New selection rules for teachers’ academic tour abroad: Focus on performance and experience

To ensure fairness and transparency in the selection of teachers for international academic tours, the Himachal Pradesh education department has amended its selection criteria. Under the new rules, factors such as teaching experience, annual examination results, annual confidential reports (ACRs), awards received and area of ​​service will now be the basis for selection of teachers. These changes were made following government directives, which issued official letters to district deputy directors to implement the new guidelines.

Changes in selection process
Earlier this year, 100 teachers were sent to Singapore for academic performance in two phases. However, the selection process raised concerns, prompting the department to bring about improvements. The revised rules emphasise on merit-based selection, ensuring that only those teachers will be selected for future foreign tours who have shown exceptional performance.

The key considerations for selection now include:

• Annual exam results: Recent performance of teachers and how well their students have performed in the exams will play a key role.
• Experience and subject expertise: The expertise and subject in which the teacher has gained significant experience will also be assessed.
• ACRs and awards: Recognition in the form of awards and favourable ACRs will be essential to make the cut.
• Service area: Those serving in challenging or remote areas will be given preference.

Improved selection transparency

District deputy directors have been asked to submit detailed information on these aspects for teachers who wish to apply for the programme. This is seen as an effort to ensure that only the most qualified teachers—those who have actively contributed to raising the standard of education in the state—will be recommended.

Department officials confirmed that these exposure visits are aimed at enhancing the teaching skills of teachers by giving them international exposure to modern education practices. Teachers who have excelled in their professional duties and have made meaningful contributions to the state’s education system will be given preference.

Students will be included in the initiative

In a new initiative, the education department is also preparing to send bright students abroad for exposure trips. The scheme aims to select outstanding students of class 10th and 12th as well as students who have excelled in sports, cultural activities and programmes such as NCC, NSS and Bharat Scouts and Guides. Under this proposal, 20 students from academic streams and 10 from extracurricular categories will be selected annually.

The goal is to expose students to the international academic environment, helping them develop a broader outlook and enhance their skills beyond the classroom. The criteria for selection of these students are being finalised, to ensure that the most deserving individuals are provided this unique opportunity. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the quality of education in the state, ensuring that both teachers and students benefit from global exposure and best practices.