HPU 1st state varsity to launch teacher education programme

In a landmark academic milestone, Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) has become the first institution in the state to receive the letter of intent (LoI) from the Northern Regional Committee (NRC) of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) for launching the integrated teacher education programme (ITEP). The announcement marks a significant step towards advancing teacher education in Himachal Pradesh in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The university is set to roll out the ITEP from the upcoming academic session 2025-26. The newly established Department of Teacher Education at HPU will offer integrated four-year courses in arts, science and commerce streams, each combined with a BEd degree. In total, five units have been approved: BA BEd (Middle and Secondary), BSc BEd (Middle and Secondary) and BCom BEd (Secondary), with a total intake capacity of 250 students.

The LoI was granted following a comprehensive review of the university’s infrastructure, instructional resources and financial capacity by a team appointed by the NCTE. Their assessment, conducted under Clause 7(13) of the NCTE Regulations, 2014, culminated in the 438th NRC meeting held on April 15 and 16, 2025, where the final approval was given.

HPU Vice-Chancellor Prof Sat Prakash Bansal shared that the university had submitted its application for ITEP recognition online on May 24, 2024. He noted that the NRC’s decision was based on HPU’s strict adherence to all norms and quality benchmarks established by the NCTE.

Congratulating the university community on the achievement, Prof Bansal praised the efforts of Prof Kuldeep Katoch, Chairman of the ITEP Committee at HPU, along with faculty members, officers and students. He also confirmed that the university would soon submit a list of qualified faculty to initiate the programme as per NCTE regulations.

Calling the ITEP launch a “pivotal step” for the university, Prof Bansal said the move would enhance the quality and reach of teacher education in the state. “This recognition not only elevates the academic stature of HPU but also aligns our efforts with NEP 2020’s vision to build a robust, future-ready teacher workforce,” he added.

Himachal Tribune