“Punjab’s Era Has Begun”: State Surpasses Kerala in Key School Education Indicators, Says Minister

Punjab has emerged as one of India’s strongest-performing states in school education, with the latest NITI Aayog Education Quality Report 2026 placing the state ahead of Kerala on several foundational learning indicators.

Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains described the achievement as the beginning of “Punjab’s Era” in education, attributing the progress to large-scale reforms, infrastructure development and the combined efforts of teachers, students and parents.

According to the report, Punjab recorded 82% proficiency in language and 78% in mathematics among Class 3 students, outperforming Kerala, which registered 75% and 70% respectively. In Class 9 mathematics, Punjab scored 52%, ahead of Kerala’s 45%.

Bains said the improvements were driven by post-pandemic recovery programmes introduced under the leadership of Bhagwant Singh Mann. Initiatives such as Mission Samarth and the Schools of Eminence programme were highlighted as key contributors to improved learning outcomes and modernisation of government schools.

The minister also outlined significant infrastructure achievements across the state’s public education system. According to him, 99.9% of government schools in Punjab now have electricity, while 99% are equipped with functional computers. More than 80% of schools reportedly have smart classrooms, reflecting a major push toward technology-enabled learning.

Punjab has also reported progress in reducing dropout rates and improving continuity in education. Over 90% of Class 10 students are now transitioning to Class 11, while the student-teacher ratio has improved to 22:1.

Citing observations from the NITI Aayog report, Bains said Punjab had been recognised for narrowing the urban-rural education divide and expanding equal learning opportunities for students in villages and for girls. He added that the adoption of international teaching practices and targeted academic interventions has strengthened student performance in competitive examinations.

The minister revealed that 786 students from government schools have cleared JEE Main, while 1,284 students have qualified for NEET so far. Punjab has also established 118 Schools of Eminence, recruited 13,000 teachers and staff members, and launched the English Edge Programme, which has benefited nearly three lakh students.

Bains further noted that teacher training programmes conducted in countries such as Finland and Singapore have contributed to improving classroom instruction and pedagogy.

Calling the report a validation of ongoing reforms, the minister said the transformation in Punjab’s government schools is now becoming visible nationally, with students from public institutions increasingly competing at the highest academic levels in the country.