B.Ed vs. D.El.Ed: Which Course Leads to a Better Teaching Career?

Depending on the objectives, D.El.Ed. is better suited for primary education while B.Ed. is better for secondary education.
UniList Desk

Updated Dec 24, 2025 | 07:58 PM IST

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If you want to become a teacher, you usually have to choose between B.Ed and D.El.Ed. Both courses are related to teaching, but they serve different purposes. The main question students face is which course is better for building a successful teaching career. Many aspiring teachers compare B.Ed and D.El.Ed to understand which qualification will help them secure a teaching job.
B.Ed is one option, while D.El.Ed is another. To make the right choice, students must consider the level at which they want to teach and their long-term career goals. Both courses can lead to a teaching career, but selecting the one that matches your interests is important.
Teaching is a respected and stable profession in India, and many students aim to become teachers after completing school or graduation. Since B.Ed and D.El.Ed both lead to teaching jobs, students often feel confused while choosing between them. This article explains the details of both courses, including eligibility, duration, career opportunities, and government job prospects, to help you decide which option suits you best.

What is B.Ed?

B.Ed stands for Bachelor of Education. It is a professional degree meant for graduates who want to become teachers at the secondary and senior secondary levels. The course focuses on teaching methods, classroom management, educational psychology, and subject-specific training.
After completing a B.Ed degree, candidates are eligible to teach students from Classes 6 to 12. A B.Ed qualification is required to appear for teacher eligibility exams such as the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) Upper Level and various State Teacher Eligibility Tests for upper classes.

Popular Government Universities Offering B.Ed

  • University of Delhi
  • Banaras Hindu University
  • Aligarh Muslim University
  • State government universities

What is D.El.Ed?

D.El.Ed stands for Diploma in Elementary Education. It is a professional diploma course designed for candidates who want to teach young children. The course focuses on child development, learning processes, and teaching methods for elementary education.
After completing D.El.Ed, candidates can teach students from Classes 1 to 8. They are eligible to appear for the CTET (Primary and Upper Primary Levels) and respective State TET exams for elementary teaching posts. D.El.Ed is a mandatory qualification for teaching at the primary and upper primary levels in government schools.

Government Institutes Offering D.El.Ed

  • District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs)
  • State government teacher training colleges

Difference Between B.Ed and D.El.Ed

Full Form
  • B.Ed: Bachelor of Education
  • D.El.Ed: Diploma in Elementary Education
Eligibility
  • B.Ed: Graduation from a recognised university
  • D.El.Ed: Completion of 10+2 from a recognised board
Duration
  • B.Ed: 2 years
  • D.El.Ed: 2 years
Teaching Level
  • B.Ed: Classes 6 to 12
  • D.El.Ed: Classes 1 to 8
Focus Area
  • B.Ed: Subject-based teaching and pedagogy
  • D.El.Ed: Child-centred and elementary education

Eligibility and Duration

For B.Ed
To enrol in a B.Ed programme, students must complete graduation from a recognised university. Admission is generally based on entrance examinations conducted by universities or state authorities, along with academic performance.
For D.El.Ed
To enrol in a D.El.Ed programme, students must complete their 10+2 education. Admissions are usually based on merit or entrance tests conducted by state education authorities. Candidates with good academic records have better chances of selection.
Both B.Ed and D.El.Ed programmes have a duration of two years.

Career Opportunities and Scope

After B.Ed
  • Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT)
  • Post Graduate Teacher (PGT), after completing post-graduation
  • Lecturer or assistant professor, after post-graduation and qualifying required exams
After D.El.Ed
  • Primary school teacher
  • Upper primary school teacher
There is a strong demand for trained teachers in government schools across India

Government Teaching Jobs

Both B.Ed and D.El.Ed qualifications are essential for securing teaching jobs in government schools. Candidates must qualify the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) or the respective State Teacher Eligibility Test (TET). Recruitment is conducted by central bodies and state education boards through official selection processes.

B.Ed vs D.El.Ed: Which is Better?

  • The choice between B.Ed and D.El.Ed depends entirely on your career goals.
  • If you want to teach Classes 6 to 12, B.Ed is the better option.
  • It is suitable for graduates who want to teach higher classes and specialise in specific subjects.
If you want to start teaching early and work closely with young children, D.El.Ed is the right choice. It is ideal for candidates interested in primary and upper primary education.
Both courses offer stable and respectable careers in government schools. Choosing the right one depends on the age group you want to teach and your long-term professional plans.

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