’re aiming for a PG TRB job (Post Graduate Assistant), then:
- B.Ed is mandatory after PG.
In contrast, for central universities or national institutes:
- UGC NET is compulsory for Assistant Professors.
- B.Ed is not required for college-level teaching.
Is It Possible to Do Both B.Ed and UGC NET?
Yes! Many aspirants pursue B.Ed after UG and then go on to do PG + NET. This opens both career options:
- School-level jobs (via B.Ed + TET/TRB).
- College-level jobs (via PG + NET/JRF).
Tip: If you’re serious about a long-term academic career, aim for a PG + NET + PhD + B.Ed combo.
Career Scope & Salary Comparison
Career Path | Eligibility | Salary Range (Approx) |
TGT School Teacher | UG + B.Ed | ₹30K – ₹50K/month |
PGT School Teacher | PG + B.Ed | ₹40K – ₹60K/month |
Assistant Professor | PG + UGC NET | ₹50K – ₹80K/month |
Professor (Post-PhD) | NET + PhD | ₹1.2L – ₹2L/month |
Research Fellow | NET + JRF | ₹31K – ₹35K + HRA/month |
Expert Advice: What Should You Choose?
At Professor Academy, we guide students through both teaching career pathways:
- If you’re an undergraduate, we recommend beginning with B.Ed, then planning your PG + NET.
- If you’re a postgraduate, aim directly for UGC NET/JRF to secure higher positions in academia.
- If your dream is to become a government school teacher, then B.Ed + TRB/TET is a must.
Join Professor Academy – Your Partner in Teaching Career Success
Whether you’re preparing for:
- TET / TRB after B.Ed
- or
- UGC NET / JRF after Post-Graduation
We at Professor Academy offer:
- Online coaching classes- you can study from your pace
- Recorded lectures- you can study at your flexible timing
- Test series – Boosts your exam preparation
- Doubt-clearing sessions – Improves your clarity in understanding on topics
- Study materials crafted by experts
Contact us today and take the next step in your teaching journey!
Visit: www.professoracademy.com
Email: enquiry@professoracademy.com
Contact:
+91 7070701005,
+91 7070701009,
+91 8807108794,
+91 8124408794
FAQ’s
1) Is NET better than B.Ed?
It depends on your goal. NET is for college-level teaching, B.Ed is for school-level.
2) Can I apply for NET without B.Ed?
Yes. B.Ed is not required for NET. You need Post-Graduation with 55% marks.
3) Which has more salary: B.Ed or NET?
Generally, NET-qualified Assistant Professors earn more than B.Ed-qualified school teachers.
4) Which is more difficult: B.Ed or UGC NET?
UGC NET is tougher, being a national competitive exam.