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In a landmark decision aimed at strengthening inclusive education, the Punjab Government has announced the recruitment of 3,600 Special Education Teachers across government schools in the state. 3600 Special Education Teacher Recruitment 2025 is the first large-scale hiring initiative for special educators in Punjab, aimed at providing much-needed support to Children with Special Needs (CWSN).
Why Punjab Special Education Teacher Recruitment Matters?
Till now, Punjab had only 386 special educators, all working on a contractual basis since 2005, to cater to nearly 47,979 CWSN students enrolled in government and government-aided schools. The shortage has been alarming. For example, Ludhiana alone has 7,330 special students but only 30 educators to serve them.
This recruitment drive is a game-changer, not just for the education system but for thousands of students and their families who’ve long struggled for adequate support.
Punjab Special Education Teacher Recruitment 2025 Phases
The Education Department of Punjab has a sanctioned strength of 3,917 posts for special educators, and the upcoming recruitment will finally start to fill this gap. Additionally, the 386 contractual special educators currently serving in schools will be regularised, recognizing their contribution and ensuring job security. The hiring will happen in three phases:
- Year 1: 1,100 teachers
- Year 2: 1,200 teachers
- Year 3: 1,300 teachers
Legal Push Behind the Move
In February, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) took notice after receiving a complaint from the Berozgaar Vishesh Sikhya Adhyapak Union. The Commission directed the state to act swiftly. Then in March, the Supreme Court ordered all states and UTs to notify and initiate the recruitment of special educators by 28 March 2025. Although delayed by over three months, Punjab’s Finance Department has now approved the recruitment in a phased manner. Punjab 3600 Special Education Teacher Recruitment 2025 follows strict guidelines laid out under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, which mandates:
- 1 special educator per 10 students with disabilities in primary classes (I-V)
- 1 special educator per 15 students in middle school (VI-VIII)
District-Wise CWSN Enrolment Snapshot
Across Punjab, 2,170 CWSN are enrolled in pre-primary, 33,568 in Classes I-VIII, and 10,410 in Classes IX-XII. Here’s a quick look at the districts with the highest enrolment of special needs students:
District-Wise CWSN Enrolment Snapshot | |
Dictrict | Student Enrolments |
Ludhiana | 5,968 students |
Bathinda | 3,901 students |
Patiala | 2,976 students |
Amritsar | 2,702 students |
Jalandhar | 2,976 students |
3600+ Special Education Teacher Recruitment Drive
With the official nod now granted, recruitment notifications are expected soon. The hiring will offer new opportunities for trained educators and bring long-awaited relief to thousands of students who deserve specialized care and education. Stay tuned for the official application dates, eligibility criteria, and selection process, this is a critical development for the future of inclusive education in Punjab.