KARACHI: The Sindh Teachers Education Development Authority (Steda) has decided to make teaching licence examination a mandatory component of the recruitment process.

According to a press release issued here on Wednesday, the decision was taken in the 19th meeting of the STEDA board, 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 others.

Speaking on the occasion, the education minister said: “Only candidates who pass the Teaching Licence Test will be eligible for recruitment as teachers in Sindh.”

He said it was essential to further strengthen teacher education, their training and the licensing system. “Sindh is taking more progressive steps in teaching reforms compared to other provinces in the country.”

The meeting also discussed amendments to the Teaching Licence Policy 2023, including the introduction of new specialisations 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 had 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 next phase of the test will be conducted in September this year. A minimum of 50 per cent marks will be required, while a separate quota will also be allocated for the promotion of licensed teachers.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2026