Quick Update: The Director of School Education (Secondary), Punjab, has issued strict instructions (Dated: 23.01.2026) stating that PSTET-2 is mandatory for all teacher promotions. The department has also paused the issuance of promotion orders until the results of the recently conducted PSTET exams are declared.

Key Highlights

• ​Mandatory Requirement: Teachers must qualify PSTET-2 to be eligible for promotion.
• ​Status of Orders: No promotion orders will be issued until the results of PSTET exams (held in Dec 2025/Jan 2026) are declared.
• ​Senior Teachers: Those with less than 5 years of service left are NOT exempt from TET for promotion purposes.

Detailed News: “No PSTET, No Promotion” Policy Enforced

​In a significant move impacting thousands of teachers, the Punjab Education Department has clarified its stance on promotions for 2026. Citing a recent High Court direction and a Supreme Court judgment (Anuman Ishat-e-Taleem Trust vs State of Maharashtra), the department has ruled that passing the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is non-negotiable for promotions.

​1. The “Wait for Results” Order

​The circular explicitly states that promotions cannot be finalized yet. Many teachers appeared for PSTET-2 exams on dates including 12.11.2025, 24.12.2025, 04.01.2026, and 05.01.2026.

• ​The Rule: Teachers who appeared in these exams will be considered for promotion ONLY after they qualify.
• ​The Hold: The department will not issue any promotion orders prior to the declaration of these PSTET-2 results.

​2. Impact on Senior Teachers (Less than 5 Years Service)

​The order addresses a crucial confusion regarding senior teachers. Invoking powers under Article 142 of the Constitution:

• ​Teachers with less than 5 years of service left (near retirement) MAY CONTINUE in their current jobs without TET.
• ​HOWEVER, they will NOT be eligible for promotion unless they qualify PSTET-2.

​3. Schedule for Promotion Case Submission

​Despite the hold on final orders, the department has released a schedule for the submission and verification of files at the district level.

PSTET Official Promotion Schedule (Jan-Feb 2026)

Note: Strict compliance is directed. Any deviation will be the responsibility of the concerned officer.)

Official Reference

• ​Issued By: Office of the Director, School Education (Secondary), Punjab.
• ​Letter No: 104707/2025 (P-3)
• ​Date: 23-01-2026