TSC Unveils Updated JSS Intern Score Sheet
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has released the official score sheet for the 2025/2026 Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern recruitment. The new guidelines will determine how applicants are ranked and selected.
This update is a game-changer for thousands of teachers seeking opportunities in Kenya’s education system. Success will now depend on a transparent, points-based system rather than minimum qualifications alone.
Why the Score Sheet Matters
The JSS intern program supports the rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) by addressing staffing gaps in junior schools. Each year, thousands of graduates enter the job market, but competition for internship slots is high.
The score sheet creates fairness by ranking candidates on multiple factors, not just their degree class or personal connections.
Breakdown of the TSC Score Sheet
TSC has divided the score sheet into four main categories:
1. Academic and Professional Qualifications (5 Points)
- First Class Degree = 5 points
- Second Class = 4 points
- Pass = 3 points
Diploma holders:
- Distinction = 5 points
- Credit = 4 points
- Pass = 3 points
Academic performance is still valued but contributes the least to the final score.
2. Age (10 Points)
Older candidates get higher points to recognize those who have waited longer for jobs:
- 50 years and above = 10 points
- 45–49 years = 9 points
- 40–44 years = 8 points
- 39 years and below = 7 points
3. Teaching Subject (65 Points)
This is the most important category. Subjects are ranked according to demand:
- Top Tier (65 points): Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Second Tier (55 points): Mathematics
- Third Tier (40 points): Computer Studies, Agriculture, Business Studies, Home Science, Art & Design, Music
- Fourth Tier (25 points): English, Kiswahili, French, German, KSL
- Fifth Tier (5 points): History, Geography, CRE, IRE, HRE
Science teachers stand the best chance of selection under this system.
4. Length of Stay Since Graduation (20 Points)
TSC also rewards patience by awarding points based on graduation year:
- 2016 or earlier = 20 points
- 2017 = 18 points
- 2018 = 16 points
- 2019 = 14 points
- 2020 = 12 points
- 2021 = 10 points
- 2022 = 8 points
- 2023 = 6 points
- 2024 = 4 points
- 2025 = 2 points
Other Key Guidelines
- TSC Registration: Applicants must have a valid TSC number.
- 5% Quota for PWDs: Teachers with disabilities get reserved slots.
- Approved Degrees Only: Non-teaching degrees (e.g., Journalism, Forestry) are not valid.
- Document Verification: Forged or misleading documents will lead to disqualification.
- Tie-Breaker Rule: If applicants tie in points, the one who graduated earlier ranks higher.
Tips to Boost Your Chances
- Choose science subject combinations where possible.
- Stay updated on TSC recruitment guidelines.
- Prepare all your documents in advance.
- Consider extra training in ICT, CBC retooling, or Special Needs Education.
- Use waiting time productively to strengthen your teaching practice.
Stakeholder Reactions
The new score sheet has sparked debate. Young graduates feel sidelined, while teacher unions like KNUT and KUPPET welcome recognition of long-waiting teachers.
Universities face pressure to review programs, as graduates in humanities may struggle to secure slots. Experts believe the focus on science aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals but warn against undervaluing languages and humanities.
The 2025 JSS intern recruitment is unlike previous years. TSC has made it clear that subject specialization, experience, and patience carry more weight than grades alone.
For applicants, the message is simple: know the score sheet, prepare your documents, and maximize your points. Science teachers may have the upper hand, but every applicant still has a chance to compete fairly.
Good luck to all 2025 candidates!
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