Punjab Schools Top National Survey, Surpass Kerala as Education Budget Hits ₹19,279 Crore: CM Bhagwant Mann

Punjab's Shiksha Kranti outlines four-year education reforms boosting infrastructure, teacher training, and student outcomes, with higher budgets and inclusive access across government schools.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has presented a four-year performance report of the state's "Shiksha Kranti", claiming that government schools now compete directly with private institutions and deliver top national results. The report, released under the "Shandaar Char Saal Bhagwant Mann de naal" series, links education reforms with Punjab's wider development, stressing learning outcomes, strict exam integrity, and large-scale investment in infrastructure and staff capacity.

Addressing the media, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann described a complete overhaul of school and higher education systems over the past four years. He highlighted structural changes, increased spending, and improved student performance as the main pillars. "Countries that prioritised education have progressed in every field. In our country, education was divided between private and government schools, creating a deep divide. Previous regimes reduced schools to centres for mid day meals, but our government has transformed the entire system," he stated.

Punjab education reforms and 'Shiksha Kranti’ as driver of growth

The Chief Minister positioned 'Shikhya Kranti' as a central element in Punjab's growth narrative, arguing that strong public education supports long-term economic and social progress. Emphasising the role of learning in governance, the Chief Minister noted, "Education contributes the most to the progress and prosperity of any state or country. Over the past four years, we have given it the highest priority. Earlier, under the name of 'Smart Schools', people and innocent children were misled. Schools were merely painted and beautified without proper facilities or teachers. Today, government schools in Punjab stand at par with private institutions, and our education model is being discussed across the country."

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the reforms aimed to narrow the historic gap between private and government schools and restore public trust. "Government schools have now been developed at par with private schools, giving parents a genuine choice. From April 1, parents will be informed about their child's absence from school and even about teachers' leave, ensuring accountability at every level. Unlike several other states, especially Gujarat, not a single paper leak has occurred in Punjab in the last four years, which is a matter of immense pride."

Punjab education budget growth and financial priorities

The Chief Minister underlined that these changes are linked to higher spending on education over the four-year period. The budget for the sector rose from ₹12,657 crore in 2021–22 to a proposed ₹19,279 crore in 2026–27, showing continued preference for schooling and higher education. Highlighting financial commitment, he said, "A budget of ₹19,279 crore has been allocated for the financial year 2026–27, which is 7% higher than last year. We are launching the second phase of the Education Revolution with ₹3,500 crore, with the World Bank as our partner, making it the largest education reform program."

Mann explained that the education report card forms part of a wider review of governance. Similar four-year performance reports have already covered irrigation, health, sports, and law and order. By presenting detailed numbers and timelines, the government intends to show measurable delivery across key sectors, with education projected as the leading example for such accountability.

Punjab education outcomes, rankings and student performance

On learning outcomes, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted Punjab's performance in national assessments and competitive exams. Listing key achievements, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, "Punjab secured the top position in the National Achievement Survey 2024, surpassing even Kerala, while Gujarat ranked 16th and Haryana around 7th or 8th. This achievement belongs to our government school teachers and students." He added, "In recent years, 740 students have cleared JEE and 1,284 have cleared NEET. Government school students scored 18% higher than the national average in the survey."

To illustrate the scale of these outcomes and investments in Punjab education, key figures from the Chief Minister's presentation can be summarised as follows:

Punjab education infrastructure, safety measures and digital connectivity

The Chief Minister said a major share of Punjab education spending has gone into improving basic infrastructure and safety in government schools. On infrastructure and safety, the Chief Minister said, "We are ensuring proper maintenance and safety in government schools. A total of 1,932 campus managers, 1,323 security guards, 7,876 sanitation workers, and 1,792 watchmen have been recruited. High-speed fiber Wi-Fi has been provided in all government schools with a budget of ₹20 crore, making Punjab the only state to achieve this."

