Mohali: A fake recruitment advertisement for 1,000 vocational teacher posts in government schools has raised questions over the circulation of detailed school-level data of the Punjab education department, including UDISE codes, along with the purported recruitment notice.
The advertisement, which has been circulating on social media and other platforms, claims to be part of a “Punjab Government’s new initiative” to recruit vocational teachers against 1,000 posts. However, the education department, in an official communication issued on Sept 14, 2026, clarified that neither it nor any company had issued such an advertisement or school list for the recruitment of vocational trainers. The department has termed the advertisement and accompanying list fake and advised people not to act on the information.
The matter has assumed greater significance as a detailed list of government high schools was circulated along with the fake recruitment advertisement. The list reportedly contains the names of districts, individual schools, their UDISE codes and school categories. Schools from several districts, including Amritsar, Barnala, Fatehgarh Sahib and Bathinda, figure in the circulated list.
The availability of such detailed school-wise information has raised questions over the source from which the data was obtained and how it came to be linked with the fake recruitment advertisement. While the department has clarified that it did not issue the advertisement or list, its communication does not establish the source of the school data or identify any person, company or organisation responsible for preparing and circulating it.
Advertisement lists 11 vocational sectors
The purported advertisement claims vacancies across 11 vocational sectors, including retail, tourism and hospitality, food processing, power, apparel, plumbing, healthcare, IT/ITES, agriculture, banking and financial services, and beauty and wellness. It mentions ITI, diploma and degree-level qualifications and presents the purported recruitment as an employment opportunity for youth aimed at promoting skill-based education.
Department issues caution
The education department has directed officials and other concerned persons not to rely on or circulate the advertisement or accompanying school list. It has clarified that no recruitment-related action should be taken on the basis of the material being circulated. The department has also warned people to exercise caution if anyone seeks money or personal information by claiming to offer a government job on the basis of the purported recruitment.
