Your marks were on the initial list on 23 October, but will they hold on 31 October? To answer that you need to understand the STI merit formula 2026 as a process, not just a number. This article explains how the tentative merit list is built, what changes it during objections and interviews, how ties are broken, and what candidates mean when they talk about STI Phase 3.
Want your score in numbers? Use our free STI merit calculator 2026-27. This page explains the logic behind the score and how it changes between lists.
Key Takeaways
- The STI merit formula is applied school-wise and post-wise, not district-wise.
- The STI merit formula adds academic marks, professional qualification preference and a small interview score.
- Final merit list: 31 October 2026, 10:00 AM.
Table of Contents
What Is STI Phase 3?
The School Teacher Internship programme has been filled in rounds. Interns hired in the first and second rounds are usually called Phase 1 and Phase 2 STIs, and they continue in 2026-27 through fresh agreements without facing merit again. The fresh hiring approved on 25 September 2026 against vacant seats is the next round, which is why many candidates and groups call it STI Phase 3. The department’s own documents refer to it as fresh hiring under the STI Program 2024, so you will not see “Phase 3” on the official portal.
Also read
SIS Punjab Vacant Seats 2026 and Transfer Status by CNIC: Where to Check on sis.pesrp.edu.pk
The STI Merit Formula in Three Layers
Your final position is built in three layers, each added at a different stage:
| Layer | Added at | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Academic merit | Initial (tentative) list, 23 Oct | Matric, Intermediate and your highest relevant degree, converted to percentages |
| 2. Professional qualification preference | Initial list | B.Ed, M.Ed or equivalent adds weight or decides close cases |
| 3. Interview | Interviews, 29–30 Oct | A small number of marks from the school-level committee |
The department has not released a separate public weightage table for 2026-27. Our calculator follows the structure reported in the previous cycle: Matric 15, Intermediate 15, highest degree 55, professional qualification 10 and interview 5 (total 100). If your district applies a different split, the district list follows the district’s formula.
Converting marks: the pro-rata rule
Each part is calculated pro-rata: (marks obtained ÷ total marks) × weight. For a CGPA degree, divide your CGPA by the scale (for example 3.20 ÷ 4.00 = 80%) and then apply the weight. Example: Intermediate 880/1100 = 80%, and 80% of 15 = 12 marks.
How the Tentative List Fits Into the STI Merit Formula
The STI tentative (initial) merit list displayed on school notice boards on 23 October is prepared school-wise and post-wise. For each vacant seat, applicants are ranked by academic merit and professional qualification, using the marks they entered in their application. Interview marks are not part of it yet.
- It is provisional, so data-entry errors can still be fixed.
- Being high on the list means you are likely to be called for interview at that school.
- Your rank is compared only with candidates who applied to the same school and post, not the whole district.
How Objections Change the Merit
During the objection window (26–27 October), the tehsil-level committee checks complaints against documents. Typical corrections include wrong obtained or total marks, a missing professional qualification, or a degree entered against the wrong level. Approved corrections are applied before the final list, which is why some candidates move up or down without any new marks. Steps are in our STI objection 2026 guide.
The Interview Layer
Shortlisted candidates are interviewed at the school on 29–30 October. The interview carries only a few marks, but in school-wise lists the top candidates are often separated by less than one mark, so a confident demo lesson can decide the seat. Prepare with STI demo lesson topics and the STI interview documents list.
Tie-Breaking: When Two Candidates Have the Same Marks
When totals are equal, preference generally goes to the candidate with the relevant professional qualification (B.Ed/M.Ed), and then to the higher academic qualification in the relevant subject. Some committees also prefer the candidate living closest to the school, since the internship has no travel allowance. Confirm the rule used in your school’s list with the head teacher.
From Tentative to Final: A Worked Example
| Stage | Candidate A | Candidate B |
|---|---|---|
| Academic + professional (tentative list) | 78.4 | 79.1 |
| After objection (B’s B.Ed was missing, A’s Inter total corrected) | 77.9 | 81.0 |
| Interview (out of 5) | 4.5 | 3.0 |
| Final merit | 82.4 | 84.0 |
Candidate B was second on the tentative list but finishes first, because a valid objection restored her professional qualification. This is why checking your own entry on the tentative list matters more than your rank on it.
Key Dates for the 2026-27 Merit Process
- Initial (tentative) list: 23 October 2026
- Objections: 26–27 October 2026
- Interviews: 29–30 October 2026
- Final merit list: 31 October 2026, 10:00 AM (see STI final merit list 2026)
- Agreement letters: 2 November 2026; internship starts 3 November 2026
In short, the STI merit formula rewards accurate data more than anything else. Check your marks on the initial list, use the objection window if needed, and prepare well for the interview, because the STI merit formula decides close cases by fractions of a mark.
Official links: Official STI portal (sti.pesrp.edu.pk) · School Education Department Punjab
STI Merit Formula 2026: FAQs
What is the STI merit formula 2026?
STI merit combines academic marks (Matric, Intermediate and highest degree, calculated pro-rata), preference for professional qualifications such as B.Ed or M.Ed, and a small interview score. The department has not published a separate weightage table for 2026-27.
What is the STI tentative merit list?
It is the initial school-wise list displayed on 23 October 2026, ranking candidates on academic merit before objections and interviews. It is provisional.
What is STI Phase 3?
It is the informal name for the fresh STI hiring of 2026-27 against vacant seats, after the earlier Phase 1 and Phase 2 rounds.
Can my merit change after the tentative list?
Yes. Approved objections can correct your marks, and the interview score is added before the final list on 31 October 2026.
Is STI merit calculated district-wise?
No. Merit is compared school-wise and post-wise, only with candidates who applied for the same seat.