NTRCA to hold written, viva exams for heads, deputies at private schools

Written and viva exams to determine appointments at private institutions

The Non‑Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) will conduct examinations for the appointment of heads and assistant heads in private educational institutions.

According to a notification issued on Tuesday by the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the education ministry, candidates for positions such as principal, head teacher, vice‑principal, assistant head teacher, superintendent and assistant superintendent will face an 80‑mark written test and an 8‑mark viva.

The total score for the recruitment exam will be 100, with the remaining 12 marks awarded based on academic qualifications.

The ministry said the move aims to standardise recruitment and ensure merit‑based selection for leadership positions in private schools and colleges.

Since 2015, teacher recruitment in MPO-listed private educational institutions has been conducted through the NTRCA.

However, appointments of heads and assistant heads have so far been made by the governing bodies or managing committees of the institutions.

Following allegations of irregularities and corruption, the government has decided that these appointments will also be brought under the NTRCA process.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Under the new system, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, the Directorate of Madrasa Education and the Directorate of Technical Education will send annual vacancy demands to NTRCA in line with MPO rules.

NTRCA will publish notices specifying examination dates, times and venues. Candidates must meet the required academic qualifications and experience set out in MPO guidelines.

A recruitment committee will be formed with representatives from the Secondary and Higher Education Division or the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education.

NTRCA will conduct both written and oral examinations, with question papers prepared by the authority.

The written test will carry a pass mark of 40 percent. Candidates up to three times the number of available posts will be shortlisted for the viva. The oral examination will also require a minimum score of 40 percent.

Final merit lists will be prepared by combining marks from the written and oral tests with scores for academic qualifications.

RECOMMENDATION PROCESS

Successful candidates will be invited to submit online preferences for up to five vacancies and may also opt for institutions outside their preference list.

Applicants convicted in criminal or departmental cases will be ineligible.

NTRCA will recommend candidates for appointment based on merit and stated preferences.

For head and assistant head posts, recommendations may be made at any stage of the recruitment process.

APPOINTMENT PROCESS

NTRCA will notify both the candidate and the institution of its recommendation.

The institution’s authorities must appoint the recommended candidate within one month.