Punjab NEET 2026 Results: 882 Government School Students Qualify, CM Mann Highlights Merit-Based Employment

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann felicitated 882 students from Punjab Government schools who qualified the NEET UG 2026 examination, describing the achievement as a milestone in the state's education reforms. Speaking at a felicitation ceremony in Zirakpur, the Chief Minister said the success reflects the impact of free coaching, mentorship, career counselling, and sustained investment in government school education.

During the event, Mann also reiterated his government's commitment to merit-based recruitment, stating that government jobs in Punjab are awarded solely on merit without recommendations or bribery. According to him, the state has already provided more than 68,000 government jobs through a transparent recruitment process.

Punjab NEET UG 2026: Highlights

Record Performance by Government School Students

Addressing the students, CM Mann congratulated the successful candidates, their parents, and teachers, calling the achievement a proud moment for Punjab. He noted that the number of successful candidates from government schools has increased significantly over the past few years.

According to the state government:

• 2024: 437 government school students qualified NEET.
• 2025: 847 students qualified.
• 2026: 882 students qualified, marking the highest number so far.

The Chief Minister attributed this steady improvement to reforms in the public education system, better academic support, and dedicated efforts by teachers and students.

Free Coaching and Mentorship Credited for Success

Mann said the achievement was made possible through several initiatives introduced by the Punjab Government, including:

• Free NEET coaching.
• Career counselling sessions.
• Academic mentoring.
• Improved classroom infrastructure.
• Better access to quality study material.

He stated that these initiatives have enabled students from government schools to compete successfully with candidates from private institutions and coaching centres.

CM Mann Reiterates Merit-Based Recruitment

During his address, the Chief Minister emphasized that the Punjab Government follows a transparent recruitment policy.

He said:

• Government jobs are awarded only on merit.
• No recommendations or monetary influence are entertained.
• More than 68,000 government jobs have been filled through transparent recruitment since the current government assumed office.

Mann added that fairness in recruitment remains one of the government's priorities for providing equal opportunities to the state's youth.

Remarks on Examination Integrity

The Chief Minister also highlighted the state's record on examination security, stating that Punjab has not witnessed any competitive examination paper leak during the current government's tenure. Referring to a recent cheating attempt in a Pharmacy Officer examination, he said authorities acted promptly and legal action was initiated against those involved.

Students Honoured at Zirakpur Ceremony

At the felicitation programme, CM Mann interacted with the successful NEET candidates and congratulated them on their achievement. Several students presented hand-drawn portraits to the Chief Minister and requested his autograph, making the ceremony a memorable occasion.

The Chief Minister encouraged the students to pursue medical careers with dedication and serve society through quality healthcare.

Significance of the Achievement

Education officials described the result as an important milestone for Punjab's public education system. The increase in the number of government school students qualifying NEET is being viewed as an indicator of improving educational outcomes in state-run institutions.

The success is expected to strengthen opportunities for students from economically weaker backgrounds seeking admission to medical colleges through NEET UG.

FAQs

How many Punjab government school students qualified NEET UG 2026?

A total of 882 students from Punjab Government schools qualified the NEET UG 2026 examination.

Where did CM Bhagwant Mann felicitate the successful students?

The felicitation ceremony was held in Zirakpur, where the Chief Minister interacted with the successful candidates.

What did CM Mann say about government jobs?

He stated that government jobs in Punjab are provided solely on merit, without recommendations, bribery, or favoritism, and that over 68,000 jobs have been filled transparently.

What initiatives helped government school students perform well in NEET?

The Punjab Government credited free coaching, mentorship, career counselling, improved educational infrastructure, and teacher support for the improved NEET performance.

How has the number of successful government school students changed over recent years?

The number increased from 437 in 2024 to 847 in 2025, and further to 882 in 2026, reflecting steady improvement in government school performance.