Only 16% of Candidates Pass Teacher License Exam in Sindh

News Submitted By : Ilm Ki Dunya |30-Jul-2025| Views: 92

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Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah declares an emergency in the education sector after less than 1 in 5 pass the Sindh Teacher License Exam:

 In a landmark development for education in Sindh, only 16% of applicants passed the recently held Teacher Licensing Exam, highlighting serious gaps in teacher competency and training across the province. At a special ceremony held at the Chief Minister House, CM Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasized the urgent need for quality education and accountability in the teaching profession. "I have respect of my teachers like I have those of parents. They helped shape my life. But respect must be earned through responsibility and performance,” stated the chief minister.

New Era for Teaching Standards in Sindh

The event, organized by the Sindh Education Department, marked the official awarding of teaching licenses to 646 successful candidates, including 297 Junior Elementary School Teachers (JEST) and 195 pre-service teachers. The licensing initiative, spearheaded by Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah, was launched to ensure merit-based recruitment and elevate teacher quality in public education. Out of nearly 4,000 applicants, only 16% qualified—a statistic that CM Shah described as a wake-up call for education policy makers and stakeholders. “We need competent, trained, and licensed teachers in every classroom. This is the only way to rebuild trust in our public school system,” the chief minister added.

STEDA to Oversee Licensing and Training

Shah reaffirmed the government's commitment to raising education standards through the Sindh Teacher Education Development Authority (STEDA). Moving forward, only candidates who undergo professional training and pass the licensing assessment will be eligible for recruitment as government school teachers. The chief minister also raised concerns about the increasing number of out-of-school children in Sindh. He stressed that while access to education is vital, the quality of instruction delivered in classrooms must also be addressed. Over the decades, our education system has suffered due to political interference and non-merit appointments. We are determined to change that,” he asserted.

Sardar Shah: "Licensing Is Not a Weapon Permit"

Education Minister, Syed Sardar Shah told the presence about specifics and cleared misrepresentation by citizens about the granting of license system. “This is about certifying educators—not controlling them. It took three years to develop this system, and it will revolutionize how teachers are recruited and trained,” he explained. He admitted that in earlier phases, teachers were hired without licenses due to the urgent need to keep schools staffed. However, from now on, only licensed and trained individuals will be considered for teaching positions in public institutions. “Teaching does not belong alone to a profession- it belongs to the country.. We want every teacher to feel empowered and accountable,” Sardar Shah emphasized.

Dignitaries and Stakeholders in Attendance

During the ceremony, some high profile figures were present and they included:

Minister for Livestock Mohammad Ali Malkani

School Education Secretary Zahid Abbasi

Dr. Sajid Ali of Aga Khan University

Shahzad Roy is a social activist and a founder of Zindagi Trust

STEDA Executive Director Rasool Bux Shah

Diplomats, educationists, and members of civil society

These stakeholders expressed their full support for the new teacher licensing framework, calling it a vital step toward educational reform in Sindh.

Conclusion: A Critical Step Toward Sustainable Education Reform

The low pass rate in the Sindh Teacher Licensing Exam sends a clear message—teacher quality needs immediate and systemic improvement. By implementing a structured licensing system and prioritizing training, merit, and accountability, the Government of Sindh has laid the foundation for a stronger, more reliable education system. The licensing initiative is expected to drastically improve learning outcomes, ensure classroom effectiveness, and restore public trust in government-run schools across the province.

 

 

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