Context: I am a BT in my first posting starting from 1 Jan 2023. My official confirmation to GEO2 was April 2022. Tia gong first posting only need 2 years in service. However the eligibility criterion to apply is to have completed 2 Years in the first posting as of 31 DEC of the year you are applying.

E.g I want to apply for OPE in July 2023, so I must have served 2 years in my current posting by 31 DEC 2023.

However the MOE HR unit tells me that Practicum period does not count towards the 2 years of service in the first posting. Even if I want to apply for new posting starting Sem 2 2024, I do not even meet the criterion to apply in the first place.

My questions are:
1) Anyone knows of any BT who successfully applied for OPE in their second year?
2) Does this mean that I am only eligible to apply for OPE in 2024?

Appreciate your insights, dear senpais