Career in Physical Education – Physical education is one of the developing fields of educational study as well as the profession. Physical education comprises the knowledge and study of all body activities and psychomotor activities during the playing and movement. Physical education or PE is the study of physical movement, safety and health and well-being. There is a wide range of activities linked with PE including sports, dance and weight training. A Physical Education Teacher is also known as PET who is hired in schools, colleges, and universities for training to the students.
A career in physical education can make way for a vast range of career options; from being a part of the chosen sport, health clubs, sports good manufacturer, marketing, commentator, sports journalism, trainer, and many other related options. Although in the start one will more likely find opportunities as a trainer or instructor for a game or sporting event. With building experience over the years, aspirants can probably take this experience and put it to use in sports journalism, marketing, commentator or other related fields.
Career in Physical Education: Pros and Cons
For a career in the field of physical education, the candidates must begin with a bachelor’s course followed by a PG program. Several institutes in India offer degree courses in physical education based on the merit of the candidates. The graduates are employed in several areas such as health clubs, corporate teams, schools and colleges. The initial salary of a graduate in physical education is around Rs. 15000-Rs. 20000 monthly. However, with the experience in the field, candidates can expect higher pay. Read the article to know more about the career in physical education.
A career in physical education brings a plethora of opportunities to the candidates. The aspirants can begin a career in the field with a degree. Training is also provided along with theoretical knowledge to the candidates. Check below the pros and cons of a career in physical education-
Pros
- Higher Job Security
- An opportunity to help the students stay mentally and physically fit
- A vast career scope
Cons
- Hectic schedule
- Long working hours
- Lower initial salary
Career in Physical Education: Eligibility
The aspirants must check the eligibility requirements of the physical education courses. The set of qualifications in the field will help the candidate to secure a rewarding job. The eligibility criteria will vary from university to university. However, there are certain basic requirements. Check below the eligibility criteria for physical education courses-
- The aspirants must complete 10+2 for admission to the diploma, certificate or UG courses.
- For post graduation programs, the candidates will need to have a bachelor’s degree.
- For recruitment in schools or colleges as a physical education teacher, the aspirants must have B.P.Ed (Bachelor’s in Physical Education).
- M.P.Ed (Master’s in Physical Education) will be required to secure jobs in government departments like the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Career in Physical Education: Courses
In India, there are physical education courses available at various levels. If one aims to become a Physical Education teacher, he or she will have to choose a Diploma in Physical Education (D.P.Ed). However, aspirants can also pursue a Bachelor’s degree like B.A, B.Sc, B.Com etc and choose B.P.Ed course. Most of the students complete their Bachelor’s degree in any stream and then go for B.P.Ed due to alternative career options. Check below the physical education courses in India-
Certificate Courses
| Course | Duration |
| Aerobics | 1 year |
| Yoga & yoga science | 1 year |
| Naturopathy | 1 year |
| Yoga & naturopathy | 1 year |
Diploma Courses
| Course | Duration |
| Aerobics | 2 years |
| Yoga teacher training | 2 years |
| Yoga & physical education | 2 years |
| Yoga | 2 years |
| Physical education | 2 years |
Degree Courses
| Course | Duration |
| B.A. (Yoga) | 3 years |
| B.A. (Physical Education) | 3 years |
| B.P.Ed (Physical Education) | 3 years |
Career in Physical Education: Course Structure
The curriculum of the course includes physical as well as theoretical training. The candidates who wish to become a physical education teacher will need to complete B.Ed in Physical education and MPEd. Check below the course structure of physical education courses-
B.Ed in Physical Education Curriculum
| Childhood & Growing Up | Pedagogy of school |
| Language across the Curriculum | School Management |
| Learning and Teaching | Drama & Art in Education |
| Assessment for Learning | Field Engagement |
MPEd Curriculum
| Track and Field 1-Swimming or Gymnastics | Track and Field 3 (Triple Jump, Pole Vault, Relay) |
| Game Specialization 1 | Track and Field 2 (Shot Put, Discus, Javelin Throw, Long Jump) |
| Yoga (Asanas, Kriyas, Bandhas and Pranayama) | Track and Field 4 (Hammer Throw, Hhuddles) |
