In a significant development for the education sector, the Punjab government has announced plans to hire over 23,000 School Teacher Interns (STIs) in more than 2,000 upgraded schools across the province. The recruitment process is expected to begin by August 2025, pending final approval in the upcoming budget by the Cabinet Committee.
Over the past five years, more than 2,000 schools were upgraded from primary to elementary or high level under the recommendations of Members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs) and notable social figures. This strategic upgradation aimed to enhance access to quality education in underserved areas of Punjab.
Among the upgraded schools, 51 schools in Lahore alone saw an elevation in their academic status. These improvements now necessitate additional teaching staff to accommodate the expanding student population and curriculum requirements.
Adding to the momentum, the current administration has also approved the Schedule of New Expenditures (SNE) for 781 more schools. These schools will likewise see the deployment of STIs to address the increasing demand for qualified teachers.
STI Recruitment to Fill Over 100,000 Vacant Posts
The upcoming STI hiring wave is set to fill over 100,000 vacant positions in the school education sector, marking one of the largest internship-based teaching drives in Punjab’s history. Previously, around 1,200 STIs were recruited on a temporary basis, and this new round aims to scale that effort significantly.
According to education department officials, the STI model has shown promise in addressing immediate teacher shortages while providing young graduates with hands-on teaching experience. This also opens a pipeline for future permanent appointments in the public education sector.
Recruitment Process and Budget Approval
The School Education Department has finalized plans for the recruitment drive. However, the formal launch hinges on budget approval by the Cabinet Committee, expected during the 2025-26 fiscal budget session. Once greenlit, detailed advertisements, eligibility criteria, and application procedures will be published across official platforms.
