Chandigarh, May 10, 2026: Punjab has achieved a major milestone in the education sector, with the latest NITI Aayog Education Quality Report 2026 placing the state among India’s top-performing regions in school education. In a development being described as a historic turnaround for government schools, Punjab has outperformed Kerala—traditionally regarded as the benchmark for school education in India—on several foundational learning indicators.
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains hailed the achievement as the beginning of a “new era” for the state’s education system, driven by reforms, teacher dedication and large-scale structural improvements. He said the recognition was the result of sustained efforts made by students, teachers, parents and the state government over the last few years.
According to the report, Punjab recorded 82 percent proficiency in language and 78 percent in mathematics among Class 3 students, outperforming Kerala, which scored 75 percent and 70 percent respectively. The report also showed Punjab ahead in Class 9 mathematics performance, where the state achieved 52 percent proficiency compared to Kerala’s 45 percent.
The Education Minister stated that these improvements reflect the success of Punjab Government initiatives introduced after the COVID-19 pandemic, including Mission Samarth and the Schools of Eminence programme. He said the reforms were aimed not only at improving infrastructure but also at transforming classroom learning outcomes.
Government School Infrastructure and Learning Outcomes Witness Major Transformation
Highlighting the scale of reforms, Harjot Singh Bains said Punjab’s government schools have undergone rapid modernization over the past few years. He cited data from the NITI Aayog report showing that 99.9 percent of government schools in the state now have electricity connectivity, while 99 percent are equipped with functional computers.
He further stated that more than 80 percent of schools now have smart classrooms, enabling digital and interactive learning methods. According to the minister, this transformation has significantly improved the learning environment in government institutions, particularly in rural areas.
The report also pointed towards a sharp decline in dropout rates. Over 90 percent of Class 10 students in Punjab are now successfully transitioning to Class 11, indicating improved retention and continuity in education. Officials believe this reflects growing confidence among parents and students in government schools.
Another major achievement highlighted in the report is the improved student-teacher ratio, which now stands at 22:1. The minister said this has allowed teachers to focus more effectively on individual student learning and classroom participation.
Harjot Singh Bains also noted that Punjab received appreciation for reducing the urban-rural gap in education. The report observed that students from villages and smaller towns are now getting access to facilities and opportunities that were once largely limited to urban schools.
The minister added that special attention has also been given to girls’ education and ensuring equal participation in academic programmes across districts.
Global Teacher Training, Competitive Exam Success Strengthen Punjab’s Education Push
The Education Minister credited international teacher training programmes for contributing to improved classroom performance. He said teachers from Punjab were trained in countries like Finland and Singapore as part of the state’s broader education reform strategy.
According to him, these programmes introduced teachers to modern teaching methods, child-centred learning approaches and global classroom practices, which are now being implemented in government schools across Punjab.
He stated that Punjab has also recruited around 13,000 teachers and support staff to strengthen the education system and improve learning delivery at every level.
The government’s English Edge Programme, launched for nearly three lakh students, was also highlighted as a major initiative aimed at improving communication skills and preparing students for higher education and competitive opportunities.
Punjab currently has 118 Schools of Eminence functioning across the state. These institutions were launched to provide advanced academic infrastructure, career guidance and skill-based learning opportunities for students from government schools.
The NITI Aayog report further noted a rise in the number of government school students clearing national-level entrance examinations. According to the data shared by the minister, 786 students from government schools have qualified JEE Main, while 1,284 students have cleared NEET so far.
Harjot Singh Bains said these results demonstrate that government school students are now competing successfully at the national level and proving that quality education is possible through strong policy implementation and consistent monitoring.
He added that the report validates the changes that were already visible on the ground in Punjab’s education system. According to the minister, government school students are no longer merely catching up with private institutions but are increasingly emerging as leaders in academic performance.
Concluding his remarks, Harjot Singh Bains said Punjab’s education reforms have shown that when policy, execution and teacher commitment work together, large-scale transformation becomes achievable.
