How to be a Yoga Teacher: Career Guide, Courses, After 12th, Jobs, Scope, Salary 2023

Yoga has its origins in India and has been practised there since 5000 BC. There are several Certifications available in the field of Yoga which can be taken up by students depending as per choices and interest. Through Yoga, one can choose to pursue various career scopes such as Yoga Instructor, Therapist, Advisor, Specialist etc. With the growing professional commitments and the need to stay at par with peers, individuals today are at a risk of various critical psysical and psychological ailments. Yoga not only helps mediate and calm a frantic mind but simultaneously helps in recharging the body as well. 

In order to become a Yoga Teacher aspiring candidates can pursue various Undergraduate and Postgraduate Yoga Courses from any of the top Yoga Instititutes. The best institutes in India offering such courses include Rishikul Yogshala in Rishikesh, World Peace Yoga School, Rishikesh, Ashiyana Yoga Teacher Training, Goa and so on. The average course fee at these Yoga Schools ranges between INR 10,000 - 1.50 LPA

The top recruiters of these professionals include Yoga and Naturopathy institutes, Schools, Central Research Centres, Central Council for Research in Homeopathy and so on. Their average income usually ranges between INR 1.2 - 3 LPA.

Quick Facts for being a Yoga Teacher

Steps to Follow 

The various steps to be followed for becoming a Yoga Teacher have been listed below for further reference:

Decision Making 

The candidates shall decide well in time if they wish to take up their career in the field of Yoga. It is critical to determine what style speaks to you personally, as well as whether the demographic for the area you want to teach is a good fit for the style you want to teach. In the field of Yoga, candidates must opt for streams like Science as it will focus on the related topics of the field. They must choose Physical Education as their optional subject at the school level as the student must stay fit. Students need to carefully research about the course before opting for a full time career in the same.

Subject Choices 

Beginning with the course, they will learn everything about all Yoga forms and postures, as well as alternative modified forms, the benefits of Yoga, and human anatomy and physiology as they relate to yoga. Students must opt for Science stream along with Physical Education as their optional subject at their school level. Students must opt for a same specialization at the undergraduate and postgraduate level. 

Selecting College 

Candidates seeking admission into colleges offering Yoga studies must choose the correct college for themselves. They need to check the best college on the basis of its placement, faculty, location, fees, ROI, and many other factors. Students must ensure that they get the best college for themselves at the undergraduate and postgraduate level. The college will play a vital role in forming a student's career and life. They must do proper research about the various government and private colleges offering Yoga studies in order to excel in the profession.

Types of Yoga Professionals 

There are numerous job opportunities available for Yoga Professionals in both the public and private sectors. The following are some of the most popular work profiles related to the field of Yoga:

Yoga Instructor 

A yoga instructor is a certified yoga instructor who teaches meditation and yoga poses to groups of people. During a series of physical and mental exercises, a yoga instructor guides students to "connect to the breath." Their main responsibilities include Conduct and lead yoga classes, Visually assess students to determine their level of practice, Demonstrate practice and techniques, Motivate students with words of encouragement, etc.

The average annual salary of a Yoga Instructor ranges from INR 2,00,000 to INR 5,00,000. After gaining a few years of experience in the field of yoga, they can expect a salary of INR 4 LPA to INR 8 LPA. However, if a person owns a yoga studio or an institute can make INR 10,00,000 per annum. 

Yoga Therapist 

Yoga therapists are yoga experts who use their knowledge and skills for therapeutic purposes. A yoga therapist typically leads a class of students who follow the therapist's lead, much like a regular yoga teacher. They prescribe specific regimens of postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to suit individual needs to keep their body fit. Yoga Therapy comprises a wide range of mind/body practices, from postural and breathing exercises to deep relaxation and meditation. Yoga therapy tailors these to the health needs of the individual. 

The average salary of a Yoga Therapist ranges from INR 2,00,000 to INR 4,00,000. However, post gaining a few years of experience they can expect a salary of INR 3,40,000 to INR 10,00,000. 

