The STI final merit list 2026 is being displayed today, 31 October, and thousands of candidates who did not make the cut are now asking one question: is there an STI waiting list 2026 or a second merit list? The short answer is that every school keeps a merit order beyond its last selected candidate, and if a selected intern does not sign the agreement or does not join, the seat can move to the next eligible candidate on that same school’s list. This guide explains how that works, where to check, and what you can do in the next few days to stay in line for a seat.
Quick facts: Final list 31 October 2026 (10:00 AM) | Agreement letters 2 November | Joining 3 November | Internship ends 31 May 2027. Full details: STI final merit list 2026.
Is There an STI Waiting List or Second Merit List in 2026?
The School Education Department has not announced a separate province-wide “second merit list” for the 2026-27 STI intake. STI selection is school-wise and post-wise, so there is no single district or provincial waiting list. Instead, the merit order prepared by each school committee works as its waiting list. Candidates ranked just below the selected intern on that school’s final list are next in line if the seat falls vacant.
This is why your position on the final list matters even if you are not selected. A candidate at number 2 or 3 for a seat has a realistic chance if the selected person accepts another job, fails to sign the agreement or does not report on 3 November.
Also read
Punjab Teacher License 2026: Mandatory Teaching License Test, Who Needs It & Latest Status
When Do STI Seats Become Vacant After the Final List?
- Agreement not signed: a selected candidate does not download or sign the agreement letter issued on 2 November.
- No joining on 3 November: the intern does not report at the allotted school on the joining date.
- Selected at two places: a candidate who applied for more than one seat can join only one, which frees the other.
- Document problem: original degrees, CNIC or domicile do not match the online data at verification.
- Resignation in the first weeks: some interns leave for CTI, private schools or other jobs. See our STI resignation rules for how this works.
Also read
Latest News: Virtual University Free Courses in AI & Cybersecurity – 9 Courses With Cisco Badges
How to Check Your Waiting Position on the STI Final List
- Visit the school where you applied and read the final merit list on the notice board. Note your serial number and marks.
- Log in at sti.pesrp.edu.pk with your CNIC and password and check your application status.
- Take a photo of the list with the date visible. It helps if you later need to request a seat.
- Ask the head teacher politely whether the selected candidate has signed the agreement, especially after 2 and 3 November.
- Check other schools in your tehsil where you applied. You may be next in line at more than one place.
District-wise school lists and local updates are on our STI merit list 2026 district wise page, covering all 41 districts.
Who Gets the Vacant STI Seat First?
The seat goes to the next candidate in the final merit order for the same school, subject and level, based on the same formula used for the final list: academic marks, professional qualification and interview score. Read our STI merit formula 2026 guide to understand how close you are to the selected candidate. A small gap of a few marks often means you are first in line.
| Stage | Date | What it means for waiting candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Final merit list | 31 October 2026 | Note your position on each school list |
| Agreement letters | 2 November 2026 | Seats of candidates who do not sign may open |
| Joining | 3 November 2026 | No-shows create vacancies at the school |
| First weeks of internship | November 2026 | Resignations can free more seats |
What to Do Right Now If You Are on the Waiting List
- Keep your STI portal login active and check it every day this week.
- Keep originals and two sets of copies of your CNIC, degrees, mark sheets and domicile ready so you can join at short notice. Use our STI documents checklist.
- Stay in touch with the school head through proper channels, not agents.
- Never pay anyone who promises to move you up the list. The department does not charge any fee at any stage.
- If you think your marks were entered wrongly, raise it with the school committee with proof. Our STI objection guide explains the format.
Stipend for STI Interns 2026-27
If you get a seat through the waiting list, the stipend is the same as for interns selected in the first list: Rs 38,000 for Primary, Rs 40,000 for Elementary and Rs 45,000 for High/Higher Secondary per month. See STI stipend 2026-27 for payment details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an STI waiting list in 2026?
There is no separate province-wide waiting list. Each school final merit list works as the waiting list, and the next candidate in merit order can be offered a seat if it becomes vacant.
Will an STI second merit list be issued?
The department has not announced a second merit list for 2026-27. Vacant seats are normally filled from the existing school-wise merit order.
When do STI seats become vacant?
Mostly after 2 November if a selected candidate does not sign the agreement, and after 3 November if they do not join the school.
How can I check my waiting position?
Check the final list on the school notice board and your status on sti.pesrp.edu.pk with your CNIC. Note your serial number for each school where you applied.
Do I have to pay to get a seat from the waiting list?
No. The School Education Department does not charge any fee. Report anyone asking for money.
For all STI updates, merit lists and joining news, keep visiting the STI Portal section of STI.org.pk.