Every year, thousands of graduates in Punjab ask the same question: should I apply for STI or CTI? Both are paid teaching internships run by the Punjab government, both are temporary, and both are recruiting for 2026-27. But they place interns in very different institutions and have different rules.
STI vs CTI in four points:
- STI vs CTI: schools versus colleges.
- CTI needs a 16-year degree with second division; STI follows the STI Program 2024 criteria.
- CTI has an age limit of 40 years.
- Both are temporary internships, so STI vs CTI is about fit, not job security.
This STI vs CTI guide compares the two programmes side by side using official and reported information, so you can decide which one suits your qualification, age and career plans. A short quiz below also gives you a personal suggestion.
Table of Contents
STI vs CTI: The Basics
STI stands for School Teacher Interns (also called School Teaching Interns). The programme is run by the Punjab School Education Department and places interns in government primary, elementary, secondary and higher secondary schools.
CTI stands for College Teaching Interns. It is run by the Punjab Higher Education Department (HED) and places interns in government associate and graduate colleges, where they teach intermediate and BS classes.
STI vs CTI Comparison Table
| Point | STI | CTI |
|---|---|---|
| Department | School Education Department | Higher Education Department |
| Where you teach | Government schools | Government colleges |
| Eligibility | STI Program 2024 criteria | Master’s/BS (16 years), 2nd division; MS/MPhil for graduate colleges |
| Age limit | As per STI criteria | Maximum 40 years |
| Merit | Qualifications plus interview (last cycle) | 85 qualification, 10 prior CTI, 5 interview |
| Stipend | By school level; STI Program 2024 slabs Rs38,000 to Rs45,000 plus reported Rs15,000 allowance | Not confirmed for 2026-27; reports mention Rs50,000 |
| Current period | Fresh agreements until 31 May 2027 | 2026-27 induction pending approval |
| Official website | schools.punjab.gov.pk | cti-hep.punjab.gov.pk |
Which Programme Suits You? Take the Quiz
Answer four questions and the tool will suggest the programme that fits your profile, then take you to the correct official website.
STI or CTI: Which Suits You?Answer four questions to get a suggestion
CTI rules from the official CTI portal (2026-27). STI rules follow the STI Program 2024 criteria. This is guidance only; always confirm on the official website.
Also read
Retest Demanded for Top 100 MDCAT Candidates Amid Concerns Over Medical Entry Test Results 2026
Eligibility: The Biggest Difference
The clearest dividing line is qualification. The official CTI portal says associate colleges need a Master’s degree or BS (four-year) with at least second division in the relevant subject, and graduate colleges need an MS or MPhil as well. The maximum age is 40 years.
STI follows the STI Program 2024 criteria, which vary by school level and subject. Because STI covers primary and elementary schools as well as high schools, it can suit a wider range of graduates. Our guide on who can apply for the STI programme explains the STI criteria in detail.
In short, if your highest qualification is a 14-year BA or BSc, CTI is not open to you and STI is the realistic route. If you hold a Master’s, BS or MPhil in a college subject, you may qualify for both.
Stipend and Money
The STI stipend is set by school level and linked to attendance. The previous cycle’s slabs ranged from Rs38,000 for primary schools to Rs45,000 for higher secondary schools, and the government has approved an additional Rs15,000 monthly allowance for eligible interns, subject to revised terms. Use our STI stipend 2026-27 calculator to estimate your payment.
The CTI stipend for 2026-27 has not been officially confirmed. A TechJuice report from August 2026 said CTIs received Rs50,000 per month in the last two sessions, while an older report cited Rs65,000 for BS-level and Rs55,000 for intermediate-level interns. The Finance Department has approved Rs4 billion for CTI salaries, as covered in our report on CTI salaries.
On reported figures, CTI tends to pay more per month, but it also demands higher qualifications, and contracts have usually been limited to the teaching months of the college session.
Contract Length and Job Security
Neither programme offers a permanent job. Both are internships designed to fill teaching gaps.
- STI: eligible Phase One and Phase Two interns continue through fresh agreements until 31 May 2027. See our STI fresh agreement guide.
- CTI: past contracts have run up to seven months for intermediate classes and up to ten months for BS programmes. Under new rules, CTIs with satisfactory performance can be retained without full re-recruitment, as explained in our CTI contract extension report.
Workload and Teaching Experience
STI interns teach children, often in schools with staff shortages, and may take on duties such as invigilation, attendance and morning assembly. It builds classroom management skills and suits people interested in school teaching careers.
CTI interns teach older students in subject-specific classes. It suits candidates aiming for lectureships or further study, since college teaching experience is closely linked to those careers.
How Selection Works
For STI, the last cycle used school-level merit lists, objections at tehsil level and interviews, with appointment orders issued through the portal. Our STI merit list 2026 guide explains the process and tracks the current status.
For CTI, applications and merit run through the official portal. Merit is out of 100, with most marks based on your academic percentage. Our CTI 2026-27 complete guide covers each step.
Can You Apply for Both?
Nothing in the published material says you cannot apply for both programmes if you meet each one’s criteria. However, you can only serve in one placement at a time, since both require regular attendance. If you are selected in both, compare the stipend, location and your career goals before accepting.
Three Common Scenarios
Looking at typical profiles can make the choice easier.
Scenario 1: BSc graduate, 24 years old
With a 14-year BSc, CTI is not available because it requires a 16-year degree. STI is the realistic option, and primary or elementary schools may have the most openings depending on the district allocation. Track seats through our district-wise STI vacancies page.
Scenario 2: MSc Mathematics, second division, 30 years old
This candidate meets the basic CTI criteria for associate colleges and may also fit STI in secondary or higher secondary schools. If college teaching is the long-term goal, CTI is the stronger match. If staying close to home matters more, a nearby school through STI may be more practical.
Scenario 3: MPhil English, 42 years old
The MPhil would normally qualify for graduate colleges, but the CTI age limit is 40 years on the closing date. This candidate should check the STI criteria instead, since CTI’s age rule would rule them out.
These examples show why it helps to check both sets of rules before deciding.
Career Value After the Internship
Both programmes add real teaching experience to your profile. STI experience is closely linked to school teaching roles, while CTI experience is more relevant to college lectureships and further study. Whichever you choose, keep your experience certificate, your evaluation records and a short portfolio of lesson plans. These documents can strengthen future applications for regular posts advertised through the Punjab Public Service Commission or other recruitment bodies, although neither internship guarantees selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CTI better than STI?
Neither is better for everyone. CTI suits candidates with a 16-year degree who want to teach in colleges. STI suits a wider range of graduates who want to teach in schools.
Can a BA or BSc graduate apply for CTI?
No. CTI requires at least a Master’s or BS (four-year) degree with second division in the relevant subject.
Do STI and CTI lead to permanent jobs?
No. Both are temporary internships and do not create a right to regular employment, though the experience can help in future applications.
Which pays more, STI or CTI?
Based on reported figures, CTI pays more per month, but the 2026-27 CTI stipend is not officially confirmed.
Can the STI vs CTI quiz decide for me?
The STI vs CTI quiz only gives a suggestion. Always confirm eligibility on the official website before applying.
Final Word
Sources: CTI details in this STI vs CTI guide are from the official CTI portal. STI details follow the School Education Department notices and ProPakistani reporting.
The choice between STI vs CTI comes down to your qualification, where you want to teach and your career goals. Use the quiz for a quick suggestion, then confirm details on the official website. For the latest on both programmes, keep checking our latest updates.