About Education Department
Pakistan's education system is managed at both federal and provincial levels. The education departments oversee government schools (primary to higher secondary), colleges, and universities across Pakistan. Teaching staff follow a structured career path with defined designations and pay scales from BPS-9 to BPS-21.
The sector employs over 500,000 educators across primary schools, elementary schools, secondary schools, higher secondary schools, degree colleges, and universities, providing quality education to millions of students.
School Teachers Hierarchy & Designations
Primary & Elementary Level
| Designation | Grade (BPS) | Basic Salary Range | Qualification Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary School Teacher (PST) | BPS-9 | PKR 19,210 - 40,760 | Matric + PTC/CT (2 years) |
| Elementary School Teacher (EST) | BPS-14 | PKR 32,300 - 68,590 | BA/BSc + B.Ed (2 years) |
| Senior Elementary School Teacher | BPS-15 | PKR 37,000 - 78,505 | BA/BSc + B.Ed + Experience |
| Headmaster/Headmistress (Primary) | BPS-14/15 | PKR 32,300 - 78,505 | BA/BSc + B.Ed + 5 years experience |
| Headmaster/Headmistress (Elementary) | BPS-16 | PKR 42,800 - 90,231 | BA/BSc + B.Ed + 10 years experience |
Secondary & Higher Secondary Level
| Designation | Grade (BPS) | Basic Salary Range | Qualification Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject Specialist (SST) | BPS-16 | PKR 42,800 - 90,231 | MA/MSc in subject + B.Ed |
| Senior Subject Specialist | BPS-17 | PKR 67,290 - 212,475 | MA/MSc + B.Ed + 5 years |
| Principal (High School) | BPS-17 | PKR 67,290 - 212,475 | MA/MSc + B.Ed + 10 years |
| Principal (Higher Secondary School) | BPS-18 | PKR 81,070 - 243,015 | MA/MSc + B.Ed + 15 years |
College Teachers & Professors
Degree Colleges (Intermediate & Bachelor Level)
| Designation | Grade (BPS) | Basic Salary Range | Qualification Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecturer | BPS-17 | PKR 67,290 - 212,475 | MA/MSc (2nd Division minimum) |
| Senior Lecturer | BPS-18 | PKR 81,070 - 243,015 | MA/MSc + 5 years teaching |
| Assistant Professor | BPS-18 | PKR 81,070 - 243,015 | MA/MSc + M.Phil/PhD (pursuing) |
| Associate Professor | BPS-19 | PKR 89,590 - 268,180 | PhD + 8 years experience |
| Professor | BPS-20 | PKR 100,180 - 299,895 | PhD + 15+ years experience |
| Principal (Degree College) | BPS-19/20 | PKR 89,590 - 299,895 | PhD + Administrative experience |
University Faculty & Staff
University Teaching Positions
| Designation | Grade (BPS) | Basic Salary Range | Qualification Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecturer | BPS-17/18 | PKR 67,290 - 243,015 | Master's + 18 years education |
| Assistant Professor | BPS-18/19 | PKR 81,070 - 268,180 | PhD or M.Phil + 3 years |
| Associate Professor | BPS-19/20 | PKR 89,590 - 299,895 | PhD + 8 years + Publications |
| Professor | BPS-20/21 | PKR 100,180 - 337,805 | PhD + 15 years + Research |
| Dean of Faculty | BPS-20/21 | PKR 100,180 - 337,805 | Professor + Administrative skills |
| Vice Chancellor | BPS-21 | PKR 112,830 - 337,805 + Perks | Professor + Leadership experience |
University Administration
- Registrar: BPS-19/20 - Administrative head managing university operations
- Controller of Examinations: BPS-19 - Manages examination system
- Treasurer: BPS-18/19 - Financial management
- Director (Various Departments): BPS-18/19 - Heads of departments like QEC, IT, Planning
- Librarian: BPS-17/18 - University library management
Career Progression in Education Sector
Primary School Teacher (PST)
Start with Matric + PTC/CT certification (BPS-9). Teach grades 1-5 in government primary schools.
Elementary School Teacher (EST)
Complete BA/BSc + B.Ed, join as EST (BPS-14) to teach grades 6-8, or upgrade from PST.
Subject Specialist (SST)
Obtain MA/MSc in subject + B.Ed to become SST (BPS-16) for grades 9-12 in high schools.
