The government school education system in Punjab has been completely overhauled, achieving results so impressive that the state is now positioning them as a national standard for excellence. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced that the focus has shifted to building confidence, innovation, and resilience in classrooms, directly leading to better learning and career prospects for students.
Academic Excellence and Competitive Success
Minister Bains pointed to the state's continued top rank in the National Achievement Survey as proof that quality improvements are reaching every student. The most compelling evidence, however, comes from competitive exams. This year, 265 students from Punjab's government schools cleared the JEE Mains, with 45 qualifying for the JEE Advanced. Furthermore, 847 government school students passed the NEET. These figures shatter the old perception and prove state schools are now powerful launchpads for top professional courses.
Future-Ready Curriculum and Student Well-being
The reforms extend beyond traditional academics. In a major shift, Punjab will introduce 'Entrepreneurship' as a main subject for Class XI starting the 2025-26 session. Schools have already seen student-led micro-enterprises begin operations, fostering business thinking early. Addressing a critical social issue, a comprehensive drug prevention curriculum has been implemented for Classes XI and XII, reaching over 800,000 students with a focus on peer leadership and psychological strength.
Global Exposure and AI-Driven Guidance
To bring world-class practices to Punjab, the government has invested in high-level training. 234 principals trained in Singapore, 216 primary teachers in Finland, and 199 headmasters at IIM Ahmedabad. A unique School Mentorship Programme connects students with senior bureaucrats for career insights. For equitable planning, Punjab is piloting AI-based Career Guidance Labs, with 25 such labs already set up in government schools. Additionally, the 'English Edge' programme has benefited 300,000 students, and 118 schools are being upgraded as 'Schools of Eminence'.
To support this transformation, the state government has strengthened staffing by regularising 12,316 employees, recruiting 13,765 new teachers, and appointing 1,908 campus managers and 1,316 security guards. This holistic approach marks Punjab's determined journey to redefine public education in India.
