Punjab Emerges as Global Education Hub with Surge in Foreign Students and NAAC-Accredited Colleges
Punjab Emerges as a Global Education Hub: Over 4300 Foreign Students, NAAC Accreditation Soars
Chandigarh, July 12, 2025 – In a bold declaration at the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains revealed that Punjab emerges as a global education hub, witnessing exponential growth in both international student enrolment and institutional accreditation.
ग्लोबल एजुकेशन हब बनने की ओर बढ़ता पंजाब… 🌍📚
आज जहां लगभग 70 देशों के छात्र पंजाब की विभिन्न यूनिवर्सिटियों और कॉलेजों में उच्च शिक्षा प्राप्त कर रहे हैं, वहीं देश के हर राज्य से भी विद्यार्थी अब पंजाब में पढ़ाई करने आ रहे हैं।
🎓 सिर्फ CGC झांजरी, मोहाली की बात करें तो:… pic.twitter.com/YIpobWnKbo
— Harjot Singh Bains (@harjotbains) July 12, 2025
Highlighting the state’s strategic progress in higher education, Bains noted that Punjab’s colleges and universities now host students from nearly 70 countries. This not only reflects international confidence in the state’s academic infrastructure but also signals Punjab’s rising status in India’s education ecosystem.
A Dramatic Rise in Foreign Student Enrollment
At the core of Punjab’s transformation is the surge in foreign student admissions. One notable example shared by the Minister was Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC), Jhanjeri in Mohali. In 2022, the number of foreign students at CGC stood at 1,200 — by 2025, that figure has skyrocketed to over 4,300.
“Punjab has become a preferred destination not only for Indian students from every state but also for thousands from abroad. This shift is a testament to the high standards of our institutions,” said Minister Bains during his Vidhan Sabha address.
Universities and private colleges across Punjab are increasingly tailoring their curriculum, campus life, and support services to cater to a global student body, including partnerships with foreign institutions and enhanced student exchange programs.
NAAC Accreditation: From 3 to 38 Colleges in Just 3 Years
One of the key drivers of Punjab’s rising academic profile is its dramatic increase in NAAC-accredited institutions. In 2022, only 3 out of Punjab’s 48 colleges held accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). As of mid-2025, 38 colleges have now received this recognition, and the remaining 10 are expected to be accredited soon.
“This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about quality, transparency, and global standards. NAAC accreditation is a gold standard, and Punjab is now setting benchmarks for others,” added Bains.
NAAC accreditation ensures colleges meet rigorous standards in academic excellence, faculty qualifications, infrastructure, research output, and governance — all factors crucial for attracting foreign students and international collaborations.
Education as a Catalyst for State Development
Punjab’s pivot towards becoming an education hub isn’t just a statistical success — it’s a strategic move to power the state’s economic and social development. Increased foreign admissions boost local economies, encourage cultural exchange, and enhance Punjab’s global footprint.
Many educational institutions are now investing heavily in smart classrooms, digital libraries, international faculty recruitment, and startup incubation centers, aimed at providing world-class learning environments and innovation ecosystems.
Furthermore, institutions in cities like Mohali, Ludhiana, Patiala, and Amritsar are fast becoming destinations of choice for Indian students from other states as well, creating a diverse and competitive academic landscape.
What’s Fueling the Boom? Key Factors
- Government Support: Policies promoting ease of admission, international collaborations, and academic reforms
- Infrastructure Growth: New-age campuses with state-of-the-art facilities
- Accreditation Drive: Aggressive push toward NAAC certification
- Private Sector Innovation: Role of private universities like CGC in driving global outreach
- Cultural Harmony: Punjab’s inclusive, welcoming environment for international students