In a significant push to reward academic excellence, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, along with Aam Aadmi Party Punjab Affairs Incharge Mr. Manish Sisodia, on Monday launched ‘Bright Minds Punjab 2026’ programme at Virasat-e-Khalsa, Sri Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district.
Over 600 students from Rupnagar district who scored more than 85% in Class 12 board examinations were felicitated at the inaugural event with certificates of achievement. The programme will be extended to all districts across the state, S. Bains informed.
Addressing students and teachers, Bains announced that Artificial Intelligence will be introduced as a subject in all government schools from Class 6 onwards, starting this academic session. “To make our students contemporary and competitive, we must connect them with new technologies.
AI will create new job opportunities while transforming traditional roles. Punjab’s children must lead this change,” Bains said. The Education Minister said that Punjab has topped in school education in NITI Aayog’s latest ranking index, adding that technology-led reforms will keep the state ahead.
He also announced that PSEB examinations answer sheets will now be available online to ensure transparency. Open access to evaluated copies will build trust and fairness in the education system. Students actively participated by raising questions and suggesting reforms, marking a rare dialogue between policymakers and young learners, he said, while adding that ‘Bright Minds Punjab 2026’ programme will now be rolled out across all districts.
The Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government aims to foster a culture of academic excellence and innovation across the state. Meanwhile, Mr. Manish Sisodia held a direct interaction with students and teachers, seeking their opinions on further improving the education structure.
He emphasised that every home and every child must have access to quality education. A nation’s progress depends entirely on its education system. Statistics show that India still faces a serious deficit in learning quality. He said that teachers and the government share a joint responsibility to ensure integrity of education system.
While stressing that academic excellence needs consistent effort and new ideas, Mr. Sisodia said, “Success can only be achieved through hard work, discipline and fresh thinking. Our students are already showing that Punjab is ready to lead.”
Administrative Secretary School Education Ms. Sonali Giri, Director School Education (Secondary) SS Bal and other senior officials of the education department were also present on the occasion.