Thousands of School Teacher Interns in Punjab are being asked to sign an STI fresh agreement for the 2026-27 session. The agreement is what brings an intern back into the programme after contracts ended earlier this year, and it decides your contract dates, your stipend terms and whether you qualify for the reported Rs15,000 allowance.
The STI fresh agreement in brief:
- The STI fresh agreement covers Phase One and Phase Two interns.
- The notification lists the period as 24 August 2026 to 31 May 2027.
- Interns who resigned before 31 May 2026 cannot get an STI fresh agreement.
- Check dates, school level and stipend terms before signing.
Because the agreement matters so much, it is worth understanding it properly before you sign. This guide explains who is eligible, what the official notification says, what to check on the document and what to do if you are left out. It also includes a quick eligibility checker so you can see where you stand in less than a minute.
Table of Contents
What Is the STI Fresh Agreement?
An STI fresh agreement is a new contract between the intern and the education authority for the current period of service. Under the programme, interns are engaged for fixed periods rather than on permanent terms. When a period ends, interns can only continue if the government approves an extension and a fresh agreement is signed.
That is what happened in September 2026. On 16 September, the Punjab government approved new contracts for School Teaching Interns from Phase One and Phase Two, running until 31 May 2027. On 25 September, the Punjab School Education Department issued a notification allowing already engaged interns to continue through fresh agreements, with the continuation period shown as 24 August 2026 to 31 May 2027. Chief Executive Officers of all District Education Authorities were told to act immediately and report compliance.
You can read the full news background in our report on the STI contract extension.
Check Your Eligibility in One Minute
Answer the three questions below. The checker applies the eligibility rules that have been reported so far and tells you what to do next.
STI Fresh Agreement Eligibility CheckerAnswer three quick questions to see where you stand for 2026-27
Based on the rules reported on 16 September 2026 and the notification of 25 September 2026. Your District Education Authority makes the final decision.
Who Is Eligible for the Fresh Agreement?
Based on the rules reported on 16 September 2026, eligibility works like this:
| Situation | Status |
|---|---|
| Phase One or Phase Two intern whose contract ended on 31 May 2026 | Eligible for a fresh contract |
| Intern whose contract was not terminated | Can continue |
| Intern who resigned or left before 31 May 2026 | Not eligible |
| Intern whose contract was terminated | Likely not eligible; confirm with district |
Two points often cause confusion. First, the extension is linked to the first and second phases of the programme. If you are unsure which phase you were appointed in, check your appointment order. Second, “left the post” includes cases where an intern simply stopped attending before the cut-off date, even without a formal resignation. If that applies to you, speak to your district office rather than assuming you are covered.
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Important Dates You Should Know
The dates on your agreement affect your stipend, so make sure they are correct.
- 16 September 2026: new contracts for Phase One and Phase Two interns approved, running until 31 May 2027
- 25 September 2026: School Education Department notification issued, allowing continuation through fresh agreements
- 24 August 2026: start of the continuation period, as listed in the notification
- 31 May 2027: end of the current contract period
There is a clear difference between the two start dates. The notification is the official document, so the 24 August date is the more authoritative reference. If you returned to school before mid-September, check which date is printed on your agreement and ask your district office if it does not match.
What to Check Before You Sign
Signing without reading is the most common mistake interns make. Before you sign the STI agreement 2026-27, go through these points carefully:
- Your name, CNIC and school are recorded correctly
- The contract period matches the official dates
- The school level is correct, since it decides your stipend slab
- The stipend amount and any mention of the Rs15,000 additional allowance
- Attendance conditions, because the stipend is linked to days present
- Termination and resignation clauses, including any notice period
If anything is unclear, ask for it to be explained before signing. Keep a copy of the signed agreement with you. It is your main proof if there is a dispute over dates or payment later.
Our STI stipend 2026-27 guide explains the stipend slabs and includes a calculator you can use to check the figure on your agreement.
Documents to Keep Ready
Districts may ask for slightly different documents, but the following are commonly needed when an agreement is issued:
- Copy of your CNIC
- Your previous appointment order or agreement
- Educational certificates used at the time of selection
- Bank account details for stipend payments
- Recent photographs
Our STI rejoining 2026 checklist includes an interactive list you can tick off as you prepare, along with the full joining process.
The Rs15,000 Allowance and Your Agreement
The additional monthly allowance of Rs15,000 was approved for eligible interns subject to revised terms and conditions. Those revised terms have not been published in any public document we could review. This makes the agreement especially important, since it may be the first place where the terms appear in writing.
When you receive your agreement, look for a clause on the allowance. If there is none, ask your district office how the allowance will be paid and from which month. Do not assume the allowance is included unless it is stated in writing.
What If You Are Not Eligible?
If the checker shows you are not eligible, you still have options. The same 25 September notification allowed fresh STI hiring against vacant slots under the STI Program 2024 and a district-wise allocation. Former interns who meet the criteria may be able to apply again when the process opens.
To prepare, read our guide on who can apply for the STI programme and follow our district-wise STI vacancies page. As of 29 September 2026, no Punjab-wide application schedule or deadline had been announced.
If you believe you were wrongly excluded, for example because your resignation was never processed or your termination was a mistake, submit a written request to your District Education Authority with copies of your documents. Keep a record of when and to whom you submitted it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply online for the fresh agreement?
The notification directs District Education Authorities to act, so agreements are generally issued through the district and school. Follow your district office’s instructions rather than online links shared on social media.
Can I sign the agreement at a different school?
The agreement relates to your placement. Any change of school would depend on the district’s decision and vacancy position, so ask your district office before assuming a change is possible.
Does the fresh agreement make my job permanent?
No. STI remains a temporary internship. The fresh agreement extends your engagement until 31 May 2027 but does not create a right to regular employment.
What if my agreement shows 16 September as the start date?
The official notification lists 24 August 2026. Ask your district office to confirm the correct date, especially if you were attending school before 16 September.
Who issues the STI fresh agreement?
The STI fresh agreement is issued through your District Education Authority, which was directed by the School Education Department to act on the 25 September notification.
Final Word
Sources: Eligibility for the STI fresh agreement was reported by ProPakistani and in the notification covered by ProPakistani. Official notices: School Education Department.
The STI fresh agreement is the document that secures your place until 31 May 2027. Use the checker to confirm your eligibility, read every clause before signing, and keep a copy for your records. For official notices, rely on your district office and the School Education Department, and keep following our latest STI updates for any change to the terms.