Punjab Schools Struggle as 15000 Teacher
Punjab Schools Struggle as 15000 Teacher Punjab is currently facing a serious shortage of teaching staff as more than 15,146 School Teacher Intern (STI) posts remain vacant across government institutions. This situation has created significant pressure on the education system because many schools are operating without essential teaching support, causing delays in lessons and an increased workload on existing teachers. The shortage is especially concerning because the final date for submitting applications is very near, and schools are hoping for quick placements so that students do not have to suffer from learning gaps during the academic year.
A major portion of the shortage has been reported in Lahore, where 276 schools are still waiting for their required STIs. This shows how widespread the staffing gap is, even in the provincial capital where educational facilities are usually better compared to many districts. Due to the lack of teacher interns, many schools have been forced to adjust schedules, rotate classes, and assign additional responsibilities to permanent teachers. These temporary arrangements may help control the situation, but they are not enough to maintain the quality of education for thousands of students. Officials have confirmed that all appointments will be strictly made under the STI recruitment policy to ensure merit-based selection and transparent placement in the most deserving schools.
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Fast Facts About the STI Vacancies
- Total STI posts lying vacant: 15,146
- Lahore schools still without STIs: 276
- More than 150,000 applications received
- Last date to apply: 21 November
- Selection will be based on merit and school requirements
Why This Shortage Matters for the Education System
The shortage of teacher interns has directly affected classroom activities, teaching schedules, and the overall learning environment in government schools. When such a large number of posts remain empty, schools struggle to maintain proper class routines, especially where multiple grades and subjects need dedicated teachers. Students are experiencing interruptions in their lessons, and this inconsistency can affect their academic progress in the long run. A school system cannot function at its best if it lacks sufficient teaching staff to cover the curriculum.
Another major concern is the increased burden on permanent teachers, who already manage full schedules but are now handling extra classes due to vacant STI positions. This added pressure reduces their ability to provide quality attention to each student, and the school’s administrative team faces challenges in organizing replacement teachers or adjusting the timetable effectively. When vacancies continue for too long, students are the ones who experience the most negative impact because their learning rhythm is disturbed. Parents have also raised concerns, demanding that the government fill these posts quickly so that the academic structure remains stable.
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Lahore Tehsils Facing the Highest Shortages
Lahore has reported a considerable number of vacancies across several tehsils, showing that the problem is not limited to rural or underdeveloped areas but is also affecting the provincial capital. These shortages indicate the need for a faster and more organized recruitment process so that schools can resume normal operations. Below is a table showing the distribution of vacant STI posts in Lahore tehsils. This data helps highlight the areas where immediate attention is required.
STI Vacancies in Lahore Tehsil-Wise
| Tehsil Name | Vacant Posts |
|---|---|
| Cantonment Tehsil | 95 |
| City Tehsil | 62 |
| Model Town | 32 |
| Raiwind | 47 |
| Shalamar Town | 40 |
These numbers show that even well-established educational zones are not fully staffed, and teachers are struggling to manage classes without additional assistance. Schools in these areas urgently need teacher interns so students do not face continuous disruptions.
Over 150,000 Candidates Have Applied for STI Posts
Despite the large number of vacant posts, the response from applicants has been overwhelming. So far, over 150,000 candidates have applied for the available positions, showing a strong interest in teaching roles across Punjab. This large number of applicants also reflects the competition expected during the recruitment process, as only a limited number will be selected based on merit. The education department will need to carefully manage the verification process to ensure that only qualified candidates are shortlisted.
The high number of applications may slow down the selection process because of the necessary document checks, merit calculations, and school-level placement reviews. If the hiring process is delayed further, it will affect schools that are already struggling with fewer teachers. Therefore, transparency and timely action are crucial to completing the recruitment without unnecessary delays. Officials have stated that they will follow the defined hiring policy and ensure fairness for every applicant.
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Recruitment Policy and Its Importance
The STI hiring policy plays a critical role in ensuring fairness and transparency during the recruitment process. According to officials, the selection will be strictly merit-based, and teacher interns will be assigned to schools that need them the most. This approach helps maintain equal opportunities for all applicants and ensures that the most deserving candidates are placed in vacant positions. Merit-based hiring also improves confidence among candidates because they know the process is free from favoritism.
To maintain transparency, authorities are expected to publish merit lists and provide clear guidelines for verification and placement. The hiring department must ensure that all documents are checked properly so that no unqualified candidate is selected by mistake. Schools that have the highest number of vacancies should be given priority so that the overall staffing situation improves quickly.
Key points of the policy include:
- Fair selection based on academic performance
- Placement according to actual school needs
- Complete document verification before hiring
- Transparent display of merit lists and results
Expected Timeline for Appointment of Teacher Interns
With the last date for submitting applications approaching on 21 November, the next step will be sorting and shortlisting eligible candidates. After that, merit lists will be posted, and selected applicants will receive placement orders according to school-level requirements. The education department must move quickly because delays can further disrupt academic activities.
Expected next process steps:
- Completion of application submissions
- Shortlisting and screening of candidates
- Issuance of merit lists
- Placement according to tehsil and school requirements
- Joining of selected STIs in their assigned schools
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Conclusion
Punjab’s education system is currently facing a major staffing challenge as more than 15,146 STI posts remain vacant across the province. Educational activities are suffering because schools are unable to maintain smooth teaching routines without adequate staff.
Although more than 150,000 people have applied, the real task lies in completing the hiring process efficiently and placing the right candidates in the right schools. A transparent, timely, and merit-based recruitment process is essential to restoring stability in classrooms and improving learning outcomes for students. If these vacancies are filled quickly, schools will be able to overcome current challenges and continue delivering quality education without interruption
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