India’s education landscape has witnessed a surprising yet promising shift—Punjab has emerged as the best-performing state in government school education, surpassing traditionally top-ranking states like Kerala and Delhi. According to the latest National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2024 and Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2023–24, Punjab’s public education system not only improved dramatically but also managed to outperform the established giants in both student learning outcomes and school infrastructure.
This achievement is the result of years of reform, smart policy execution, grassroots intervention, and focused investments. But how did Punjab make such a huge leap in such a short span? Let’s explore.
What is the National Achievement Survey (NAS)? Why It Matters
The National Achievement Survey is a national-level large-scale assessment conducted by NCERT under the guidance of PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development).
It is conducted every 3 years and evaluates students in Classes III, VI, and IX in government and government-aided schools. NAS 2024 focused on learning competency, including:
- Reading and comprehension
- Mathematical reasoning
- Environmental studies/science
- Social science (for Class IX)
The survey covered 2.7 million students across 700 districts, making it one of the largest educational assessments in the world.
Punjab’s Outstanding NAS 2024 Performance
Punjab’s performance in NAS 2024 surprised many:
- Class III: Scored 80%, topping the country. The closest competitor was Himachal Pradesh at 74%.
- Class VI: Punjab and Kerala tied at 67%, both demonstrating strong comprehension and reasoning skills.
- Class IX: Punjab led again with 57%, narrowly beating Kerala (56%) and Chandigarh (53%).
This consistent high performance across age groups shows not just isolated success, but systemic improvements in pedagogy and governance.
PGI 2023-24: Where Punjab Stood
The Performance Grading Index (PGI) evaluates education quality based on 70+ parameters grouped into categories:
- Learning outcomes
- Access and equity
- Infrastructure and facilities
- Governance processes
- Digital initiatives
Punjab ranked 3rd nationally with a score of 631.1 out of 1,000. This was:
- Ahead of Delhi (623.7)
- Close to Kerala (~600–640 estimated)
- Just behind Chandigarh (703)
The consistent climb in PGI scores highlights Punjab’s dedication to improving not just classroom learning, but the entire ecosystem of education.
Why Punjab Outperformed Kerala & Delhi: Key Reforms
Smart Classrooms & Digital Push
- Over 10,000 classrooms converted into smart classrooms using audio-visual teaching aids.
- Schools equipped with LED panels, projectors, tablets, and high-speed internet.
"Parho Punjab, Parhao Punjab" Mission
- A campaign to train over 50,000 teachers in outcome-based learning and classroom management.
- Introduced targeted learning assessments to track each student’s progress.
Sanjhi Sikhiya Fellowship
- Collaborated with talented professionals to work directly with schools and DEOs.
- Helped build school leadership and promoted community participation.
Free Uniforms and Books
- 15 lakh+ students from underprivileged backgrounds received free uniforms, shoes, and bags.
- Reduced dropout rates, especially among girl students and rural children.
Regularization of Teachers
- Over 12,700 contract teachers were regularized.
- Another 20,000 teachers were recruited to reduce student-teacher ratio.
Academic Excellence: Class X & XII Results
Class X – 2025
- Pass Percentage: 95.61% (rural students: 96.09%, urban: 95.17%)
- Top Rankers: All girls — Akshnoor Kaur, Ratinderdeep Kaur, Arshdeep Kaur (100% scores)
Class XII – 2025
- Pass Percentage: 91%
- Topper: Harseerat Kaur from Barnala with 500/500
Ground-Level Impact: Enrollment Trends and ASER Report
Post-COVID, many private school students migrated to government schools. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 reveals:
- Government school enrollment in Punjab rose from 46.7% (2019) to 58% (2024).
- Early grade reading ability improved from 33% to 34.2%, a small but important gain.
Parents now view government schools as reliable, accessible, and aspirational.
Digital Transformation in Rural Education
Punjab leveraged EdTech platforms and mobile apps to boost learning:
- ePunjab School App: For student records, teacher attendance, textbook tracking.
- Avsar App: Daily quizzes, model papers, and homework for students.
These tools were rolled out in even the remotest schools of Mansa, Bathinda, and Ferozepur, ensuring equity in digital access.
