-Punjab Launches First-of-Its-Kind AI-Driven Career Guidance Initiative in Government Schools
-Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains inaugurates pilot project in 25 schools
-Free, personalized guidance aims to bridge opportunity gaps for students, says Bains
Chandigarh, December 21,
In a major step toward making career planning accessible to all students, the Punjab Government launched a pioneering initiative today to integrate artificial intelligence (AI)-driven career guidance into its public school system. As part of the pilot phase, 25 AI-Enabled Career Guidance Labs were inaugurated in government schools and those affiliated with the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB), announced Education Minister Harjot Bains.
The minister virtually inaugurated the labs simultaneously at Government Senior Secondary School in Nangal and Government Senior Secondary School for Girls in Sri Anandpur Sahib. The program, developed in partnership with ed-tech company Beyond Mentor, is provided free of cost to students and the state government.
This initiative empowers Punjab’s youth with the right tools at the right time. Bains stated that the 25-school pilot will be closely monitored for its impact, student outcomes, and operational effectiveness. If successful, it could lead to a phased rollout across the state, positioning Punjab as one of the first in India to systematically incorporate AI-led career guidance in public education. The move reflects Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government’s commitment to equipping students for the 21st-century economy.
Bains emphasized: “Career guidance should not be a luxury. By introducing structured, AI-powered counseling in government schools, we ensure every child, regardless of socio-economic background, can make informed decisions about their future.”
How the AI Labs Work Students will take an AI-based aptitude and interest assessment on a digital platform. The system generates a personalized career report highlighting suitable academic and vocational paths. Professional counselors then hold one-on-one sessions with students (and often parents) to discuss the report and develop an actionable plan. This approach starts from Class 6 onward, moving beyond generic advice to provide data-driven, tailored insights.
PSEB Chairman Dr. Amarpal Singh highlighted the shift from exam-focused learning to holistic development: “True education unlocks potential. These labs will help students recognize their strengths and turn them into real career goals, going beyond just chasing marks.”
watch…..CM Mann Empowers Youth with 505 Mini Bus Permits
Saurav Kumar, CEO of Beyond Mentor, added: “Our platform blends technology with human empathy. AI manages scalable assessments, while professional counselors deliver the essential guidance, ensuring every child feels supported.”
A 9th-grade student, Akshita from Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Nangal, shared: “It’s exciting that our government school offers something so advanced. Before, we only knew a few common careers. The counseling session opened up many new options—guidance that was usually only available in private schools.”
Akshita’s father, Vishal Sharma, praised the inclusive approach: “Being part of the counseling session with my daughter was invaluable. It brings families into the conversation about her future, which is very reassuring.”
A Class 6 student, Sharan, from Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Sri Anandpur Sahib, said: “This program helped me understand my interests and personality better. It gives me confidence to choose the right career path.”
