Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that the Punjab Government will soon introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) education in government schools from Class 6 onwards to prepare students for the future.
Addressing Class 12 pass-outs from district schools who secured more than 85 percent marks under the Bright Minds of Punjab 2026 initiative at Vikas Bhawan, Mohali, the Education Minister said that when the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government assumed office four years ago, its primary focus was on providing quality education and healthcare services.
He said that Punjab's achievement of securing the top rank in school education, as recently declared by NITI Aayog, has proven that the government's commitments have been fulfilled sincerely. He added that Punjab has even surpassed states such as Kerala in school education indicators.
The Minister further said that teachers have been sent for advanced training programmes in Singapore and Finland to enhance the quality of education in government schools. Highlighting the achievements of government school students, he said that during the last four years, around 1,000 students from government schools have qualified prestigious examinations such as JEE and NEET.
Referring to concerns regarding the conduct of NEET examinations, he remarked that despite such challenges, Punjab's students continue to excel through their hard work and determination. He said that Punjab is committed to preparing students for jobs in the AI era by introducing an AI curriculum in schools, ensuring that they remain relevant and competitive in the rapidly changing world.
He noted that the aspirations and thinking of Generation Z are reshaping the future, and through initiatives like Bright Minds of Punjab 2026, the government aims to equip students to face future challenges confidently. He wished the meritorious students success in all their future endeavours.
Former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi and Punjab In-charge of AAP, Manish Sisodia, known for pioneering educational reforms in Delhi, interacted with the students and emphasized the importance of using AI platforms for academic learning, career planning, and understanding emerging job opportunities.
He observed that by the time the students graduate, the employment landscape will have undergone significant changes, making it essential for them to prepare for new-age careers. He said that no nation can truly be considered developed unless it provides a robust education system free from irregularities and loopholes.
Expressing concern over alleged NEET examination irregularities, he said that the aspirations of lakhs of students should not be jeopardized and that those responsible for any wrongdoing must be held accountable. He also stressed the need to reform traditional examination systems and encouraged students to raise their voices against injustice in the education sector.
Encouraging students to consider entrepreneurship alongside conventional employment, Sisodia said that while crores of young people apply for government jobs every year, only a small proportion succeed. Therefore, he urged students to become future leaders and entrepreneurs capable of creating employment opportunities rather than merely seeking jobs.
He added that the Business Blasters programme has already been introduced in government schools to promote entrepreneurial thinking among students. At the conclusion of the programme, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains administered a pledge to the students, encouraging them to work hard, remain focused on their goals, embrace challenges, dream big, and strive to turn those dreams into reality.
Punjab School Education Board Chairman Dr. Amarpal Singh, DPI (Secondary) Skattar Singh Bal, DEO (Secondary) Dr. Ginni Duggal, and Deputy DEO Angrej Singh were also present, along with teachers from various schools. An exhibition on the theme "What Will Education Look Like in 2035?" was also organized during the event.