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Siliguri, Feb. 20

Salesian College Launches Integrated Teacher Education Programme

20 February 2026

Education College,

News written by: Fr C M Paul SDB

In a landmark move aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), Salesian College Autonomous Siliguri (estd 2009) has formally introduced the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) — a four-year dual-degree course designed to prepare future educators with both subject expertise and pedagogical training.

The program, approved by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), allows students to graduate with a B.A./B.Sc./B.Com plus B.Ed., eliminating the need for a separate teacher-training course after graduation.

The recognition order dated 19 February 2026, published in the Gazette of India, confirms approval for the B.A. B.Ed. (Secondary stage) course with an intake of 100 seats (two units of 50 each) over a four-year duration.

Announcing the NCTE approval of the program, Principal Dr. Babu Joseph emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative, saying, “ITEP is not just a new academic program—it is a paradigm shift in how we prepare teachers. By integrating disciplinary knowledge with professional training from day one, we are equipping young minds to become educators who are both scholars and mentors.”

The college has already begun admissions for the 2026–27 academic session, with streams in Arts, Science, and Commerce. The program is expected to attract students keen on pursuing teaching careers directly after Class 12.

Fr. Dr. Jagjivan Tirkey, ITEP Coordinator, highlighted the broader vision behind the program: “This initiative is about nurturing educators who can respond to the diverse needs of Indian classrooms. Our graduates will be ready to teach at primary, secondary, and higher secondary levels, with a strong grounding in values, inclusivity, and innovation.”

Adding perspective on the significance of the achievement, Assistant Professor Priya Topno, Head of the Department of Education, noted: “The launch of ITEP is a milestone for our institution and for North Bengal. It streamlines the pathway for aspiring teachers, strengthens the professional identity of teaching, and directly contributes to improving the quality of school education. This achievement bridges national policy vision with grassroots implementation.”

Faculty members explained that the ITEP curriculum blends core subject learning, pedagogy, internships, and community engagement to ensure holistic development. The college also plans collaborations with schools in the region to provide hands-on teaching practice.

Educationists in North Bengal have welcomed the move, calling it a “timely intervention” to address the shortage of well-trained teachers in the state.

With this launch, the college joins a select group of institutions nationwide that are pioneering the ITEP model, positioning itself as a hub of teacher education excellence in eastern India.