A decision has been made to give central importance to the teaching licence test in order to improve the quality of teachers in Sindh. The next phase of the test will be conducted in September this year, while future teacher recruitments have also been conditionally linked to this test in principle.
Officials said the decision was taken in the 19th Board meeting of the Sindh Teachers Education Development Authority (STEDA), chaired by Provincial Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah. The meeting was attended by Secretary School Education Zahid Ali Abbasi, Executive Director Syed Rasul Bux Shah, social activist Shehzad Roy, and other board members.
It was agreed in the meeting that the future teacher recruitment will be strictly based on merit and professional competence, and the teaching license test will be made a mandatory component of the recruitment process. A minimum of 50 percent marks will be required, while a quota will also be allocated for the promotion of licensed teachers.
Education Minister Shah said, “Only candidates who pass the teaching licence test will be eligible for recruitment as teachers in Sindh.”
He further said that to improve teaching standards, it is essential to further strengthen teacher education, teacher training, and the teaching license system. He also added, “Sindh is taking more progressive steps in teaching reforms compared to other provinces in the country.”
The meeting also discussed amendments to the Teaching License Policy 2023, including the introduction of new specializations for the secondary level, a bridging course for one-year BEd degree holders, and the inclusion of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in the licensing framework. The minister approved the formation of a committee comprising board members to review and strengthen the accreditation process of institutions offering ECCE diplomas. The committee will assess academic standards, curriculum, and training facilities to ensure meaningful improvement in teachers’ professional capacity.
The board was informed that the first-ever Elementary Level Teaching Licence Test in the province has already been successfully conducted, and preparations for the next phase at the secondary level (Grades 6–12) have been completed. In this regard, the engagement of a third-party testing agency was also proposed to ensure transparency and quality.
The meeting also reviewed STEDA’s performance, institutional capacity, and policy reforms. Proposals for market-based recruitment were discussed to address staffing gaps and strengthen key functional areas.
Furthermore, progress on amendments to STEDA’s Rules of Business, improvements in teacher recruitment rules, and alignment of future hiring with modern standards was also reviewed. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to continue comprehensive and sustainable reforms to improve the quality of education in Sindh.