Lecturer (College/University)
MA/MSc with good grades qualifies for Lecturer position (BPS-17) in colleges or universities.
Assistant Professor
Complete PhD or M.Phil + publications to become Assistant Professor (BPS-18/19) in universities.
Associate/Full Professor
Progress to Associate Professor (BPS-19/20) and Professor (BPS-20/21) through research, publications, and experience.
Education Department Administrative Positions
Secretary Education (Provincial)
Grade: BPS-21
Role: Head of provincial education department, policy making and implementation
Additional Secretary Education
Grade: BPS-20
Role: Assists Secretary, manages specific education divisions
Director General (Schools/Colleges)
Grade: BPS-19/20
Role: Supervises schools or colleges in province
District Education Officer (DEO)
Grade: BPS-18/19
Role: Manages education at district level
Assistant Education Officer (AEO)
Grade: BPS-16/17
Role: Supervises schools in tehsil/taluka
Education Officer
Grade: BPS-17
Role: Field monitoring and quality assurance
Benefits & Allowances for Teachers
Financial Benefits
- Basic Salary: As per BPS scale (BPS-9 to BPS-21)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): 30-45% of basic pay based on city
- Conveyance Allowance: Fixed amount for daily travel
- Special Teacher Allowance: 25% of basic pay for teachers
- Academic Qualification Allowance: Extra for PhD/M.Phil holders
- Medical Allowance: Fixed monthly amount for health expenses
- Adhoc Relief: Additional yearly relief announced by government
- Annual Increments: Yearly salary increase as per service rules
Non-Financial Benefits
- Free or subsidized residential accommodation (for certain positions)
- Medical coverage for self and family at government hospitals
- Pension and gratuity after retirement (25 years service)
- Provident fund (GP Fund) with government contribution
- Study leave for higher education (PhD, M.Phil, etc.)
- Children education allowance and fee concessions
- Summer and winter vacations (schools/colleges)
- Job security and promotion opportunities
- Training and professional development programs
How to Become a Government Teacher
For Primary School Teacher (PST)
- Qualification: Matriculation (SSC) + PTC (Primary Teaching Certificate) or CT (Certificate in Teaching)
- Age Limit: 18-30 years (relaxation for disabled candidates)
- Recruitment Through: District Education Authority (DEA) or Education Department
- Selection: NTS/PTS test + Interview
For Elementary/Secondary Teachers (EST/SST)
- EST: BA/BSc + B.Ed (2 years education degree)
- SST: MA/MSc in relevant subject + B.Ed
- Age Limit: 20-35 years
- Recruitment: Through PPSC, SPSC, KPPSC, BPSC
- Test: Written test on subject knowledge, pedagogy, general knowledge + Interview
For College/University Lecturers
- Qualification: MA/MSc (minimum 2nd Division) in relevant subject
- Preferred: M.Phil or PhD for university positions
- Age Limit: 21-35 years (higher for PhDs)
- Recruitment: Through PSC or university selection committee
- Selection: Subject test, teaching demonstration, research assessment, interview
For Assistant/Associate Professors
- Assistant Professor: PhD or M.Phil + 3 years teaching/research experience
- Associate Professor: PhD + 8 years post-PhD experience + research publications
- Selection: HEC criteria-based evaluation, research portfolio, publications, interview
- BPS: Universities follow HEC TTS (Tenure Track System) criteria
Provincial Education Departments
Punjab Education Department
Schools: 52,000+ institutions
Teachers: 400,000+
Website: schools.punjab.gov.pk
Sindh Education Department
Schools: 48,000+ institutions
Teachers: 200,000+
Website: education.sindhgov.pk
KPK Education Department
Schools: 30,000+ institutions
Teachers: 150,000+
Website: elementary.kp.gov.pk
Balochistan Education Department
Schools: 12,000+ institutions
Teachers: 60,000+
Website: education.balochistan.gov.pk
Teacher Training Institutions
Pre-Service Training
- Government Colleges of Elementary Education (GCEEs): B.Ed (4 years) and ADE (2 years) programs
- Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU): Distance learning B.Ed and M.Ed programs
- Universities Education Departments: B.Ed (2 years), M.Ed, M.Phil and PhD in Education
In-Service Training
- Provincial Institutes of Teacher Education (PITEs): Continuous professional development
- District Teacher Training Centers: Subject-specific and pedagogical training
- Higher Education Commission (HEC): Faculty development programs for university teachers