How To Become a Yoga Instructor In India

Yoga originated in India approximately 3000 years ago and has gained popularity globally. In addition to being a great practice to relax your mind and body, it is also an exercise. It is practised not just in India but also worldwide. Hence it is no surprise that the demand for Yoga teachers is high.

Are you looking to make a career teaching yoga? Here's how you can do it:

1. Learn in a YCB accredited yoga training centre:

   To teach Yoga, you first need to be well-versed in the practice. Look up centres that have been accredited by the Yoga Certification Board. YCB is the government body that provides certification for yoga professionals.

   You can also choose to get trained personally by a Yoga instructor. Ensure you choose one who is YCB-certified.

2. Get trained:

   At a YCB-accredited centre, you can choose two paths. The first one is a Yoga Therapist. The second is the Yoga Education Category. We will focus on the latter. In the Yoga Education Category, there are different courses for five different levels of certification:

• Yoga Volunteer: Anyone under the age of 75 can apply for this basic certification. You will get certified once you undergo 36 hours of training and work as an assistant in yoga group classes or take charge of yoga breaks at workplaces.

• Yoga Protocol Instructor: You can apply for this level if you've passed your 10th. To get certified, you must complete 200 hours of training in one to three months.

• Yoga Wellness InstructorIdeal for those who want to do yoga to stay healthy and prevent diseases. You can apply for this course only after passing 12th grade. To get certified, you will need to complete 400 hours of training.

• Yoga Teacher & EvaluatorCandidates with a bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognised university can apply to this course. It requires 800 hours of training over nine to fifteen months.

• Yoga Master: Graduates of any stream can apply for this course. It requires you to complete a minimum of 1600 hours of training.

  Some YCB accredited institutes are not particular about educational qualifications. You can check with the institutes beforehand.

1. Get certified by the YCB:

   Each of the certifications mentioned above requires candidates to sit for exams. The yoga volunteer exam is entirely theoretical. The other four exams are a mix of theory and practical.

2. Start working:

   After passing the exam, you will be awarded your certificate and identity card. You can then start working at your level. You can opt to work at yoga colleges, hospitals or any institution. You can even teach at a YCB-accredited centre.

3. Maintain your certification:

   All levels of certification have a 5-year validity from the date of result declaration by YCB. You can renew your certificate with the help of CYE or Continuing Yoga Education. Renewing your certification involves the following:

• a performance assessment during the period of certification

• an orientation programme to strengthen your skill as a yoga professional

  The CYE programme (CYEP) lasts for about two to three days. You can choose one of the two versions of the programme:

• attending a CYEP at a leading yoga institution

• Submitting a virtual report on students who you trained along with other supporting documents before appearing for an exam in front of the committee

  Once you complete your first CYEP, the committee decides whether to award you a lifelong certification or ask you to attend the following CYEP.

  In India, the salary of a Yoga Teacher ranges from ₹ 0.3 Lakhs to ₹ 7.8 Lakhs, with an average annual wage of ₹ 3.0 Lakhs.

  Check if this is the career for you with the Career Guidance test at Glow & Lovely Careers (formally known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation).