The Punjab government has launched India’s first career guidance labs that use artificial intelligence in government schools. The goal of this program is to help students understand their interests and strengths so they can make better choices about education and careers. This initiative brings structured career planning into schools, where many students earlier had little or no access to such guidance.
Pilot Project in Selected Schools
The program has started as a pilot project with 25 career guidance labs set up in selected government schools. These schools are affiliated with the Punjab School Education Board. By starting on a smaller scale, the government can test how well the system works and learn what improvements are needed before expanding it to more schools across the state.
Free and Open to All Students
A key feature of this initiative is that it is completely free for students. It focuses especially on students from families who may not be able to afford private career counselling. The Punjab government has partnered with Beyond Mentor, an education-focused organization, to manage and support the labs. This partnership helps bring expert guidance directly into government schools.
How the Career Guidance Labs Work
Students in these labs take simple digital assessments that explore their interests, abilities, and preferences. Based on the results, students receive career suggestions that match their personal strengths. Trained counsellors then speak with students and their parents to explain the results in clear language. They also help students plan next steps, such as choosing subjects, courses, or career paths that suit them best.
Focus on Fair Access and Confidence
Punjab’s Education Minister, Harjot Singh Bains, has emphasized that the program is about equal opportunity. The aim is to ensure that every child, no matter their background, gets proper guidance. The government sees career guidance as a basic support service, not a luxury, and believes it can improve student confidence and decision-making.
Future Plans and Long-Term Impact
The government will closely review the results of the pilot phase. If the program shows positive outcomes, it may be expanded to more government schools across Punjab. Overall, the initiative reflects Punjab’s effort to prepare students for future education and work choices in a more planned and informed way.