Latest figures released by the Punjab School Education Department show that more than 14,000 teachers working in public sector schools across the province have only completed matriculation, raising concerns about teaching quality and learning outcomes. The data also highlights a gender imbalance in the workforce, with male teachers making up around 60 percent of the total, while female teachers account for 40 percent.
According to the statistics, the academic qualifications of teachers vary widely. A total of 752 teachers hold PhD degrees, while around 40,000 have completed MPhil programs. More than 200,000 teachers are serving with master’s degrees, forming the largest segment of the workforce. In addition, about 62,000 teachers possess BA or BSE qualifications, and over 9,000 teachers are working with FA or FSc certificates.
The School Education Department said the data has been compiled to support evidence-based policymaking and to help design reforms aimed at improving education standards in Punjab’s public schools. Officials believe that understanding the qualification profile of teachers is essential for future recruitment policies, training programs, and professional development initiatives.
However, education experts have voiced serious concerns over the significant number of teachers with lower academic qualifications, particularly those with only matriculation or intermediate-level education. They argue that improving teacher qualifications and investing in continuous training are critical steps toward enhancing classroom learning, student performance, and the overall quality of the public education system in Punjab.
