Chandigarh: Punjab has achieved a major milestone in school education by emerging as India’s top-performing state in the NITI Aayog Education Report 2026.
The state overtook Kerala in key foundational learning indicators and recorded impressive progress in school infrastructure, student performance, and teacher training.
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains described the achievement as the beginning of a “Punjab era” in education. He credited parents, teachers, and students for supporting government schools and helping the state achieve historic results.
Punjab Surpasses Kerala in Learning Outcomes
According to the report, Punjab scored 82 percent in language and 78 percent in mathematics for Class 3 students. Kerala scored 75 percent in language and 70 percent in mathematics.
Punjab also performed strongly in Class 9 mathematics. The state recorded 52 percent proficiency compared to Kerala’s 45 percent.
The report highlighted major improvements under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The government introduced reforms through Mission Samrath and the School of Eminence program after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Government Schools Witness Massive Infrastructure Growth
Punjab has significantly upgraded school infrastructure across the state.
According to the report:
- 99.9% of government schools now have electricity
- 99% schools have functional computers
- More than 80% schools feature smart classrooms
- The student-teacher ratio has improved to 22:1
- More than 90% of Class 10 students now continue into Class 11
Officials said the numbers reflect a sharp decline in school dropout rates.
NITI Aayog Education Report: Punjab Students Shine in Competitive Exams
The report also praised Punjab for reducing the urban-rural education gap and ensuring equal opportunities for rural students and girls.
Punjab government schools have shown strong results in competitive examinations as well.
- 786 government school students cleared JEE Main
- 1,284 students qualified NEET
The state also launched international teacher training programs in Finland and Singapore to improve classroom learning standards.
School of Eminence Program Expands Across Punjab
The Punjab government recruited around 13,000 teachers and staff members as part of its education reforms.
Officials also launched the English Edge program for nearly 3 lakh students. Additionally, the government is opening 118 Schools of Eminence across the state.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said Punjab’s success proves that strong policies, clear intent, and proper implementation can transform public education.
Key Points of NITI Aayog Education Report:
- Punjab ranked as India’s top-performing state in the NITI Aayog Education Report 2026
- Punjab surpassed Kerala in language and mathematics learning outcomes
- 99.9% government schools in Punjab now have electricity
- More than 80% schools feature smart classrooms
- Punjab improved the student-teacher ratio to 22:1
- 786 students cleared JEE Main and 1,284 qualified NEET
- Punjab launched global teacher training programs in Finland and Singapore
- The state is opening 118 Schools of Eminence across Punjab
