National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has brought transformative reforms in the field of Teacher Education in India. To achieve the goal of holistic and quality education for all, the policy has laid particular emphasis on the development of the teaching profession and has placed teachers at the center of all reforms. The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has developed a comprehensive Guiding Document to achieve a well-designed common set of National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) keeping in mind all the objectives of NEP 2020. Based on a series of discussions/consultations and collaboration with different stakeholders, this document has been prepared following a bottom-up approach and various levels of research. I expect the guiding document to be a catalyst in developing teachers' competency and enable them to become teachers at par with global standards.

I extend my congratulations to the NCTE and all the stakeholders involved in this task.

The National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) Guiding Document, 2023 was released by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) in response to the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) mandate, which prompted the organization to restructure and take on the role of "Professional Standard Setting Body (PSSB) (Para 5.20.)". These guidelines will make it easier to create a precise framework that outlines the abilities, understandings, practices, attitudes, and knowledges that teachers need to have to effectively support students' learning. Additionally, they serve as a benchmark for professional development, assisting educators in making ongoing improvements throughout their careers.

Best Wishes