Grade 9 to 12 teachers across the country now have a shot at a fully funded week at Oxford, and their schools have until 31 July 2026 to put their names forward. CBSE has passed on details of India’s Best Teachers’ Awards 2026, a national programme run jointly by the Shiv Nadar Foundation and the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. Heads of all affiliated schools have been asked to spread the word so eligible teachers don’t miss out.
Here’s the part that matters most for schools: teachers cannot apply on their own. Only the school can nominate, and the head of school or principal may put forward just one teacher per subject category. Each nomination needs a completed online application plus a nomination form signed and stamped by the principal. No signed form, no review.
Who can be nominated? A teacher must be currently teaching Grades 9 to 12 at a recognised school, whether private (national or international board) or government (Central or State board). Judges are looking for fresh teaching methods, professionalism, respect, inclusion, and clear proof that students are learning better because of that teacher. Government school teachers are eligible too, and the organisers say they are keen to see them take part.
The awards cover eight subjects, with two prizes in each, one for a public sector teacher and one for a private sector teacher, adding up to sixteen awards in all.
The eight subject categories
- Physics
- Mathematics
- English
- Economics
- Geography
- Computer Science
- Environmental Science
- Business Studies and Entrepreneurship
One useful note: Class 9 and 10 science teachers can apply under the Physics category.
Judging runs in two rounds. First, an international panel of educators and academics scores every valid entry. The top five public sector and top five private sector entries in each subject are shortlisted, giving 80 finalists overall. Those finalists come to Delhi in September to present their work in person to the jury, which then picks the winners.
Key dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 1 May 2026 |
| Applications close | 31 July 2026 |
| Finalist presentations | 4 to 5 Sept 2026 |
| Winners announced | 5 Sept 2026 |
What do winners get? A full scholarship for a one-week, in-person programme at the Saïd Business School in Oxford, built around leadership in education and global teaching methods. They also get a five-week online course to sharpen their classroom skills.
There is no fee to apply or be nominated. Schools can register nominations at the official portal, https://indiateacherawards.evalato.com/, and read more at https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/about/indias-best-teachers-awards. Queries on nominations, eligibility or timelines can go to ita@sbs.ox.ac.uk.