Islamabad: Government school teachers in Pakistan are significantly more likely to possess higher academic qualifications compared to their counterparts in private schools, according to the ASER Pakistan 2025 dataset. The study reveals that 52.4% of government school teachers hold Master’s degrees or higher, whereas only 39.1% of private school teachers meet this criterion. This disparity reflects different recruitment standards and educational priorities between the two sectors.

According to Gilani Research Foundation, the analysis highlights that private schools rely more heavily on teachers with mid-level academic qualifications, with 18.9% holding FA qualifications compared to 9.6% in government schools. Furthermore, 30.6% of private school teachers have BA degrees, slightly higher than the 27.7% in government schools. The study suggests that cost considerations and flexible hiring practices may influence private schools’ reliance on teachers with intermediate and undergraduate qualifications.

The data also underscores differences in professional teaching qualifications. Government school teachers are more likely to hold formal teaching degrees, with 41.3% possessing B.Ed qualifications compared to 33.4% in private schools. Master’s in Education (M.Ed) degrees are also more prevalent in government schools, with 23.4% of teachers holding this qualification versus 15.3% in private schools.

These findings reflect broader structural differences between the sectors. Government schools operate within formalized recruitment frameworks, often requiring higher academic and professional qualifications supported by standardized pay scales. In contrast, private schools face cost constraints and rely on a more decentralized hiring approach, resulting in a workforce with a broader range of qualifications.

The report suggests that improving education quality in Pakistan requires not only increasing access to schooling but also strengthening teacher capacity across both sectors. This could involve expanding access to professional training and improving qualification standards in private schools to ensure better learning outcomes for students.