He added, "Classrooms, science labs, computer labs, multipurpose rooms, kitchens, medical rooms, head rooms, playgrounds, and separate toilets for boys and girls have been constructed. Students now receive books on time, and free uniforms are being provided. Additionally, 25 government schools have been named after martyrs, freedom fighters, and eminent personalities." These measures, Mann said, aim to create safe, fully equipped campuses that support both academic and cultural learning.

Punjab education Schools of Eminence and inclusive access

Detailing institutional expansion within Punjab education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted the ongoing rollout of Schools of Eminence. Detailing institutional expansion, the Chief Minister noted, "118 Schools of Eminence are being established, of which 60 are already operational. These schools are helping talented students fulfil their dreams by offering education aligned with their abilities and interests. For the first time, 24 lakh parents have participated in mega PTMs."

He further said, "Free uniforms have been provided to 30,000 students in these schools, and all streams, including Medical and Non-Medical, are available. Coaching for exams like Armed Forces Preparatory, NEET, JEE, and CLAT is also being provided." Focusing on inclusivity, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "Free bus services have been started for girls in Schools of Eminence and government schools so that no girl is deprived of education. Around 15,500 students are benefiting."

Punjab education teacher recruitment, training and global exposure

The Chief Minister linked better outcomes in Punjab education to expanded staffing and professional development for teachers and principals. He added, "Since April 2022, 14,525 teachers have been recruited and services of 12,316 education department employees have been regularised. We are also ensuring world-class training for principals and teachers."

Elaborating on capacity building, he stated, "Eight batches have been sent to Singapore for training, and 264 education officers, principals, and teachers have benefited. Three batches of 216 primary teachers were trained in Turku, Finland. Five batches were sent to IIM Ahmedabad, where 249 headmasters underwent leadership training. A science teacher, Gagandeep Kaur from Government Senior Secondary School, Sainsra Kalan in Amritsar, participated in a two-month program at California State University, USA, reflecting the dedication and capability of our teachers." Mann said these programmes aimed to introduce international practices while building leadership within the public system.

Punjab education entrepreneurship, mentorship and cultural initiatives

Mann highlighted that Punjab education reforms also seek to change how students view careers and innovation. Highlighting innovation, he said, "The Business Blaster scheme has been launched to promote entrepreneurial thinking among students, who have collectively generated ₹70 crore through their ideas. Punjab is the first state to introduce Entrepreneurship as a subject in Class 11. Our aim is to create job creators, not job seekers."

On mentorship and cultural education within Punjab education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, "The School Mentorship Program has been introduced for the first time, where IAS, IPS, and senior officers guide students. To commemorate the 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, a 15-day program was organised to educate students about his life and sacrifice." These efforts, he said, are designed to connect learners with public service role models and Punjab's religious and historical legacy.

Punjab education higher education policy, digital access and language initiatives

Turning to higher studies, Mann said Punjab education reforms now extend beyond schools into universities and colleges. Turning to higher education reforms, he stated, "Punjab has introduced the country's first Digital Open University Policy-2026. A world-class university will be established at Sri Anandpur Sahib in the name of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, has implemented the Punjabi-First Policy to improve access for rural students, and an online admission portal has been launched for government degree colleges to ensure transparency. Ten new degree colleges are planned, and construction of a college at Bikraur in Ajnala is underway."

Reinforcing linguistic and cultural initiatives within Punjab education, he added, "Under the Punjab Language Act, Punjabi has been made 100% mandatory for official work. Digitisation of Punjabi literature is underway, with 18,550 books digitised so far. Additionally, 592 rare manuscripts have been preserved and digitised, and over 100 books are now available online." He further said, "The 'Shabdmala E-Dictionary' has been launched as an Android app with multiple Punjabi lexicons. Portraits of 60 eminent Punjabi literary personalities have been displayed at Punjab Bhawan in New Delhi, and awards have been distributed for the best books in Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu."

Mann described these higher education and language policies as central to Punjab education, claiming they improve access for rural students while protecting Punjabi literature and heritage. By pairing digital platforms with language mandates, the government aims to combine wider reach with cultural continuity in both schools and universities. Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and others were also present during the presentation, underlining the political backing for these long-term education initiatives.