Community Engagement & Accountability
The government established School Management Committees (SMCs), empowering parents to oversee:
- Attendance
- Teacher performance
- Infrastructure maintenance
- Midday meal quality
Over 80% of Punjab’s SMCs are now active, making schools truly accountable to their communities.
Overcoming Bottlenecks and Challenges
Despite achievements, challenges persist:
- Private Schools Dominate Toppers: 68% of Matric top ranks still belong to private schools.
- Teacher Vacancies: Over 1.2 lakh teaching positions remain unfilled in Punjab.
- Infrastructure Gaps: 30% of rural schools still lack usable toilets or proper fencing.
Punjab must now focus on quality beyond access.
Punjab vs Kerala vs Delhi: Comparative Snapshot
| Parameter | Punjab | Kerala | Delhi |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAS Class III | 80% (1st) | 73% | — |
| NAS Class VI | 67% (tied 1st) | 67% | — |
| NAS Class IX | 57% (1st) | 56% | 53% |
| PGI 2023-24 | 631.1 (3rd) | ~600–640 | 623.7 |
| Class X Pass Rate | 95.61% | 92% | 94.2% |
| Govt School Enrollment | 58% | 43% | 47% |
| Smart Classrooms | 10,000+ | 6,000+ | 8,500+ |
Expert Views: Why Punjab’s Model Can Be Replicated
Dr. Anuradha Joshi, education analyst at NCERT, said:
“Punjab’s model of balancing infrastructure, governance, and pedagogy offers a replicable framework for other states. What Kerala achieved over decades, Punjab is achieving in half the time.”
FAQ Section – Extended (15 Total)
Q1: How did Punjab outperform Kerala and Delhi?
A: Through targeted reforms in teacher training, digital learning, infrastructure, and regular assessments.
Q2: Is Punjab’s lead in education temporary?
A: No. NAS and PGI reflect sustained reforms. However, consistency in leadership is key to maintaining growth.
Q3: How many smart classrooms were built?
A: Over 10,000 smart classrooms have been set up in rural and urban schools across Punjab.
Q4: How was NAS 2024 conducted?
A: It assessed learning outcomes in Classes III, VI, IX using MCQs, comprehension tasks, and math puzzles.
Q5: What role did Sanjhi Sikhiya play?
A: It placed educated youth in backward districts to improve teaching practices and school governance.
Q6: Are students in rural Punjab performing well?
A: Yes. In Class X, rural students outperformed urban ones in pass percentage.
Q7: Did the pandemic hurt or help government schools?
A: Helped. Many private school students shifted to government schools, boosting enrollment and investment.
Q8: What is the PGI Index?
A: A framework by the Education Ministry that grades states based on education performance and infrastructure.
Q9: Are private schools still better in Punjab?
A: Yes, in board toppers. But government schools are rapidly narrowing the gap.
Q10: What is the dropout rate in Punjab?
A: Class VI to VIII dropout rate has reduced to <3%, among the lowest in India.
Q11: How is Punjab promoting female education?
A: Free sanitary kits, girls-only STEM clubs, and focus on Class X/XII performance.
Q12: What are School Management Committees (SMCs)?
A: Parent-teacher bodies that monitor school function, ensure transparency, and report issues.
Q13: How is Punjab tackling teacher vacancies?
A: Recruiting 20,000 new teachers and promoting contractual-to-permanent transitions.
Q14: What are Punjab’s digital learning apps?
A: Avsar App, ePunjab, Diksha integration—used for daily quizzes, study plans, and exam prep.
Q15: What is the government’s next big education goal?
A: Achieve 100% smart classrooms in middle schools and ensure digital access in all villages by 2026.
Conclusion: Punjab’s Education Success is No Fluke
Punjab’s remarkable leap to the top of India’s education rankings is a result of careful planning, empowered teachers, digital modernization, community participation, and political will. While Kerala and Delhi continue to lead in many areas, Punjab has sent a strong message—that with the right mix of policy and passion, any state can redefine its future.
As we look ahead, the question is not whether Punjab can maintain this position, but how soon other states will follow its model.
Report by Toofan Express