Education in Punjab

The government of Punjab has actively been involved in the bettering of the state's education system from the very beginning of the formation of an independent India. After the year 1947, the education department of Punjab selected and employed more staff and also demarcated the activities of each employee so that the quality of education in the state may improve. The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (education for all) scheme adopted by the Indian government is seen at its best in Punjab. Children who have not attained the age of 6 in Punjab are entitled to free education in any school within the state. This scheme has been adopted in order to promote education in the rural areas of Punjab. In the last census reports released in the year 2011, Punjab boasts of a literacy rate of 76.68% which is a marginal increase from the literacy rate recorded in the year 2001.

Education System in Punjab

The education system of Punjab has classifications of different stages like:

  • Primary Education
  • Secondary Education
  • Pre University / College Education
  • University Education
  • Research / Doctorate


Hindi is the medium of instruction used in government educational institutions of Punjab. The private schools and colleges encourage on the use of speaking and teaching in English so that students are confident about facing the international education and professional circles.

Primary and Secondary Education in Punjab

Punjab is home to a number of famous schools. Day scholars and boarders are a part of these schools. Generally, all Punjab schools follow the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum. There are however number of schools affiliated to the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) board.

Schools in Punjab



Name of School Location Affiliation
Kendriya VidyalayaJalandharCBSE
The Punjab Public SchoolNabha ICSE
Yadvindra Public SchoolPatiala ICSE
Kendriya VidyalayaPatialaCBSE
Sainik SchoolKapurthala CBSE


College and University Education in Punjab

Punjab has a total of 355 colleges that provide courses on undergraduate programs like arts, science and commerce. There are also 5 universities and 2 deemed universities in Punjab.

Apeejay College of Fine Arts Located in Jalandhar Courses Offered - BA, MA and Diploma

Baba Budha College Located in Amritsar Courses Offered - BA, B.Com

DAV College Located in Jalandhar Courses Offered - BA, B.Com, B.Sc, MA, M.Sc

Government Arts and Sports College Located in Jalandhar Courses Offered - BA

Government College Located in Gurdaspur Courses Offered - BA, B.Com, B.Sc, MA

Government Guru Teg Bahadur College Located in Amritsar Courses Offered - BA, B.Sc

DRVDAV Centenary College Located in Jalandhar Courses Offered - BA, B.Com

Lovely Professional University Located in Jalandhar Courses Offered - BA, MA, M.Phil, B.Sc, M.Sc

Professional Study Opportunities in Punjab

Like many other states in India, Punjab has also cashed in on the demand for professional courses. Therefore several colleges have been established in Punjab where professional courses of study are imparted to students. Some of the most famous centers of professional education are:

Colleges in Punjab



Type of CollegesName of CollegeDegree
Engineering Amritsar College of Engineering & Technology, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Engineering College, Bhai Gurdas Institute of Engineering & Technology, Chandigarh Engineering College, Bhutta College of Engineering & TechnologyBE, B.Tech
ArchitectureChitkara School of Planning & Architecture, Indo Global College of Architecture, Lovely Institute of TechnologyB.Arch
MedicalChristian Medical College, Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences &Research, Dayanand Medical College & HospitalMBBS
Management Bhai Gurdas College of Engineering & Technology, Desh Bhagat Institute of Management & Computer Science, Doraha Institute of Management & TechnologyMBA
Law Guru Nanak Dev University, Army Institute of Law, Rayat College of Law, K C L Institute of Laws for Women LLB


Education for Non Residents and Foreign Nationals in Punjab

Punjab colleges and universities have seats reserved for non residents and foreign citizens, according to the reservation quota allotted by the state and the central government. Foreign nationals will have to qualify an entrance test before seeking admission to the Punjab colleges. Student cells in colleges assist foreigners with admission and course procedures. The colleges and universities in Punjab also conduct student exchange programs, through which non residents and foreign students stay and learn in the Punjab institutes for a certain period of time.

Hostel Facilities in Punjab

Students from other states of India and other parts of the world, travel to Punjab for education. To ensure the safety and security of these students, hostels are there in various parts of the state. There are public and private hostels in Punjab; there are also cheap and expensive boarding places for students depending on the financial capacity of the students. There are separate hostels for men and women; some of the hostels are equipped with the most modern amenities.