The Punjab government has announced that it will extend the contracts of School Teaching Interns (STIs) and College Teaching Interns (CTIs) following the completion of a province-wide performance evaluation, providing relief to thousands of interns awaiting clarity about their future.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat shared the update in a statement, confirming that the government is currently assessing the performance of interns appointed under the STI and CTI programs. He said the evaluation process is in its final stages and that an official announcement regarding contract extensions will be made soon.
The minister revealed that more than 90 percent of School Teaching Interns and College Teaching Interns have demonstrated strong performance during their tenure. He praised their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to improving the quality of education in schools and colleges across Punjab.
According to Rana Sikandar Hayat, the interns have played a valuable role in addressing teacher shortages and ensuring that students continue to receive quality education. He acknowledged their contribution to the education system and said the government appreciates the efforts they have made during their appointments.
The STI and CTI initiatives were introduced to temporarily fill teaching vacancies in government educational institutions while providing young graduates with practical teaching experience. Since their induction, thousands of interns have been serving in schools and colleges across the province, supporting academic activities and helping institutions manage staffing requirements.
The announcement is expected to bring relief to many interns who have been waiting for confirmation about their employment status. Over the past several weeks, STI and CTI teachers have repeatedly urged the provincial government to extend their contracts, arguing that their continued services would benefit both students and educational institutions.
Although the education minister confirmed that contract extensions are being planned, he did not disclose how long the renewed contracts will remain valid. He also refrained from announcing a specific date for issuing the official notification, saying only that further details will be shared after the evaluation process is completed.
Education experts believe the continuation of the internship programs could help maintain academic stability in government institutions, particularly in areas where permanent teaching vacancies have yet to be filled. Extending the contracts would also prevent disruptions to classroom learning during the ongoing academic session.
The Punjab government has recently introduced several initiatives aimed at strengthening the province’s education sector. Alongside efforts to improve infrastructure, digital learning, and teacher training, retaining experienced teaching interns is seen as another step toward ensuring continuity in classroom instruction.
Students and parents are also expected to benefit from the decision, as many interns have become regular classroom instructors over the past several months. Their continued presence would help schools and colleges avoid sudden staffing shortages while maintaining the academic calendar.
Interns across Punjab are now awaiting the official notification, which is expected to outline the duration of the extensions, eligibility criteria, and implementation timeline. Until then, the performance review process will determine which interns qualify for renewed contracts.
The provincial government has reiterated its commitment to supporting quality education and recognizing the contributions of educators who have demonstrated strong performance. With more than 90 percent of interns reportedly meeting expectations, the upcoming extension is likely to provide stability for both teachers and educational institutions across Punjab.
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