Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday said that Punjab has established a system where neither cash nor recommendations determine success, but merit alone prevails. He said that the record 882 students from Punjab Government schools qualifying NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) 2026 and more than 68,000 government jobs provided solely on merit through a transparent recruitment process stand as the strongest testimony to the state government’s commitment to honesty, transparency and equal opportunity.
Felicitating the successful NEET candidates at a ceremony in Zirakpur, the Chief Minister said that the historic achievement had been made possible through sustained investments in quality education, free coaching, mentorship and career counselling, enabling government school students to compete with the best in the country and laying a strong foundation for a Rangla Punjab.
During the felicitation ceremony, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann honoured students who qualified NEET 2026 and interacted with them. In an emotional and memorable moment, several students requested the Chief Minister’s autograph, which he graciously signed. The students also presented hand-drawn portraits of the Chief Minister as a token of their affection and gratitude, making the occasion even more special.
Sharing a snippet from the felicitation ceremony, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “The meritorious students of Punjab Government schools have once again proved that when children are given opportunities and access to quality education, no dream is beyond their reach. For the first time this year, 882 students from our government schools have qualified the NEET examination, creating history. Adding to Punjab’s pride, Aryan Gupta, who secured All India Rank 1 in NEET, is also a son of Punjab.”
“This remarkable achievement is the result of our students’ dedication, the unwavering support of their parents, and the tireless efforts of our teachers. Our government is committed to ensuring that every child gets the opportunity, resources, and support needed to dream big and turn those dreams into reality. This transformation in education is the true foundation of a Rangla Punjab,” the post concluded.
Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Today is a moment of immense pride for all of us. I congratulate every student who has qualified NEET, their parents and teachers for this remarkable achievement. I am confident that these young achievers will become dedicated doctors and serve society with missionary zeal.”
The Chief Minister said, “In 2022, only 82 students from Punjab Government schools had qualified the NEET examination. This year, that number has risen to 882. This is a historic achievement for Punjab and reflects the transformation in our education system.”
Contrasting Punjab’s record with the national situation, the Chief Minister stated, “It has been more than four years since our government assumed office and not a single examination paper has leaked in Punjab. Recently, when an attempt to facilitate cheating in the Pharmacy Officer examination came to our notice, we acted immediately.”
On the occasion, senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and other dignitaries also congratulated the students and wished them a bright future. They lauded the Chief Minister for his sustained efforts to transform Punjab’s education sector and lay a strong foundation for a Rangla Punjab.