Punjab Building Future-Ready Universities to Retain Tech and Pharma Talent: Harjot Singh Bains
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Saturday said the state government is building “future-ready universities” to retain tech and pharma talent within Punjab and reduce the growing brain drain among students.
The statement came after the minister announced that Sardar Beant Singh State University, Gurdaspur, will introduce several new industry-aligned and skill-intensive courses from the 2026-27 academic session.
According to Harjot Singh Bains, the new courses will include B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, B.Tech in Robotics and AI, B.Pharmacy, B.Sc Agriculture, along with integrated five-year programmes in MCA, MBA and M.Sc.
Highlighting the Punjab Government’s education vision, Bains said the old theoretical and exam-focused learning model is being replaced with practical training, lab immersion, live projects, and industry-oriented learning systems.
The minister stated that every student enrolled in the new programmes will undergo mandatory semester-long internships and practical industry exposure to ensure graduates become job-ready from day one.
Harjot Singh Bains further said the initiative is aimed at reversing Punjab’s brain drain, where students often move outside the state or abroad for quality technical and professional education opportunities.
“Parents in Punjab should no longer feel forced to send their children outside for quality tech or pharma education,” the minister said while describing the Bhagwant Mann Government’s efforts to modernize higher education infrastructure in the state.
Punjab has recently intensified its focus on emerging technologies, innovation, and entrepreneurship through education reforms, startup ecosystems, and technology-driven investment initiatives.
The state government has also been promoting innovation hubs, semiconductor skill development programmes, AI-focused initiatives, and startup incubation systems to create employment opportunities and strengthen Punjab’s position as a technology and industrial hub.
Experts believe industry-oriented universities and modern technical education could help Punjab retain skilled youth, improve employability, and create long-term economic growth opportunities in sectors like technology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing.