Chandigarh: The Punjab Education Department has taken a significant policy decision regarding appointments and promotions in the Master Cadre across the state. As per an order issued on February 6, 2026, by the Director of School Education (Secondary), Punjab, clearing the Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test (PSTET-2) has now been made compulsory for all appointments and promotions to the Master Cadre.
The department clarified that earlier, some teachers had been granted exemption from PSTET under a memorandum dated September 14, 2017. However, following a Supreme Court judgment delivered on September 1, 2025, the rules have been revised. The apex court categorically ruled that passing PSTET-2 is mandatory for both direct recruitment and promotions to the Master Cadre.
According to the latest directive, teachers who are currently working in the Master Cadre on promotion and have more than five years of service remaining will be required to clear PSTET-2 within a period of two years. Failure to do so will invite further action in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions.
At the same time, the Education Department has provided limited relief, noting that the PSTET-2 examination was not conducted in 2025. As a result, the mandatory requirement will not apply to those employees who retired after promotion under orders dated November 12, 2025, December 24, 2025, January 4, 2026, and January 5, 2026.
The move is aimed at bringing uniformity and legal clarity to teacher eligibility norms in line with judicial directions, while safeguarding the interests of those who retired before having a fair opportunity to appear for the examination.
