“Physical education” is an academic and practical discipline that focuses on developing physical fitness, motor skills, sportsmanship and overall well-being through structured physical activity and education.
The Physical Education (PE) plays a vital role in the in the holistic development of students, promoting not only physical health but also mental well-being, social skills, and academic performance.
As per the WHO, children of age 5-17 should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on a daily basis.
As per the recent study in Lancet, the regular Physical Education classes reduced the risk of childhood obesity by 30%.
Candidates looking to make their career in Physical education need to complete undergraduate or postgraduate programs, certifications and must possess some practical experience.
In this article, we will discuss about Physical education courses, eligibility criteria, admission process, top colleges and job prospects.
Why Physical Education is Important?
We all know that Physical Education improves physical health but a 2019 study from the University of Illinois shows that students engaging in physical activity had 12% higher cognitive scores.
Playing any sports not only help the individuals become physically fit and active, but also improve mood, reduce anxiety and depression.
Good habits are essential for overall growth and success in life and thus Physical Education in children helps in building teamwork, leadership and time management qualities.
Some of the key benefits of physical education are:
- Improve Physical Health
- Enhances Academic Performance
- Supports Mental Health
- Build long term healthy habits
- Fights sedentary lifestyle
More screen time and sedentary behavior is quite common in children these days, to manage this growing concern, making physical education mandatory in schools is essential not just for fitness, but for building a future generation that is physically strong, mentally resilient and socially balanced.
In most of the schools Physical Education is one of the mandatory subject and students have to actively participate in the games, sports activities and various physical training programs.
Step by Step Guide to Make a Career in Physical Education
Step 1 – Choose the right stream after 10th
Students can take science or arts stream in class 11th and 12th along with physical education as a additional subject.
Step 2 – Pursue a UG course
After 12th, candidates can pursue B.P.Ed a 4 year bachelor’s program in physical education or a B.Sc or BA in Physical education.
Step 3 – Pursue a postgraduate degree
A PG level degree is helpful for candidates to qualify for research, college level teaching or specialized coaching. Some of the PG courses include:
- M.P.Ed (Master of Physical Education)
- M.Sc. in Exercise Science / Sports Science
- M.A. in Physical Education/Yoga
Step 4 – Get Certifications
A diploma or a certification helps in specialization and knowing the latest industry trends. Candidates can go for specialization in any of the field.
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Sports Coaching
- Yoga Instruction
Physical Education Courses
Candidates can pursue from a wide range of courses in the field of Physical education. The list of popular courses are mentioned below:
Undergraduate Courses
- B.P.Ed (Bachelor of Physical Education) – 2 years (after graduation) or 3–4 years (after 12th)
- B.Sc. in Physical Education, Health Education and Sports
- B.A. in Physical Education
- B.A. in Yoga and Physical Education
- B.P.E. (Bachelor of Physical Education and Exercise Science)
Also Check – Career in Sports
Postgraduate Courses
- M.P.Ed (Master of Physical Education)
- M.A. in Physical Education
- M.Sc. in Sports Science or Exercise Physiology
- M.A./M.Sc. in Yoga and Naturopathy
- PG Diploma in Sports Management /Sports Coaching
Diploma and Certificate Courses
- Diploma in Physical Education (D.P.Ed)
- Certificate in Physical Education (C.P.Ed)
- Diploma in Yoga Education
- Certificate in Fitness Training
- Certificate Course in Sports Coaching
These courses encourage the students against the physical or sports education. There is an age criterion in some of the certificate course. Physical education is a main stream subject in most of the colleges and schools. This subject counts as a supportive subject.
Eligibility Criteria
For the admission of all these programmes the student must have to pass the 10+2 standard or equivalent examination.
The student who wishes to pursue the degree in physical education must be physically fit and active.
The candidates must clear entrance test for admission to UG and PG programs. Some universities admit students on 12th merit basis.
Admission Process
The admission in Undergraduate physical education program are based on the entrance exam like CUET UG. In India, all central universities and various other state or private universities accept CUET UG scores for admission to their bachelor’s and postgraduate programs.
Many institutes also provide direct admission on the basis of 12th board marks or a university specific entrance test.
Top Colleges and Universities
- Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), Gwalior – Deemed to be University
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Physical Education & Sports Sciences (IGIPESS), University of Delhi
- Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University (TNPESU), Chennai
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
- Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh
- Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar
- Panjab University, Chandigarh
- University of Calicut, Kerala
- Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab (Private)
- Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu
- Amity University, Noida
- Swarnim Gujarat Sports University, Gandhinagar
- Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU), Meerut
- Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad
Career & Job Prospects
Physical Education graduates can find career opportunities in various sectors like education, sports, healthcare, fitness and defence forces.
Graduates can work as a Physical Education Teacher in schools and as a lecturer/professor in universities and colleges. Candidates having good experience of playing sports at district or state/national level can work as a sports trainer or as a coach.
The PE professional can also work in fitness industry as a fitness trianer, personal trainer or a gym manager. In NGOs, PSUs and government organization, you can work as a Sports Physiologist, sports trainer etc.
In central government, professional can work as a coach with
- Sports Authority of India (SAI)
- Physical Trainer in Police/Army/Paramilitary forces
- Positions in Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
The job profiles of this field are:
- Teacher/Professor
- Athletic Coach
- Personal Trainer
- Government and NGO’s
- Community/ Commercial Recreation
- Cardiovascular Fitness Instructor
- Nutrition Specialist
- Activities Director
- Corporate Fitness Instructor
- Rehabilitation Specialist
- Physical Therapist
- Social Director
Recruiters
After the completion of this course, you can get the job opportunity in:
- Schools & colleges
- Sports clubs
- Ministry of sports
- Health clubs
- Stadium staff
- Gymnasium
- Corporate teams
- Health & sports related organizations
Skills Required
- Observation & Analytical Skills
- Knowledge of Health Issues and Physical Activity
- Motivation, Empathy and Leadership Skills
- Good Explanation Ability
- Attention to Detail Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Awareness of the environmental effect on human health
- Mentoring & Guiding skills
Salary
The salary of professionals working in the physical education sector, depends on their job profile, experience and organization they are working.
In teaching or academic roles, the salary of professionals start with ₹3 – ₹5 LPA. In fitness coaching, sports instructor candidates can make anywhere between ₹4 – ₹6 LPA.
The salary increases with experience and generally ranges between ₹6 – ₹9 LPA for professional having 5-6 years of experience.
Below table shows, the salary in the physical education sector based on different profile:
| Job Role | Entry level Salary | Experienced Salary |
| PE Teacher | ₹3 – ₹5 LPA | ₹4 – ₹6 LPA |
| Sports Coach | ₹4 – ₹5 LPA | ₹6 – ₹9 LPA |
| Fitness Trainer | ₹3 – ₹6 LPA | ₹5 – ₹9 LPA |
| Lecturer/Professor | ₹5 – ₹8 LPA | ₹12 – ₹18 LPA |
Books & Study Material
- Learning to Teach Physical Education in the Secondary School: A Companion to School Experience by Susan Capel
- Sport Education in Physical Education: Research Based Practice by Dawn Penney, Gill Clarke, Mandy Quill, Gary D. Kinchin
- Introduction to Physical Education, Fitness, and Sport by Daryl Siedentop
- Foundations of Physical Education, Exercise Science, and Sport by Deborah A. Wuest
- Advanced Statistics; With Applications to Physical Education by Harrison Clarke
- A Framework for Physical Education in the Early Years by Hazel Kathleen Manners, Margaret E. Carroll
If you have any other queries about Career in Physical Education, feel free to ask us in the comment box below.