The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on Monday said Punjab has achieved the top position in NITI Aayog’s Education Quality Report 2026, highlighting how the educational landscape of the state saw a major transformation under its rule.
Citing the latest 2026 Education Quality Report of NITI Aayog, the AAP described the milestone as the “victory of millions of Punjabi families and their aspirations.”
“Punjab is changing, and education is becoming its defining identity. There was a time when the condition of Punjab’s government schools was counted among the weakest in the country. In 2016-17, Punjab ranked 22nd in education, slipped to 26th in 2018-19, and fell further to 27th in 2020. At that time, millions of parents shared the same concern: how
would their children’s future improve? Students studying in government schools were striving to hold on to their dreams despite inadequate resources, weak infrastructure, and limited opportunities”, said the AAP in an official statement.
The government hailed the achievement as a “triumph for parents who wanted world-class education for their children, regardless of whether they came from wealthy or poor backgrounds”.
“It is also a testament to the dedication of teachers who were given new opportunities, modern resources, and a renewed vision”, it said.
Citing the NITI Aayog report, the AAP noted that the students of Punjab achieved 82 per cent proficiency in Grade 3 language learning, compared to 75 per cent in Kerala.
“In Grade 9 mathematics, Punjab recorded a performance level of 52%, compared to Kerala’s 45%. These figures clearly indicate that foundational learning in Punjab’s government schools has become stronger than ever before”, it added.
‘Over 80 Per Cent Schools Equipped With Smart Classrooms’
The AAP government highlighted that over 80 per cent of schools in Punjab are equipped with smart classrooms, adding electricity remains available in 99.99 per cent of the state’s government schools.
“Punjab’s smart classroom availability stands at 80.1%, compared to Haryana’s 50.3%. In terms of internet connectivity, Punjab has achieved 88.9% coverage, while Haryana stands at 78.9%. This difference reflects not just numbers, but a difference in vision and priorities.”
Drawing comparisons with the government schools in Gurugram — Haryana’s most prosperous and technologically advanced city — the AAP claimed they lag behind Punjab’s lowest-ranked districts.
“This demonstrates the strength of a model that treats government schools not as a political issue, but as a mission to build the future”, it said in the statement.
The AAP hailed the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, noting how education was transformed into a people’s movement in the state.
“Teachers have been sent to countries such as Finland and Singapore for advanced training so that Punjab’s children can benefit from the world’s best educational practices. As a result, 786 students from government schools have qualified the JEE Main examination, while 1,284 students have cleared NEET. These achievements prove that talent is not the exclusive preserve of private schools. Given the right opportunities, government school students can become the future of the nation”, it said.
“The Bhagwant Mann Government has recruited more than 13,000 new teachers and staff members. The English Edge programme is benefiting over 300,000 students, ensuring that Punjab’s children can compete confidently on any global platform. The state has also established 118 state-of-the-art Schools of Eminence, which are set to become a defining feature of Punjab’s educational landscape in the years ahead”, it added.
The government also shed light on the digitally-advanced facilities provided to the school children in Punjab that include — modern laboratories, digital technology, smart classrooms, and globally competitive learning environments.
“This is the same vision that strengthens public education systems in developed nations such as the United States, Europe, Australia, and Japan. Punjab is moving rapidly in that direction”, said the AAP.
‘Intent And Priorities Matter’
Unleashing a salvo at the BJP-led government in Haryana, the AAP said: “In contrast, several states have been governed by the same administrations for years, yet their public education systems continue to await meaningful transformation. Haryana, for instance, has had a BJP government for the past 12 years, but Punjab has surpassed it on multiple educational indicators. This demonstrates that remaining in power for a long time is not enough; intent and priorities matter just as much.”
“Across Punjab’s villages, parents now proudly say that their children study in government schools. This transformation has not been achieved through advertisements or slogans. It is visible in new school buildings, smart classrooms, trained teachers, improved learning outcomes, and brighter futures for students”, it added.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won the Punjab Assembly Election in 2022, clinching 92 out of the 117 seats in the state. Subsequently, Bhagwant Mann — a close aide of the party’s chief Arvind Kejriwal — was sworn-in as the Chief Minister.