| Theory on Sports and Games | Game Specialization 3 |
Career in Physical Education: Admission
The candidates must be a 10+2 pass out for admission to the physical education courses. PECET (Physical Education Common Entrance Test) is a state-level exam conducted for admission to the colleges. Several universities also conduct entrance exams to shortlist the candidates for admission. Post the test, the official conduct counselling and seat allotment process. Some colleges may conduct a physical fitness test to shortlist the candidates. Check below the list of some popular physical education entrance exams-
- IGNOU B.Ed. Entrance Exam
- Delhi University B.Ed. Entrance Test
- Punjab University B.Ed. Entrance Test
- Osmania University Common Entrance Test-OUCET
Career in Physical Education: Colleges/Institutes
Candidates can pursue the physical education courses from various universities and colleges. The aspirants can check below the top physical education institutes with their average fees-
Top Institutes
| Name of Institute | City | Average Fees |
| Amity University | Lucknow | INR 86,100 |
| Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi | INR 5,670 |
| Bhabha College of Education | Bhopal | INR 36,000 |
| Bombay Teachers’ Training College | Mumbai | INR 22,320 |
| Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidya Pratishthan Society’s | Pune | INR 46,112 |
| Government College of Education for Women | Coimbatore | INR 10,000 |
| Loreto College | Kolkata | INR 13,025 |
| Lady Shri Ram College for Women | New Delhi | INR 19,030 |
| Lady Irwin College | New Delhi | INR 12,955 |
| Kasturi Ram College of Higher Education | New Delhi | INR 58,000 |
| Kamla Nehru Mahavidyalaya | Bhopal | INR 35,000 |
| Kamal Institute of Higher Education & Advance Technology | New Delhi | INR 48,700 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia University | New Delhi | INR 6,800 |
| Integral University | Lucknow | INR 75,000 |
| ICFAI University | Dehradun | INR 57,000 |
| Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University | New Delhi | INR 23,000 |
| Lovely Professional University | Jalandhar | INR 69,000 |
| Ranchi University | Ranchi | INR 15,000 |
| University of Calicut | Calicut | INR 30,000 |
| University of Lucknow | Lucknow | INR 21,854 |
Career in Physical Education: Skillset Requirements
The aspirants seeking a career in the field of physical education need to be skilled and competent. They must possess a deep understanding of the subject and practical experience in the field. By perfecting and honing the necessary skills in daily work, one can have a flourishing career in the field. Check below the necessary skills required for a career in physical education-
Athletic Skills- The aspirants wishing to make a career in the field must be a good athlete. He or She must reflect good health, physical coordination and vitality. The aspirants who are confident and strong, physically fit will be able to demonstrate the techniques needed for competitive sports and exercise routines.
Organizational Skills-Physical education teachers are required to have very strong organizational skills. Their duties comprise the collection of parental permission forms and additional fees significant for field trips and sporting events involving other schools.
Teaching Skills-The physical education teachers need to be able to break down complex concepts and instructions into smaller, more manageable steps. He or she must be able to recognize which students require encouragement and deliver it when needed.
Other Skills
- Attention to Detail Skills
- Awareness of the environmental effect on human health
- Good Explanation Ability
- Interpersonal Skills
- Knowledge of Health Issues and Physical Activity
- Mentoring & Guiding skills
- Motivation, Empathy and Leadership Skills
- Observation & Analytical Skills
Career in Physical Education: Job Profiles
Presently, the trend of sports is becoming wider at the worldwide level. There are a plethora of requirements for experts in physical education. To produce such experts, education in physique and sports has been set up everywhere. Physical education as a profession is a very demanding profession where one with skills can earn very good money. It is a very good profession for anyone who wishes to spread awareness regarding physical fitness.
Post the completion of this course the student may go for the higher study in sports and physical education or get the job in health and sports industries. There are several job possibilities available for the aspirants in the field of Physical Education. One can also start their Gym or Fitness centre. Check below the job profiles available in the field of physical education-
Physical Education Teacher-A Physical Education Teacher (PE teacher) is a professional responsible for developing exercise-based learning to teach students about sports and health. They train the students and help them become physically fit.
