Chandigarh has clinched the top spot in India’s Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 for school education in the 2023-24 academic year, scoring an impressive 703 out of 1,000 and securing the Prachesta-1 grade, according to the Union Ministry of Education’s latest report released on June 18, 2025. This marks Chandigarh’s second consecutive year at the pinnacle, driven by stellar performance in infrastructure, equity, and digital readiness. While Punjab and Delhi follow closely, Meghalaya ranks lowest, highlighting stark disparities across India’s education landscape. Let’s dive into the rankings, key insights, and what’s driving India’s push for educational excellence!
Chandigarh’s Winning Formula: What Sets It Apart
- Top Score: Achieved 703/1,000, the only region in the Prachesta-1 grade (701–760).
- Infrastructure Excellence: Scored 148/190 in infrastructure, leading with digital attendance and Aadhaar-seeded records.
- Equity Focus: Secured 216.5/260, ensuring inclusivity for all students, including those with special needs.
Chandigarh’s success stems from robust initiatives like 100% retention rates, digital attendance in all government schools, and 98% Aadhaar-seeded student records in the UDISE+ system. The Union Territory also introduced 450 co-located Anganwadi centres, expanded vocational training, and installed sanitary pad vending machines in schools. “At the heart of this success are our teachers and the encouragement by the UT administrator and chief secretary,” said Harsuhinderpal Singh Brar, Chandigarh’s Director of School Education.
Top Performers: Punjab, Delhi, and Beyond
- Prachesta-3 Grade (581–640): Punjab (631.1), Delhi (623.7), Gujarat, Odisha, Kerala, Haryana, Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
- Notable Gains: Delhi jumped 44 points, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana each gained 41 points.
- Regional Strengths: Odisha led in access (Daksh grade), while Chandigarh topped infrastructure and equity.
Following Chandigarh, Punjab and Delhi secured the Prachesta-3 band, with Punjab improving from 614.1 to 631.1 and Delhi showcasing the sharpest rise. Other high performers like Kerala, Gujarat, and Odisha excelled in specific domains—Odisha topped access with a Daksh grade (941–1,000), reflecting strong enrolment and retention. These states are leveraging data-driven strategies to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on inclusivity and quality.
The Laggards: Meghalaya and Others Struggle
- Lowest Performer: Meghalaya scored 417.9, landing in the Akanshi-3 band (401–460).
- Bottom Tier (Akanshi-2, 461–520): Arunachal Pradesh (461.4), Mizoram (464.2), Nagaland (468.6), Bihar (471.9), and others.
- Challenges: Weak learning outcomes and infrastructure gaps hinder progress.
Meghalaya’s low score of 417.9 places it at the bottom, despite a slight improvement from 2022-23. States like Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland also rank in the lower bands, struggling with learning outcomes and infrastructure. For instance, Bihar and Meghalaya scored poorly in facilities, lacking adequate ICT tools and timely textbook distribution, critical under the Right to Education Act.
PGI 2.0: A Robust Framework for Assessment
- Six Key Domains: Learning outcomes, access, infrastructure, equity, governance, teacher education.
- 73 Indicators: Cover retention, digital learning, teacher training, and child protection.
- Grading System: Ranges from Daksh (941–1,000) to Akanshi-3 (401–460).
The PGI 2.0, introduced in 2021, evaluates 788 districts across 36 states and Union Territories on a 1,000-point scale. It uses data from UDISE+, National Achievement Survey (NAS), PM POSHAN, PRABAND, and Vidyanjali portals. Key domains include:
- Learning Outcomes and Quality: Chandigarh, Punjab, and Puducherry lead (Prachesta-2).
- Access: Odisha excels in enrolment and retention.
- Infrastructure: Chandigarh and Delhi shine with ICT facilities and utilities.
- Equity: Chandigarh ensures inclusivity for children with special needs.
- Governance: Gujarat outperforms with 87.8/130.
- Teacher Education: Kerala leads with a Daksh-grade 91.4/100.
No state reached the top four grades (Daksh to Utkarsh), signaling room for improvement. However, the performance gap narrowed from 51% in 2017-18 to 41% in 2023-24, reflecting progress.
Areas for Improvement: Learning Outcomes Lag
- Learning Outcomes Weakness: Most states rank low, with Chandigarh at 103.6/240.
- Governance Gaps: Chandigarh scored 76.7/130, trailing Gujarat’s 87.8.
- Teacher Training: Kerala’s 91.4/100 sets the benchmark, but others lag.
Despite Chandigarh’s lead, it didn’t achieve the top Daksh grade in any domain. Learning outcomes remain a nationwide challenge, with only Chandigarh, Punjab, and Puducherry in the Prachesta-2 band. Infrastructure gaps in states like Meghalaya and Bihar, coupled with inconsistent teacher training, highlight the need for targeted reforms. The upcoming 2024 PARAKH assessment (July 2025) will provide further insights into learning and equity.
Why This Matters for India’s Future
- NEP 2020 Alignment: PGI supports inclusive, quality education goals.
- Policy Impact: Guides states to address gaps in infrastructure and teaching.
- Economic Growth: Quality education fuels India’s skilled workforce.
The PGI 2.0 is a diagnostic tool to drive NEP 2020 goals, ensuring equitable education and preparing students for a knowledge-driven economy. With India’s GDP at $4.19 trillion in FY25, a skilled workforce is critical for sustaining growth. Chandigarh’s success shows the power of evidence-based policies, while lower performers like Meghalaya need urgent intervention to bridge gaps.
How to Leverage These Insights
- For Educators: Focus on professional development and digital tools.
- For Policymakers: Prioritize infrastructure and learning outcomes in lagging states.
- Stay Updated: Check MoE’s website for PGI updates and PARAKH results.
Educators and policymakers can use PGI 2.0 to identify strengths and weaknesses. States like Bihar and Meghalaya should invest in ICT facilities and teacher training, while top performers like Chandigarh can aim for Daksh grades. Visit www.education.gov.in for the full report and upcoming assessment details.
Join India’s Education Revolution
Chandigarh’s leadership in the PGI 2.0 2023-24 sets a high bar, but the journey to educational excellence is ongoing. With Punjab, Delhi, and others close behind, and Meghalaya needing support, India’s school education system is at a turning point. Dive into the full report on the Ministry of Education’s website and be part of transforming India’s future through quality education!
