India’s Best Teachers’ Awards Recognize 16 Educators

On September 24, 2026, the Oxford Saïd–Shiv Nadar Foundation named the 16 winners of India's Best Teachers’ Awards, drawn from public and private schools nationwide. More than 9,400 teachers registered for this year's program, which uses juried presentations to measure how deeply an educator's work affects their students. Each recipient will take part in professional development at the University of Oxford, focusing on advanced teaching methodologies. These awards, which cover eight subjects for Classes IX to XII, have grown into a significant mark of distinction in India. By recognizing a wide range of academic disciplines, the initiative underscores how quality instruction shapes student outcomes while supporting teachers in their ongoing professional growth.

Carrying out the awards requires close cooperation with educational institutions and stakeholders across the country. The selection itself is a rigorous process, centered on the tangible impact a teacher has on a student's daily learning. During their presentations, nominees share the innovative strategies they use to keep classrooms engaged. These insights are intended to inspire other educators to try new approaches, encouraging a culture of steady improvement throughout the education sector.

Beyond the individual accolades, highlighting these achievements helps raise the profile of the teaching profession in India, potentially drawing more people into the field. This shift can raise standards and improve results for students across the country. The professional development offered to winners serves a similar purpose, enriching the classroom experience for their students. Looking forward, the Oxford Saïd–Shiv Nadar Foundation plans to expand the awards to include new categories and focus areas. On a broader scale, the initiative demonstrates the value of investing in educators, offering a model that may eventually influence how other countries support and recognize their own teaching workforce.