Punjab is preparing to overhaul its education system with a new licensing regime that will make professional teaching licenses compulsory for all school teachers both in government and private institutions from 2026. The move, confirmed by the School Education Department, aims to raise teaching standards and ensure only qualified individuals enter classrooms.
The initiative comes as part of ongoing reforms to strengthen teacher accountability, following years of concerns about inconsistent training quality and weak classroom performance across the province. Officials said the formal summary will soon be forwarded to the Provincial Cabinet for approval, marking the first major step toward implementing a structured teacher certification system.
Under the upcoming framework, teachers will have to pass a mandatory licensing test conducted by the Punjab Examination Commission (PEC/PECTA). Those who clear the exam will receive an official teaching license. An official involved in the process said,
“Contract extensions will only be granted to teachers who secure their teaching license, ensuring a performance-based system.”
The department stated that the licensing policy aims to professionalize teaching, improve learning outcomes, and align Punjab with international education standards. The system is expected to bring uniformity across both public and private schools, where teacher qualifications currently vary widely.