Sudha Murthy Advocates Mandatory Teacher Training and Periodic Exams to Strengthen India’s Education System
New Delhi, May 2025 — Renowned author, social reformer, and Rajya Sabha member Sudha Murthy has called for a transformative reform in India’s education sector: mandatory teacher training and periodic assessments every three years. Speaking during a parliamentary discussion on the Ministry of Education’s performance, Murthy emphasized the need for teacher certification renewal and continuous professional development to uplift teaching standards and ensure quality learning outcomes across the country.
Murthy argued that while teachers are thoroughly evaluated during their initial qualification process, there is a significant gap in ongoing training and assessments. “Once teachers pass their initial exams and enter the profession, they rarely face further evaluations,” she said, pointing to a systemic oversight that hinders the evolution of teaching practices in a fast-changing world.
Elevating Teaching Standards in India
Murthy’s proposal calls for all teachers in India to undergo specialized training programs and certification exams every three years. These sessions would focus on skill enhancement, modern pedagogical methods, and integrating educational technology, ensuring educators stay aligned with current best practices.
“Without excellent teachers, no infrastructure or resources can transform education,” Murthy said. “We must invest in those who stand at the system's heart—our teachers.”
Her remarks reflect growing national concern over teacher readiness, especially after the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes experiential learning, technology integration, and competency-based education.
Support from Educational and Political Leaders
Murthy’s proposal drew support from fellow parliamentarians and educators alike. Fauzia Khan, member of the NCP-SCP, endorsed the initiative while criticizing budget cuts in the education sector, which she said undermine the ambitious goals of NEP 2020.
“Without substantial investment in teacher training programs, the NEP’s vision will remain on paper,” Khan said. She also highlighted that real reform requires policy and financial commitment to teacher development.
A Critical Step Toward Educational Reform
Education experts have echoed Murthy’s concerns, noting that teacher effectiveness is among the strongest predictors of student success. Professor Arvind Kumar, an education policy specialist, stated:
“Teaching is a dynamic profession. Regular training and evaluation improve instructional quality and empower educators in their career growth.”
Murthy’s proposal responds to key challenges in Indian education, including outdated teaching methodologies, lack of digital readiness, and unequal access to professional development, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Vision for a Stronger, More Equitable Education System
Throughout her public life, Sudha Murthy has championed accessible, equitable education, particularly for marginalized communities. Her latest proposal builds on this legacy by calling for a sustainable teacher development framework grounded in regular training, accountability, and national standards.
As the country grapples with rapid technological change and rising expectations for quality education, this proposal has sparked a vital national dialogue. Policymakers, educationists, and stakeholders urge the government to institutionalize continuous learning for teachers and make periodic teacher assessments a cornerstone of India’s education reform strategy.
About Sudha Murthy
Sudha Murthy is a highly respected Indian philanthropist, author, and educator, known for her commitment to social welfare, literacy, and public education reform. A member of the Rajya Sabha, she has worked extensively to improve access to education, healthcare, and social equity across India.
