Punjab Government to Hire 23,000 Intern Teachers by August 2025, Complete Details

In a significant move to address the persistent shortage of educators in public schools, the Punjab government has announced a plan to hire 23,000 school teacher interns (STIs) by August 2025.

Background of the Initiative

The Punjab government’s decision to hire 23,000 intern teachers is part of a broader effort to improve the quality of education in the province, which is home to over 50,000 public schools and millions of students. Over the years, Punjab has faced a severe shortage of teachers, with estimates suggesting a deficit of over 100,000 teaching positions. This gap has led to overcrowded classrooms, overburdened teachers, and a decline in educational outcomes, particularly in rural areas.

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Details of the Recruitment Plan

The recruitment of 23,000 STIs will take place in multiple phases, with the process expected to be completed by August 2025. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the plan:

Number of Schools Covered:

The initiative targets 2,000 upgraded schools across Punjab, including primary, elementary, high, and higher secondary levels. This includes the 800 schools recently approved for upgradation by the Maryam Nawaz-led government.

Stipend Structure:

• Interns will receive a monthly stipend based on the level of the school they are assigned to:
  • Primary schools: PKR 40,000
  • Middle schools: PKR 45,000
  • High and higher secondary schools: PKR 50,000

Duration of Internship:

The internship will last for 9 months, continuing even during school holidays like summer vacations. Interns will not be assigned administrative duties or evening school responsibilities.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Candidates must be between 21 and 45 years old.
• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required for primary school positions, while higher-level positions (elementary and above) require a Master’s degree or a professional teaching degree (e.g., B.Ed or M.Ed).
• Candidates must be local residents of the same neighborhood, village, or union council where the school is located, ensuring community ties and accessibility.
• Preference will be given to candidates with qualifications like CTET, STET, or NET, though these are not mandatory for all positions.

Selection Process:

• School principals will assess teacher shortages and submit reports to the School Education Department.
• Vacancies will be advertised through the Online Teacher Recruitment System (OTRS) portal.
• Candidates will apply online via the STI portal (schools.punjab.gov.pk), which will open for applications in phases.
• A merit list will be created based on academic qualifications, with only 5 marks allocated for interviews to assess communication skills, subject knowledge, and teaching passion.
• Successful candidates will receive appointment letters and begin their internships.

Phases of Recruitment:

The recruitment will occur in six phases, with each phase covering different districts. For example, the first phase in January 2025 hired 6,868 STIs, and the remaining phases will cover the additional 23,000 positions by August 2025.

Application Process

Candidates interested in applying for the STI positions can follow these steps:

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the age, education, and residency requirements.
2. Visit the Portal: Applications will be submitted through the official STI portal (schools.punjab.gov.pk). The portal will open for applications in phases, with the next phase expected to start soon after the formal approval in the upcoming budget.
3. Fill Out the Form: Provide accurate academic and personal details on the online application form.
4. Submit Locally: Alternatively, candidates can visit the nearest school in their union council to obtain and submit the application form. School principals will assist with the process.
5. Prepare for Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be called for interviews, where they’ll need to demonstrate their teaching ability and subject knowledge.
6. Check Results: Successful candidates will be listed on the notice board of the concerned school or on the official portal.

The application window for the next phase is expected to open in May 2025, with results announced shortly after. Candidates are advised to keep an eye on the official website for updates.