Punjab Ranks No. 1 in National Education Survey, Sets a New Benchmark for India

New Delhi— In a significant endorsement of public education reform, Punjab has been ranked No. 1 in the National Achievement Survey (NAS), conducted by the Ministry of Education. The survey, which assesses learning outcomes across government and private schools in India, has placed Punjab at the top for its exceptional strides in school education.

This recognition comes as a result of targeted interventions by the Punjab Education Department, aimed at improving infrastructure, learning outcomes, and governance in government schools.

A cornerstone of the state’s transformation has been the creation of 118 ‘Schools of Eminence’, designed to provide world-class learning environments. Equipped with modern infrastructure and advanced teaching aids, these schools symbolize Punjab’s commitment to equitable quality education.

In an unprecedented shift, over 79,000 students have moved from private to government schools, which is a clear indicator of growing public trust. The government’s decision to offer free bus services to all school students has further strengthened access, especially in underserved areas.

Academic excellence is also on the rise. 1,137 government school students successfully cleared highly competitive national entrance exams like NEET and JEE, reflecting the growing academic rigor in public classrooms.

Recognizing that teachers are the backbone of any education system, Punjab has launched an international training program under which principals and teachers are sent to Singapore and Finland, the two nations known for their world-leading education systems. These global learning exchanges aim to bring back innovative teaching methods and leadership practices.

In a forward-looking move, the state has also allocated ₹10.32 crore in seed funding to help students transition from job seekers to job creators, inculcating an entrepreneurial mindset early in their education journey.

Speaking about the achievement, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, “This is not just Punjab’s success. It’s a roadmap for every state in India that believes quality public education is non-negotiable. Our children deserve nothing less than the best.”

As India continues to grapple with the challenges of equitable education, Punjab’s example demonstrates that with the right vision, investment, and execution, public education can not only compete with but also outperform private alternatives. Punjab’s NAS ranking is not just a milestone, it’s a message: government schools can lead India’s education revolution.