Shiv Nadar Foundation and Saïd Business School, University of Oxford have launched the “India’s Best Teachers’ Awards”, a national initiative to recognise high-impact school teachers across the country.
The awards, announced in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, will recognise teachers of Classes 9 to 12 from both government and private schools affiliated with central and state boards.
Nominations for the 2026 edition will open on May 1 and remain open till July 31. The awards will cover eight subjects — Geography, Business Studies and Entrepreneurship, Computer Science, Economics, Physics, English, Environmental Sciences and Mathematics.
A total of 16 teachers will be selected for the awards, including eight educators each from government and private schools.
According to the organisers, the selection process will follow a multi-stage evaluation framework assessing subject expertise, classroom practices, innovation in pedagogy and measurable student impact, including improvements in learning outcomes and student engagement.
Award winners will attend a one-week learning and development programme at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford as part of the initiative.
India has over 9.8 million teachers across its school education system. The organisers said the initiative aims to create a national platform to identify and amplify effective teaching practices while encouraging peer learning among educators.
Shortlisted finalists will present their work during an in-person finale scheduled for September 4–5 at Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR.
