Diploma in Nursery Teacher Training [NTT]

A diploma in NTT or also known as Nursery Teacher Training is a diploma course of 1 year. The primary focus of the course is to provide training to the teachers who want to cater to the needs of students at the nursery level (pre-primary level). The course aims at improving the overall quality of education at the nursery level or pre-primary level and improving the quality of education. The NTT course trains in areas like child education, teaching methodology, subjects at the pre-primary level and communication that are essential for the physical, cognitive and social development of young students.

To touch the minimum eligibility criteria for the program, the candidates are required to pass the higher secondary (12^th) examination or equivalent examination in any stream with 50% marks. The admissions to the NTT course are done based on the merit list. However, few colleges prefer to conduct their entrance examination.

The average course fee ranges between INR 5000-INR 25000, among the top colleges that provide NTT diploma courses in India are NTT Delhi, Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Singhania University, etc.

Graduates with a Diploma in NTT (Nursery Teacher Training) have a specific set of job prospects like Nursery teacher, Nursery In-charge, or Nursery Department Coordinator. Once the NTT course is completed, the graduates may decide to go for further studies or can take up the said job prospects associated. The average salary for NTT Course pass out is between INR 2 and 3 LPA for a teacher or an In-charge.

Why Study Diploma in NTT (Nursery Teacher Training) Course?

Following are the benefits to choose the diploma in NTT (Nursery Teacher Training) course

·         Employment Opportunities: The graduates of the diploma in NTT course are offered employment opportunities in both pre-schools as well as nursery classes. According to a report by the Times of India, there are above 1000 pre-schools in every metro city and around 300-400 pre-schools in tier 2 and 3 cities. Therefore, it highlights the employment scope of the NTT course in India.

·         Decent Pay Package: The graduates of the Diploma in NTT Course earn an average salary of INR 2-3 lakhs per annum. In metro cities, the average salary for the NTT teacher is around INR 18800 per month. Apart from the salary, the NTT graduates are also entitled to other benefits such as DA, PF and medical facilities such as ESI.

·         Job Satisfaction: The job of Nursery Teacher can be highly satisfying as they deal with kids who have just stepped foot into the world of formal education, and they get to play a key role in moulding the behaviours, morals, habits and character of children. Thus, in a way they are helping in the process of nation-building. This improves the overall job satisfaction of the individual.

·         Opportunity to turn Entrepreneur: The candidates after completion of this course could start their venture. Most of the aspirants will have the opportunity to take up the franchise of the different pre-school in India if they will satisfy their conditions.

Who should study Diploma in NTT (Nursery Teacher Training) Course?

·         Candidates who are enthusiastic to pursue a career as a schoolteacher should take up the NTT course.

·         Candidates who are eager to work at the elementary level of the Indian education system should take up the NTT course.

·         Candidates who are interested in making a career in counselling for at-risk students should take up this course.

·         Woking professionals who are not able to attend regular classes can take up the NTT course in distance mode from IGNOU.

Diploma in Nursery Teacher Training (NTT) Admission Process

The admissions in the Nursery Teacher Training course are done on a merit list basis. However, some colleges prefer to conduct their entrance examination for the admission process followed by a personal interview.

Let us discuss in a bit more detail the admission process.

Education and Skills required to be eligible for the NTT course

The minimum eligibility criteria for admission in the NTT course include a minimum of 50% marks in the 10+2 examination from any recognized board or subject. Further relaxation of 5% is given to the SC/ST students.

Various Institutes take admissions based on an entrance examination followed by a personal interview and take into consideration the percentage of class 12^th for admissions. However, there is no upper age limit for taking admissions in the NTT course.

Some of the most important skills in the NTT training course are:

·         Energy and passion in dealing with young energetic kids

·         Caring and responsive attitude

·         Patience in dealing with every child in the class

·         Empathy

·         Passion for the teaching profession

·         Keen sense of eye for detail

·         And most importantly communication skills in the language children feel comfortable with

Process of admission in NTT course

The admissions for the NTT course are conducted in May or June every year. Candidates should keep the following details in mind for the application process.

·         The candidates ought to visit the website of several colleges and look into the eligibility criteria and the application process.

·         The candidates are required to get themselves registered on the college website and fill up the application form according to the given set of instructions.

·         After filling up the form, the candidates are required to upload the various documents that include Aadhaar Card, passport size photo, 10^th and 12^th class mark sheet, etc.

·         The candidates must pay the application fee and take out the receipt for future reference.

·         The college will then announce a list of qualified candidates who are required to confirm their candidature by paying the admission fee.

Note: In the case of Entrance examination-based admission, the candidates are required to follow the above steps till submission of the application form, after that candidates will have to appear in the entrance examination. If quailed, then they need to appear for a personal interview or group discussion round.

Diploma in Nursery Teacher Training (NTT) Distance Mode

The diploma NTT course is available in IGNOU, under distance education mode. The name of the course has however been changed to Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) though the learning outcome of the course remains the same.

The specifics of the Diploma in Nursery Teacher Training IGNOU course have been explained in the points below

·         The eligibility criteria for the NTT IGNOU course is that the candidates must pass their higher secondary education (10+2) examination or equivalent examination for a recognized board in any subject.

·         The minimum duration of the course is 1 year and the maximum for the same is 4 years.

·         The course fee is INR 2400

·         There is no minimum or maximum age restrictions.