It is well known that the quality and extent of learner achievement are determined primarily by teacher competence, sensitivity and teacher motivation. The National Council for Teacher Education has defined teacher education as a programme of education, research and training of persons to teach from pre primary to higher education level. The community establishes schools for preservation, progress and enrichment of its traditions and conventions. Teacher education programme is a must in order to have efficient and really capable teachers. Teacher education programme starts moulding from the ancient education system and till the present system of education taking shape according to the global and local needs of the Indian society. The National Policy on Education 1986 emphasize: “The status of the teacher reflects the socio-cultural ethos of the society; it is said that no people can rise above the level of its teachers”. The Education Commission (1964-66) professed; “The destiny of India is now being shaped in her classrooms” thus this paper focuses on the historical aspects of teacher education since its inception.