Sindh makes teaching licence test mandatory for teacher recruitment

KARACHI: The Sindh Teachers Education Development Authority (STEDA) has decided to make the teaching licence examination a compulsory part of the recruitment process for teachers in the province.

According to a press release issued on Wednesday, the decision was taken during the 19th meeting of the STEDA board. The meeting was chaired by Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah and attended by School Education Secretary Zahid Ali Abbasi, Executive Director Syed Rasul Bux Shah, singer-turned-social activist Shehzad Roy, and other participants.

Speaking at the meeting, the education minister said that only candidates who pass the Teaching Licence Test will be eligible for recruitment as teachers in Sindh.

He said there was a need further to strengthen teacher education, training, and the licensing system, adding that "Sindh is taking more progressive steps in teaching reforms compared to other provinces in the country."

Policy changes discussed

The board also reviewed proposed amendments to the Teaching Licence Policy 2023. These included the addition of new specialisations for the secondary level, a bridging course for holders of a one-year BEd degree, and the inclusion of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in the licensing framework.

During the meeting, the minister approved the formation of a committee made up of board members to examine and improve the accreditation process for institutions offering ECCE diplomas. According to the press release, the committee will review academic standards, curriculum, and training facilities with the aim of ensuring meaningful improvement in teachers’ professional capacity.

Next phase planned for September

The board was informed that the province’s first-ever Elementary Level Teaching Licence Test had already been conducted successfully. It was also told that preparations had been completed for the next phase at the secondary level, covering Grades 6–12.

In this connection, a proposal was also discussed for the engagement of a third-party testing agency to help ensure transparency and quality in the process.

The next phase of the test will be held in September this year. A minimum of 50 per cent marks will be required for candidates. The board was also informed that a separate quota would be allocated for the promotion of licensed teachers.

The decisions taken at the meeting mark a further step in Sindh’s ongoing efforts to link teacher recruitment with licensing and professional standards through a formal testing process.