Yoga Teacher 

A yoga teacher is a fitness and wellness professional who instructs group yoga classes. They teach students how to do various stretching poses, meditate, and promote mindfulness, in addition to overall well-being. Yoga teacher is responsible for performing yoga poses in precise alignment, using the correct terminology, and safely guiding students through the flow of the practice. 

They need to possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills in order to build relationships, as well as lead yoga sessions. The average salary of a Yoga Teacher ranges from INR 2,00,000 to INR 7,00,000.

Yoga Aerobics Instructor 

Yoga Aerobics instructors and fitness trainers guide individuals and groups through a variety of exercise activities. They may work one-on-one with clients, providing insight, direction, and even motivation for exercise routines. They lead and instruct individuals and groups through various physical exercise activities as they work one on one offering insight, direction and motivation into workout routines. 

Yoga Aerobics instructors are mostly great in shape and have stamina to be able to make it through and effectively lead a yoga class. The average salary offered ranges around INR 2 LPA ro INR 6 LPA. However, with experience in the field of Yoga they can earn INR 5 LPA. 

Courses to Become a Yoga Teacher

Below given are the few courses that the students can pursue as per their convenience. These courses are offered at undergraduate, postgraduate and Diploma. 

Certificate in Yoga Education 

Certificate in Yoga Education is usually the best course for those who have always wanted to have an in-depth understanding of Yoga but have been unable to take a long time off. It covers textual, psycho-physiological, and practical aspects of Yoga and Yoga teaching methods in yoga. 

Certificate in Yoga Education: Admission Process 

Such courses mostly involve direct admission of the students to the respective courses. The following is the protocol for applying to this course:

• The admissions to CYEd courses are usually done directly. However, it requires the students to at least have a class 12 degree certificate.
• They shall be medically fit and sound. Clearance of the Institute's medical test is a necessary factor for selection.
• Each admitted student is required to submit a properly filled application form by the NIOS, MHRD, Government of India, on the date of issuance.

PG Diploma in Yoga Therapy 

PG Diploma in Yoga Therapy is a one-year diploma programme that provides the students with the necessary knowledge about the different Yamas and Niyamas, Pranayam, Naturopathy, Ayurveda, Respiratory System and Mental Health, etc. 

PG Diploma in Yoga Therapy: Admission Process 

The admission process for Diploma in Yoga Education is usually a Direct Admission process since such courses do not have entrances. The following is the admission process laid for applying to this course:

• The admissions to D.Y.Ed courses are usually done directly. However, it requires the students to at least have a class 12 degree certificate from a recognised board.
• They shall be medically fit and sound. 
• Last but not the least, they shall meet the eligibility criteria of the course.

BA in Yoga 

BA Yoga is a 3 year UG course studying about physical, emotional, and spiritual practices of the human body. This course aims to achieve a state of perfect spiritual wisdom and tranquillity when meditating on the Super Soul.

BA Yoga: Admission Process 

The admission procedure for BA in Yoga is usually a Direct Admission process since such courses do not have entrances. The following is the admission procedure for applying to this course:

• The admissions to BA Yoga courses are usually done directly. However, it requires the students to at least have a 10+2 degree from a recognised board.
• They must be medically fit and healthy. Selected candidates must pass the Institute's medical examination.
• Last but not the least, they shall meet the eligibility criteria of the course.

BSc Yoga 

BSc Yoga is a 3 year UG course about the mixture of yoga and management skills. The curriculum combines yoga theory with methods specific to modern lifestyles.

BSc Yoga: Admission Process 

The admission process implied for B.Sc in Yoga is usually a Direct Admission process since such courses do not have entrances. The following is the admission process for applying to this course:

• The admissions to B.Sc Yoga courses are usually done directly. However, it requires the students to at least have a class 12 degree from a recognised board of education.
• They must be medically fit and healthy. 
• Last but not the least, they shall meet the eligibility criteria of the course.

Masters of Arts in Yoga 

MA Yoga is a 2 year PG course covering basic and fundamentals of yoga and therapy. It also studies human anatomy, psychological processes, practical applications and many more.