NATIONAL AWARDS TO TEACHERS (NAT)

Current Context: The Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education has selected 16 teachers from Higher Educational Institutions and Polytechnic Institutes for National Awards to Teachers 2024.

ABOUT NATIONAL AWARDS TO TEACHERS

• Established: 1958
• Purpose: To recognise meritorious teachers and headmasters for improving the quality of education and enriching learning experiences.
• Presented By: President of India / Vice-President of India on 5th September (Teachers’ Day) every year.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education

ELIGIBILITY

• Teachers & Heads of Schools in:
  • State Govt./UT schools, local body schools, aided schools, and private schools affiliated to State/UT Boards
  • Central Govt. schools (KVs, JNVs, Sainik Schools, AEES, EMRS)
• Service Requirement: Minimum 10 years of service (only regular teachers)
• Exclusions: Retired teachers (except partial service till 30th April of the award year), educational administrators, inspectors, training institute staff, contractual teachers, Shiksha Mitras, and those engaged in private tuition.

Himachal Relevance : SOLAN TEACHER SELECTED FOR NAT 2025

• Awardee: Shashi Paul, teacher from Solan, Himachal Pradesh
• Experience: 14+ years in education
• Contributions:
  • Promoted inclusive education, digital innovations, and community-based school transformation
  • Provided free online classes during COVID-19, enabling 220+ students to secure admission in JNVs and reputed institutions
  • Established science & learning labs in rural schools

Contributed to curriculum design under SCERT Solan and Samagra Shiksha