You have joined a government school as a School Teacher Intern. Now life happens: a fever, a family wedding, a university exam, or a baby on the way. The question every intern asks is the same: what are the STI leave rules, and will taking a day off cut my stipend or put my internship at risk?
This guide explains the STI leave policy in simple words, the difference between an intern and a regular teacher, how absence affects your stipend, and how to apply for leave the right way. We have also added a free STI leave application generator so you can make a proper application in under a minute.
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Do Government Leave Rules Apply? STI Leave Rules Explained
This is the most important point to understand. A School Teacher Intern is not a regular civil servant. You work under an internship agreement with the District Education Authority, and you receive a monthly stipend, not a salary in a pay scale. Regular teachers follow the Punjab civil service leave rules, which give earned leave, casual leave and other types. Those rules do not automatically apply to interns.
Under the STI leave rules, your leave rights come from your agreement letter and the instructions issued by the School Education Department and your district. That is why the first thing you should do is read your agreement carefully. If you have lost it, ask your school head for a copy, or see our guide on the STI fresh agreement 2026-27.
STI Leave Policy at a Glance
The exact number of days can differ by agreement and by phase. The table below shows how leave usually works for interns in practice. Always confirm with your agreement and your head teacher.
| Leave type | How it usually works | Proof needed |
|---|---|---|
| Casual leave | Short leave for personal work, approved by the head teacher | Written application |
| Medical leave | For illness; longer absence needs approval | Medical certificate |
| Maternity leave | Depends on agreement and department instructions | Medical record, written request |
| Exam / interview leave | Allowed at head teacher discretion | Roll number slip or call letter |
| Unauthorized absence | Not allowed | Can lead to deduction or termination |
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STI Leave Rules and Your Stipend
Your stipend (Rs. 38,000 for primary, Rs. 40,000 for elementary and Rs. 45,000 for high and higher secondary, as per the STI program) is paid for the service you give. Schools mark attendance daily, and many districts also use digital attendance. If you are absent without approved leave, the days may be deducted from your stipend.
Long or repeated absence without permission is treated seriously. It can be a reason for termination of your internship, and the government has said that interns whose contracts are terminated or who leave early are not eligible for extension. So a few days of careless absence can cost you the full year. Read more in our guide on STI resignation and termination rules.
Free STI Leave Application Generator
A written application protects you and is the first step in the STI leave rules. It shows you asked for permission before going on leave. Fill in the form below to create a polite application addressed to your head teacher.
STI Leave Application Generator
Make a clean, polite leave application for your head teacher in under a minute.
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How to Apply for Leave Under STI Leave Rules
- Apply in advance. For planned leave, submit your application at least one or two days before.
- Write it down. A verbal request is easy to forget. Give a written application and keep a photo of it.
- Attach proof. Medical certificate for illness, roll number slip for exams, invitation card for family events if asked.
- Inform on the same day for emergencies. If you fall sick suddenly, call or message your head teacher in the morning and submit the application when you return.
- Plan your classes. Leave lesson plans or work so students do not lose time.
- Check attendance records. After returning, make sure your leave is marked correctly, not as absent.
STI Maternity Leave
STI maternity leave is one of the most asked questions from female interns. Because interns are on short agreements, maternity leave may be handled differently from regular employees. Some agreements may allow unpaid leave, some may allow a short paid period, and in some cases the intern may need to discuss continuation with the district. There is no single public rule for all phases.
If you are expecting, inform your head teacher early and in writing. Request the district office to tell you in writing what your agreement allows. Keep all medical records. Planning early gives you the best chance to protect both your health and your internship.
Leave for Exams, Interviews and Further Study
The STI leave rules also matter for study. Many interns are also studying for B.Ed, M.Phil or preparing for other jobs. Short leave for an exam or interview is usually approved if you ask in advance and show your roll number slip or call letter. Do not plan your internship around long study breaks, though. If your study needs many weeks away, discuss it with your head teacher before you commit. Our guide on career after STI explains how to use this year to build your future without risking your current role.
Late Arrival, Short Leave and Absence Without Permission
Leave is not only about full days. Coming late every day or leaving early without permission also counts against you. Schools keep attendance registers, and supervisors such as AEOs visit schools to check presence. If you need to leave early once in a while, ask your head teacher and note it in writing.
Absence without permission is the biggest risk for any intern. One unexplained absence may be marked as absent and deducted. Repeated unexplained absences can lead to a show-cause notice or even termination of the agreement. If an emergency stops you from informing the school in time, contact your head teacher as soon as you can, explain the situation honestly, and submit a written application with proof on your first day back.
Following the STI leave rules and keeping good attendance is also one of the things districts look at when deciding contract extensions. Interns with clean records are in a much stronger position when renewal time comes.
Common Mistakes Interns Make About Leave
- Going on leave after only a WhatsApp message, with no written application.
- Assuming regular teachers leave rules apply to interns.
- Not keeping a copy of the approved application.
- Taking long leave near exams or result days, when schools need staff most.
- Ignoring attendance records until stipend is deducted.
Following the STI leave rules is not difficult. Ask before you go, put it in writing, keep proof, and talk to your head teacher openly. This simple habit keeps your stipend safe and your record clean for future extensions.
For official announcements, always check the official STI portal and the School Education Department Punjab website. Guides on this site are for help and awareness; the department’s notifications are final.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many leaves are STI interns allowed?
The number depends on your agreement and district instructions. Interns are not regular civil servants, so check your agreement letter and confirm with your head teacher.
Will my stipend be cut if I take leave?
Approved leave as per your agreement is usually not a problem, but unauthorized absence can lead to stipend deduction and even termination.
Do STI interns get maternity leave?
It depends on the agreement and department instructions for your phase. Inform your head teacher early and ask the district office in writing.
Can I take leave for my university exam as an STI?
Short leave for exams is usually allowed if you apply in advance and attach your roll number slip.
Who approves leave for School Teacher Interns?
Your head teacher handles daily leave. Longer leave may need approval from the AEO, DEO or District Education Authority.