Chandigarh: Marking a major step toward equitable career planning, the Punjab Government on Friday launched a first-of-its-kind initiative to integrate Artificial Intelligence–based career guidance into the public school system. Under the pilot phase, 25 AI-enabled Career Guidance Labs have been inaugurated in Government and Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) affiliated schools, announced Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains. The initiative was formally rolled out with the simultaneous inauguration of labs at Government Senior Secondary School, Nangal, and Government Senior Secondary School (Girls), Sri Anandpur Sahib, in collaboration with ed-tech partner Beyond Mentor.
The Education Minister said the programme aims to empower students with timely, structured and free career guidance, regardless of their socio-economic background. He added that the 25-school pilot will be closely monitored for impact and effectiveness, and upon success, will be expanded across Punjab—positioning the state among the first in India to embed AI-led career guidance within public education. The initiative reflects the Mann Government’s commitment to preparing students for the demands of the 21st-century economy.
Explaining the model, Bains said students will undergo AI-based aptitude and interest assessments, following which personalised career reports will be generated. Professional counsellors will then conduct one-on-one sessions involving parents to create actionable career plans, starting as early as Class 6. PSEB Chairman Dr. Amarpal Singh termed the move a shift from exam-centric learning to holistic development, while students and parents welcomed the initiative, calling it a valuable opportunity that was earlier limited largely to private schools.
