“Our students have once again proven their mettle,” says Bains.
“Success in the NEET exam highlights the widespread impact of the ‘Education Revolution,'” states the Education Minister.
Chandigarh, July 19(Press ke takat)
Punjab’s public education system has received a major boost as 882 students from the state’s government schools have cleared the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026. The initial examination was cancelled due to a paper leak, following which a re-examination was conducted nationwide, the results of which have now been declared.
Sharing details on the achievement, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains congratulated the successful students and wished them a bright future in the medical field. He stated, “Once again, our government school students have proven that any goal can be achieved with quality education and hard work. This year, 882 of our students have cleared the NEET exam, which reflects the impact of our ‘Education Revolution’ and the dedication of our teachers.”
The Education Minister added that the number of students clearing the NEET exam in 2026 is a direct testament to the rising standards of government schools in the state. In 2024, 437 students cleared the exam, and this number rose to 847 in 2025. This year, 882 students have passed, marking an increase of over 100% compared to 2024. This success was achieved despite disruptions caused by the paper leak and the subsequent re-examination.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government towards public education, S. Harjot Singh Bains said, “Education is the most powerful tool to eradicate poverty and give a new direction to life. Despite the disruptions in this year’s examination, the success of our government school students in NEET proves that with the right support and an enabling environment, there is nothing our children cannot achieve.”
Among those who cleared the NEET exam this year, the story of Pratik Kumar, a student from the School of Eminence, Sekhewal, Ludhiana, highlights the profound impact of the state’s educational reforms. The son of a private school teacher earning a monthly salary of ₹16,000, Pratik scored 594 out of 720 marks in NEET-UG 2026. He prepared for the exam through free online classes and mock tests provided under the Punjab School Education Department’s “PACE” program for government school students. Pratik aspires to become an oncologist to serve cancer patients. His achievement proves that financial hardships can be overcome with the right direction, support, dedication, and hard work.
Pratik’s father expressed his joy, saying, “I always believed that education was the only way to change our family’s destiny. The Punjab government’s free coaching and mock tests gave Pratik a new direction. Today, with him clearing the NEET exam, it is the proudest and happiest day of our lives.”
The students’ success in the NEET exam reflects the state’s strides toward progress. Earlier this year, Punjab outperformed Kerala and Delhi to rank as India’s best-performing state in school education in NITI Aayog’s School Education Quality Index (SEQI) Report 2026. The Education Minister noted that the state government provides comprehensive mentorship and exam preparation. He emphasized that the Bhagwant Mann-led government is fully committed to identifying and nurturing talent, ensuring that every child receives a world-class education to turn their dreams into reality.
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