Chandigarh, July 20: Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced that 882 government school students in Punjab cleared the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026, doubling the qualifying count over two years. Speaking after the declaration of re-examination results, the Minister affirmed that the performance showcases the transformative impact of the state’s ongoing education initiatives and teacher dedication.
The Minister maintained that the current success rate reflects a steady upward trajectory for state-run institutions. In 2024, 437 government school students passed the medical entrance exam, a figure that reached 847 in 2025 before hitting this year’s peak. Harjot Singh Bains noted that achieving a greater than 100 percent cumulative increase over two years demonstrates resilient progress, even amidst test cycle rescheduling.
Focusing on individual student achievements, the Education Minister cited the success of Prateek Kumar from the School of Eminence in Ludhiana, who secured 594 marks out of 720. Supported by the state’s specialized coaching drives and mock test modules, the aspiring oncologist overcame financial constraints to secure his qualification. His family declared that the state government’s free coaching initiative provided crucial support during his academic preparation.
The Education Minister stated that these entrance examination results complement broader state educational recognitions, including top rankings in national quality assessments. He affirmed that the administration will continue providing structured mentorship and resources to nurture young talent across all government schools.
