This paper analyzes results of questionnaires conducted, from 2009 to 2011, at a District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) in an underdeveloped district in Maharashtra, India, and presents, while examining, opinions of student teachers in the pre-service teacher education (PSTE) course at the DIET. Also, it appraises national level PSTE policy. Student teachers are concerned about both teaching and community participation at the district level, they have critical observations of the present system of PSTE, and make realistic choices about future careers. It is imperative that plans at the national level for PSTE take student teachers’ perceptions into careful consideration. Why? It is quality of PSTE which is at stake and its improvement.