• Harjot Singh Bains inaugurates pilot project in 25 schools
• Free, personalised guidance for students to bridge the opportunity gap, says Bains
CHANDIGARH, December 21:
Marking a significant step toward equitable career planning for all students, Punjab Government today launched a first-of-its-kind initiative to integrate artificial intelligence-driven career guidance into its public school system. Under the pilot phase, 25 AI-Enabled Career Guidance Labs were inaugurated in Government and Punjab School Education Board (PSEB)-affiliated schools, announced S. Harjot Singh Bains, Education Minister, Punjab.
S. Harjot Singh Bains rolled out the initiative by simultaneously inaugurating labs at Government Senior Secondary School, Nangal and Government Senior Secondary School for Girls, Sri Anandpur Sahib. The program, implemented in collaboration with ed-tech partner “Beyond Mentor”, is being offered free of cost to students and the state.
This initiative is about empowering the state’s youth with the right tools at the right time, S. Harjot Singh Bains informed that the 25-school pilot will be closely monitored for impact, student outcomes, and operational efficacy. Successful implementation is expected to pave the way for a phased expansion across Punjab, potentially making it one of the first states in India to embed systematic AI-led career guidance within its public education framework. The initiative underscores Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to preparing its students for the demands of the 21st-century economy.
He further stated, “career guidance should not be a luxury. By bringing structured, AI-powered counselling into our government schools, we are ensuring every child, irrespective of their socio-economic background, can make an informed choice about their future.”
Outlining the AI Labs work process, the Education Minister informed that students will undergo an AI-based aptitude and interest assessment on the digital platform. The system will generates an individualised career report, highlighting potential academic and vocational pathways and then Professional counsellors conduct one-to-one sessions with students, involving parents, to discuss the report and create a actionable plan.
The model is designed to move beyond traditional, generic advice to provide personalised, data-informed insights at an early stage—from Class 6th onwards, he added.
PSEB Chairman Dr. Amarpal Singh emphasised a shift from exam-centric learning to holistic development, while stating, “True education is about unlocking potential. These labs will help students understand their innate strengths and translate them into tangible career goals, moving beyond the conventional chase for marks.”
Mr. Saurav Kumar, CEO of Beyond Mentor, the implementing partner, noted, “Our platform combines technology with human empathy. The AI handles scalable assessment, but the crucial counselling is delivered by professionals, ensuring each child feels heard and guided.”
Meanwhile, a 9th grade student at GGSS, Nangal Akshita shared, “it’s exciting that our government school is offering something so advanced. Earlier, we only knew about a few common career options. Through the counselling session, we learned about many new possibilities. Such guidance was usually available in private schools.” Mr. Vishal Sharma, father of Akshita appreciated the state government for inclusive approach. “Being part of the counselling session with my daughter was invaluable. It brings the family into the conversation about her future, which is very reassuring.”
Sharan, Class 6th student of Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Sri Anandpur Sahib, said, “This programme helped me understand my interests and personality better. It will help me choose the right career path with confidence.”