Sports Coach- They are responsible for training, instructing and directing the operations of a particular individual or a sports team as a whole.
Physical Instructor- Physical Instructor is a professional who teaches several physical and stretching exercises to help people indulge in exercise activities.
Cricket Coach- A Cricket Coach is responsible to train, instruct and direct the operations of a particular individual or a cricket team as a whole.
Health Coach- A Health Coach is a mentor responsible for providing food and lifestyle changes to the people to help them stay fit and acquire a healthy lifestyle.
Team Manager- Team Managers are responsible for handling the business side of sports. Bringing in investors, managing media and press, organizing events and competitions etc. are some of their duties.
Consultant- Consultants are experts in their field and are hired in organizations and institutions periodically. They train and use their expertise for the overall improvement of the team.
Career in Physical Education: Salary Offered
In the beginning, one can earn pay of Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000 on a monthly basis. The salary in the field of Physical education depends upon the sports one has selected as a career. The salary will rise multi-fold depending on the skills and experience of the aspirant.
The pay scale for a Physical Education Trainer/ Teacher depends upon the type of School and experience of the professional. Check below the salaries offered to different job profiles available in the field of physical education-
Salary
| Job Profile | Annual Salary |
| Trainer | INR 2,80,000 |
| Team Manager | INR 4,30,000 |
| Teacher | INR 3,77,000 |
| Consultant | INR 4,10,000 |
| Coach | INR 3,60,000 |
| Professor | INR 9,13,657 |
| Home Tutor | INR 2,91,632 |
Career in Physical Education: Employment Areas
The field of physical education offers opportunities in various sectors. Check below the employment areas in physical education-
- Universities & Colleges
- Online Health Coaching
- Health Clubs
- Fitness Center
- Environmental Protection Agencies
- Bioinformatics, Biotechnology
- Beverage Industry
- Animal Care Centers
- Agriculture Sector
Career in Physical Education: Top Recruiters
There are several recruiters offering jobs in the physical education sector. Check below the top recruiters in the field-
- Deloitte
- BP
- World Health Organization
- Amity University
- Fortis
- Government schools
- Private schools
Career in Physical Education: Scope
There are several other opportunities in this field apart from serving as a player. Aspirants with passion for sports career can also work as a coach, team manager/sports manager, fitness instructor, athletic trainer, sports journalist, photographer. Sportspersons on retiring can also look forward to satisfying jobs in assignments such as umpires and referees.
Also in a country like India, spas and yoga centres are at a rise. The aspirants can also use his/her expertise for a job in such places. People nowadays look for jobs in the field of Physical Education and Sport as they have the best knowledge regarding rehabilitative and therapeutic modalities like Cryotherapy, Thermotherapy etc. Trained Physical Education personnel get opportunities in defence and police services with special recruitment drives.
Career in Physical Education: Books and Study Materials
The candidates can refer to the below-mentioned physical education books for better understanding of the field-
- Learning and Teaching in Physical Education By Colin A. Hardy; Mick Mawer
- Learning to Teach Physical Education in the Secondary School: A Companion to School Experience By Susan Capel
- Physical Children, Active Teaching: Investigating Physical Literacy By Patricia Maude
- Physical Education: Picking Up the Baton By Malcolm Thorburn; Shirley Gray
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What skills do you need to become a physical education teacher?
Ans: A physical education needs to have good interpersonal and communication skills along with physical stamina and knowledge of sports.
Q2. What are the areas of employment for physical education graduates?
Ans: The physical education graduates are hired in several areas such as schools, colleges, health clubs, gym etc.
Q3. What is the average salary of a physical education professor?
Ans: The average salary for a physical education professor is Rs. 9,13,657 per annum in India.
Q4. What is the minimum qualification required to make a career in physical education?
Ans: The aspirants must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to make a career in physical education.
Q5. What are the different job roles in the field of Physical education?
Ans: The different job roles in the field of physical education are physical education teacher, instructor, professor, etc.
MUHAMMAD SAHIL SAIFI 