No.. they are not the same. “Internal” appointments occur frequently when there is not enough quota for KP. The school is waiting for a kp vacancy to be available to send the person for interview. The downside is that the “internal” KPs have no way of knowing if they will eventually be appointed (if the SLs decide to play politics). Some schools may not even be given the headcount for these extra HODs. But they play with the title to appease the appointees. “Acting” KPs are indicate that these positions are available. The “acting” KP would need to acquire experience (if it is a new portfolio for them” or they are placed under supervision and guidance to groom them for the appointment interviews. Most acting KPs should get an interview between 6 months and one year.