History

The Order of Public Instruction (Ordem da Instrução Pública) was established as the Order of Education and Benevolence in 1927. It was founded to distinguish services that encouraged the cause of education and the progress of the country. In 1929, the Order was split into two distinct orders, the Order of Public Instruction and the Order of Benevolence (later the Order of Merit); the Order of Public Instruction retained the original insignia.

Currently, the grades are Grand Cross (GCIP), Grand Officer (GOIP), Commander (ComIP), Officer (OIP), Medal (MIP), and Honorary Member (MHIP), that are conferred upon individuals in recognition of meritorious contributions to education or teaching in the country.

The ribbon is of golden yellow silk.

The Grand Cross Breast Star has an obverse inscription that translates to "Public Education." It is identical to the Grand Officer Breast Star.