Teach English in India

You can teach English in India mainly at international schools, through NGO volunteering, and online, but ordinary paid language school jobs for foreign teachers are rare. India’s Employment Visa requires a salary above US$25,000 a year, and English teachers are not exempt from that rule, so the realistic paid route is a qualified post at an international school. Many Indian English teachers also gain a TEFL certificate to strengthen their careers at home or abroad. The UK advises against travel only to specific border areas, Jammu and Kashmir and parts of Manipur.

Teaching English in India at a glance

Why teach English in India?

India is one of the most diverse and fascinating countries in the world, with hundreds of languages, ancient history, extraordinary food and fast-growing cities. English is an official language and widely used in business, government and higher education, and demand for strong English skills is huge. Because India already has a very large pool of English-speaking teachers, though, the market for foreign TEFL teachers is small, and it works best for qualified teachers, volunteers and online tutors.

What kinds of English teaching jobs are there in India?

International schools. India has a large and growing number of international schools teaching the IB, IGCSE and other curricula, especially in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune. They are the main paid employer of foreign teachers, want a teaching licence and experience, and often include housing.

NGO volunteering. Many charities run English programmes in schools and communities. Volunteer roles are usually unpaid and may involve a programme fee. India’s visa rules allow honorary work with registered NGOs, so check the correct visa with the organisation before you go.

Online teaching. Teaching online from home, or from India if your visa allows, is a flexible option. Our guide to online English teaching jobs explains who hires.

Language institutes and coaching centres. These mostly employ Indian teachers. Foreign teachers rarely qualify for work visas here because of the salary rule.

How much do English teachers earn in India?

International schools pay salaries in Indian rupees, often with housing, flights and medical insurance for overseas hires, and to sponsor an Employment Visa the salary must exceed US$25,000 a year. Volunteer positions are usually unpaid. Living costs are low in most of India, though rents in central Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru can be high. Compare pay across countries on the TEFL Salary Index.

What qualifications do you need to teach English in India?

International schools want a bachelor’s degree, a recognised teaching qualification such as a PGCE and classroom experience, and a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours is valuable for volunteering and online teaching. An Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL Diploma strengthens any application and can be verified on the Ofqual register.

Already a teacher in India?

Many Indian English teachers take a TEFL or TESOL course to improve their teaching, qualify for international and online jobs, or prepare to teach abroad. If you are based in India, see our TEFL and TESOL certification for teachers in Mumbai and across India.

Which visa do you need to teach English in India?

To work in India you need an Employment Visa, sponsored by an Indian employer and applied for before you travel. The salary must exceed US$25,000 a year, and the exemption for language teachers does not include English teachers. Employment Visas are also not granted for jobs that qualified Indians can fill. Volunteers working without pay for registered NGOs need the correct visa for honorary work, and tourist visas or e-Visas do not allow work. Check current rules with the Indian embassy and our Visa Desk.

Is it safe to teach English in India?

Most of India, including its major cities, has no specific UK travel warning. The UK government advises against all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border and to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, except travel to and within the city of Jammu, and against all but essential travel to Manipur. Petty crime and scams are common in tourist areas, and women travellers should read their government’s specific advice. Check the latest advice from your own government before you travel.

What is it like teaching and living in India?

India is vibrant, crowded and endlessly varied, and every region has its own language, food and culture. Students are respectful and value education highly. Summers are very hot, monsoon rains arrive from June, and the most comfortable months in much of the country are October to March. Dress modestly, especially outside the big cities, and be patient with bureaucracy.

Last updated: 4 October 2026. Pay figures are approximate, not quotes. Visa rules and travel advice change, so confirm current requirements with the Indian embassy and your own government before you travel.