Appointment Letters for 12,500 School Teacher Interns. Appointment letters for 12,500 School Teacher Interns (STIs) have once again been delayed, creating uncertainty among thousands of selected candidates across Punjab. The decision comes after the authorities reopened the objection window on the final merit list, putting the recruitment process on pause yet again.
This latest development has affected candidates who were expecting to join schools from December 1. Many had already completed preparations, only to face another delay.
School Teacher Intern (STI) Recruitment
The School Teacher Intern program was launched to address teacher shortages in public schools and provide temporary teaching opportunities to qualified graduates. Under this program:
- Interns are hired on short-term contracts
- Selection is made through a district-wise merit list
- Appointments are issued after merit verification
This year’s recruitment covered 12,500 STI positions across Punjab, making it one of the largest intakes in recent years.
Why STI Appointment Letters Are Delayed Again
According to the School Education Department, appointment letters have been put on hold due to objections received against the final merit list.
Key reasons for the delay include:
- Complaints about merit calculation
- Errors in academic record entry
- Issues related to district allocation
- Concerns over transparency and fairness
To address these concerns, the department has allowed candidates to formally submit objections before issuing final appointment orders.
Objection Submission Deadline and Process
The department has officially announced that:
- Objection submission deadline: December 22, 2025
- Submission location: Office of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the relevant district
Important points for candidates:
- Objections must be submitted in person
- Relevant documents should be attached
- Late submissions will not be accepted
The authorities have made it clear that this is the final chance for candidates to raise concerns regarding the merit list.
Earlier Scheduled Joining Date Missed
Initially, STI contracts were expected to begin on December 1, 2025. However, due to the objection process:
- Appointment letters were not issued
- School joining could not start
- Candidates remain in waiting status
This delay has raised concerns among applicants who were relying on the internship for income and teaching experience.
New Expected Timeline for Appointment Orders
The School Education Department has instructed district offices to:
- Resolve all objections by December 22
- Finalize the corrected merit lists immediately after
- Issue appointment letters soon after objection resolution
While no exact date has been announced, officials have indicated that STI appointment orders are expected shortly after December 22, provided no further issues arise.
Impact on Candidates and Schools
Impact on candidates:
- Continued uncertainty
- Financial stress for unemployed graduates
- Delay in gaining classroom experience
Impact on schools:
- Shortage of teaching staff
- Increased workload on existing teachers
- Delay in academic planning
Many schools were counting on STI appointments to manage class sizes and cover subject gaps.
Official Instructions to District Education Offices
The department has clearly directed district administrations to:
- Handle objections fairly and transparently
- Ensure no eligible candidate is ignored
- Complete the process within the given deadline
District CEOs are responsible for reviewing each objection and correcting genuine errors without unnecessary delays.
What STI Candidates Should Do Now
If you are among the selected or shortlisted candidates:
- Check your name and details on the final merit list
- Submit an objection only if there is a genuine issue
- Visit your district CEO office before December 22
- Keep copies of all submitted documents
- Stay alert for official announcements after December 22
Avoid relying on rumors or unofficial sources.
Why Transparency Matters in STI Recruitment
Large-scale hiring programs like the STI initiative must follow strict merit-based rules. Allowing objections:
- Builds trust in the system
- Reduces future legal challenges
- Ensures deserving candidates are selected
Although delays are frustrating, resolving disputes now can prevent bigger problems later.
Conclusion
The decision to put appointment letters for 12,500 School Teacher Interns on hold again has disappointed many candidates, but it also reflects the government’s attempt to address merit-related concerns.
With objections allowed until December 22, candidates have a final opportunity to ensure fairness in the selection process. Once objections are resolved, the issuance of appointment orders is expected to move forward without further delay.
