Punjab’s ‘Sikhya Kranti’ (education revolution) under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has delivered encouraging results through the Business Class programme introduced in Higher and Technical Education institutions across the state. Introduced as a mandatory subject for students pursuing B.Com., BBA, B.Tech. and B.Voc. courses, and students studying in ITIs and Polytechnics the programme covered nearly 95,000 students across Punjab during its first year. As part of the programme, 25,693 students started their own businesses, while 20,241 of these ventures have already generated nearly ₹90 crore in revenue.
On this achievement, Punjab Higher and Technical Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, “Punjab’s Business Class programme is redefining the purpose of education. Our objective is not merely to award degrees but to nurture a generation of young innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators. The fact that nearly 95,000 students have worked on their own business ideas and that more than 25,000 of them have started businesses, collectively generating nearly ₹90 crore in revenue within the very first year, demonstrates that when young people are provided with the right opportunities, they can build businesses, create employment and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.”
The Business Class programme was launched with a clear vision of ensuring that Punjab’s youth do not merely aspire to secure jobs but become creators of employment and contributors to economic growth. The two-credit compulsory course was introduced during the Academic Session 2025-26 for students pursuing B.Com., BBA, B.Tech. and B.Voc. programmes across 20 universities, 494 colleges, 320 ITIs and 91 polytechnics, covering 925 Higher and Technical Education institutions across Punjab.
Gaganpreet Kaur Rangi from Government ITI (Women), Mohali, started Nail Studio by Gagan, a home-based nail art business that has expanded through Instagram and collaborations with local salons, earning around ₹55,000.
Ramandeep Singh of Government ITI, Mohali, launched Quality Electronic Store, an online electronics business that has developed its own website and expanded sales through social media outreach.
Sourav, a Computer Engineering student at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, started Mock, in Matcha, a Matcha beverage venture that has generated around ₹90,000 in revenue by selling at college festivals and events. The venture gained popularity because of its unique flavours and freshness.