Punjab Tops NITI Aayog School Education Index

Punjab secured the first rank in the NITI Aayog School Education Quality Index 2026, ahead of states such as Kerala. The state government placed the ranking alongside school infrastructure upgrades, learning outcomes, teacher training, and examination support programmes in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in Chandigarh on 6 August 2026.

School Education Quality Index

The School Education Quality Index, or SEQI, is a performance framework used by NITI Aayog to assess school education across Indian states and Union Territories. It covers indicators such as access, infrastructure, equity, governance, learning outcomes, and teacher-related parameters.

Punjab moved from 27th place in 2020 to 1st place in 2026 in the published ranking metrics. The state recorded 82% proficiency in Class III language skills and 78% proficiency in mathematics in the cited indicators.

Infrastructure and Learning Reforms

The state upgraded infrastructure in 19,125 schools, with official figures citing expenditure of ₹2,638 crore. Some local publications mentioned ₹3,638 crore for the same school-upgradation exercise.

A July 2022 baseline survey found that 8,000 schools lacked boundary walls, 3,200 schools lacked functional toilets, and about 4 lakh children sat on bare floors. The state also reported 80% smart classrooms in the latest metrics.

Academic Support and Curriculum Changes

Punjab reported 882 government school students qualifying for NEET-UG in 2026, compared with 80 in 2021. The state linked this increase to the Punjab Academic Coaching for Excellence, or PACE, initiative.

Punjab became the first state in India to introduce Artificial Intelligence as a core subject from Classes I to XII. The state also changed textbook distribution timelines, with books now reaching district headquarters by 15 February and full distribution completed by 31 March.

Important Facts for Exams

• NITI Aayog is the Government of India’s policy think tank established in 2015.
• SEQI is used to compare school education performance across states and Union Territories.
• Mission Samarth is a level-based foundational learning programme that groups students by learning ability.
• Punjab reported coverage of nearly 12 lakh students and more than 70,000 teachers under Mission Samarth.

Teacher and Student Support Systems

Mission Samarth now covers nearly 12 lakh students and involves more than 70,000 teachers. The programme uses level-based grouping rather than grade-based grouping for foundational learning.

Punjab’s school education reforms were presented during a discussion on an education-related resolution moved by Amargarh AAP MLA Prof. Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra.