Education has emerged as a key driver of Punjab’s wider transformation, with government schools in the state recording outcomes that were unthinkable a few years ago. Today, Punjab’s school education system is drawing national attention for its performance, inclusivity and steady reforms, with officials calling it a quiet but significant turnaround.
Punjab tops National Achievement Survey
In a major milestone, Punjab secured the top rank in the National Achievement Survey (NAS) conducted by the Government of India, overtaking Kerala for the first time. Kerala has long been regarded as a benchmark state for school education.
The NAS evaluates students’ learning outcomes in subjects such as mathematics, science, languages and social sciences. Punjab’s top ranking indicates a sharp improvement in academic performance in government schools across the state.
Government school students crack NEET
Another clear sign of change has been the growing success of government school students in competitive examinations. A record number of students from Punjab’s government schools qualified for NEET, the national-level medical entrance test.
Many of these students come from rural areas and economically weaker families, underlining the impact of improved teaching support and infrastructure. One student who cleared NEET said becoming a doctor once felt impossible, but sustained guidance from teachers and better facilities changed that outlook.
Strong showing in JEE exams
Punjab’s government school students have also performed well in engineering entrance tests. Hundreds cleared JEE Mains and JEE Advanced, opening doors to premier engineering institutes across the country.
Education officials say the results show that recent reforms are helping students compete at the national level, not just complete schooling.
Support measures for students
To ease financial pressure on families, the Punjab government continues to provide free textbooks and school uniforms to students enrolled in government schools. The aim is to ensure that economic hardship does not force children out of classrooms.
Focus on teachers
Strengthening the teaching workforce has been another priority. The state has recruited thousands of new teachers and regularised the services of long-serving contractual staff. This has helped improve teacher-student ratios and ensured continuity in classrooms.
Voices from classrooms
Students say the changes are visible. “We have good teachers, books and smart classrooms now. It makes us feel confident about our future,” a government school student said.
CM’s message
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said the progress reflects the importance of investing in school education. “Punjab’s future is shaped in its classrooms. When government school students top national surveys and clear exams like NEET and JEE, it shows that our efforts are yielding results,” he said.
Looking ahead
With improving learning outcomes and rising competitive exam success, Punjab’s education system is steadily building a generation that is more confident, skilled and prepared to compete nationwide.