Serious about Sports? Bachelor of Physical Education is the right degree then

Many students develop a strong affinity towards sports in general, and want to know more about the human body, how sports function, and how sports is part of our lives in many ways from psychology to nutrition. Opting for the BPEd degree after higher secondary is a good career option for them.  

What is the BPEd degree? 
BPEd (Bachelor of Physical Education) is an undergraduate degree awarded to students who opt to study Physical Education major after completing school. The course deals with the techniques, nutrition, psychology, lifestyle and educational methods useful in maintaining the fitness of the human body.  

What are the course duration and eligibility criteria for BPEd?  
The full-time BPEd degree course is typically of three to four years duration. However, some universities also offer one or two year diploma courses in BPEd. Most are full-time courses in India, though some part-time options are also there. Candidates need to have completed Class 12, usually with 45 to 60% marks. Preference is often given to candidates who have played some sports at the school, or had Physical Education as a subject in their higher secondary.  

What is the usual BPEd admission process? 
BPEd admission procedures vary from university to university. Most have a written exam, followed by a physical efficiency or fitness test. Candidates who opt to enter in the sports quota are required to submit proof of their sports activities through certificates and medals they might have won in past competitions. University coaches may have a personal interview round to test the merit and knowledge of the candidate.  

What are the career opportunities after studying BPEd?  
Most candidates opt for any of these 3 options after BPEd: they become a full-time practicing sportsperson, they become an instructor or coach and they go into teaching Physical Education. All 3 options have ample scope in India. Apart from these, students can also become umpire or referees with further education. An increasing number of BPEd graduates are becoming gym or personal fitness trainers. Some are going deeper into this by getting a Physiotherapy diploma. Becoming a sports journalist or sports blogger are also interesting careers being taken up by BPEd graduates.