The School Education Department has announced its plan to introduce a mandatory teacher licensing system starting in 2026. Under this new policy, all teachers — whether serving in government schools or private institutions — will be required to obtain a professional teaching license in order to continue working.

According to department officials, a summary for the formal approval of this initiative will soon be submitted to the Provincial Cabinet. Once approved, the system will be implemented across Punjab as part of a broader effort to raise educational standards.

One of the key features of the proposed framework is the requirement for contract teachers to secure a teaching license to extend their contracts. This means that renewal of employment will depend on successfully obtaining the license.

Under the new system, candidates will have to appear in a specially designed licensing test. Only those who pass the exam will be awarded an official teaching license. The Punjab Examination Commission (PEC/PECTA) has been assigned the responsibility of conducting and managing the entire testing process to ensure transparency and merit.

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Officials from the School Education Department explained that the introduction of teacher licensing is aimed at improving the overall quality of teaching. The department believes that the new system will help maintain professional standards, strengthen accountability, and ultimately enhance student learning outcomes in classrooms across the province.

The initiative is expected to bring long-term benefits by encouraging teachers to upgrade their skills, receive professional training, and stay updated with modern teaching practices.