Punjab has become the first state in the country to formally introduce “entrepreneurship” as a core subject for Class XI students, with the aim of shaping job creators rather than job seekers. The initiative will be rolled out from the 2025-26 academic session.
The subject was launched on Friday by School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, accompanied by Punjab AAP incharge Manish Sisodia, at a state-level function. Bains said the move is designed to empower students as innovators, problem-solvers and future entrepreneurs.
According to the minister, the curriculum will be experiential and hands-on. Students will be encouraged to work in teams, develop business ideas, build prototypes, pitch for seed funding and launch their products or services in the market. “Our classrooms will transform into incubators of ideas, and teachers will serve as startup coaches, mentoring students to become leaders and job creators,” Bains said.
The minister clarified that there would be no examination pressure. Instead of written tests, evaluation will be based on self-assessment, peer assessment and mentor feedback, ensuring a supportive environment for learning. The course will have 18 periods annually, including three theory sessions and 15 project-based classes.
Highlighting the potential impact, Bains noted that over 2.68 lakh students across 3,840 senior secondary schools will benefit. Even if 10 percent succeed, the state could witness Rs 300-400 crore worth of annual student-led economic activity. “This will generate local demand, create jobs and drive growth from the grassroots,” he said.
The entrepreneurship subject builds on the ‘Punjab Business Blasters Programme’, launched in November 2022 under the ‘Punjab Young Entrepreneurs Programme’. Initially covering 32 schools and 11,041 students, the programme has now expanded to nearly 1.8 lakh students across 1,927 schools.
Calling the launch a milestone, Bains said the initiative would foster creativity, resilience and self-reliance among students while also contributing to sustainable economic development.