Published on October 29 , 2025
Delhi, India
The Punjab government has unveiled ‘The English Edge – Learn Smart, Speak Sharp’, a flagship AI-integrated English learning programme designed to bridge language gaps and enhance employability. Launched on October 28, 2025, at Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar, the initiative marks a significant step in Punjab’s education reforms under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership.
- Core Focus: Improves listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through blended learning, targeting academic success, higher education access, and global job opportunities.
- Launch Attendees: Presided over by Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, with Aam Aadmi Party Punjab incharge Manish Sisodia as chief guest.
- Scale and Timeline: Three-year rollout across 23 districts, benefiting 7.5 lakh students in Grades 9-12 from 3,600 government schools.
- Policy Alignment: Complements National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by promoting foundational literacy, equity, and technology in resource-constrained settings.
This programme builds on Punjab’s ‘Punjab Sikhya Kranti’ mission, integrating with initiatives like the Entrepreneurship Mindset Curriculum and Business Blasters for holistic student development.
Implementation Phases and Rollout Strategy
The English Edge is structured in three phases for scalable, inclusive deployment, starting small to ensure quality before full expansion. It combines digital self-paced modules with classroom facilitation, making English learning engaging and practical.
- Phase I (Initial Rollout): Covers 500 schools and 3 lakh students across all 23 districts, focusing on guided reading, pronunciation, and daily 10-minute home practice sessions.
- Subsequent Phases: Expands progressively to reach the full 7.5 lakh students and 3,600 schools within three years, with monitoring for impact assessment.
- Delivery Model: In-school digital lessons paired with home-based speaking exercises; nearly 1.5 lakh technology-enabled classes already conducted since 2021.
- Inclusivity Measures: Prioritizes government schools in underserved areas, ensuring free access via CSR-funded devices and training.
The phased approach allows for real-time feedback, adapting to regional needs like Punjabi-dominant dialects for smoother transition.
Technology and Tools: AI at the Heart of Learning
Leveraging cutting-edge EdTech, the programme uses AI to personalize learning, addressing common barriers like pronunciation challenges and comprehension gaps in non-native English environments.
- Key Tools:
- Reading and Comprehension Assistant: AI-driven self-learning app for individualized reading practice and skill-building.
- ReadToMe: Classroom tool for interactive, curriculum-aligned sessions with audio support and real-time feedback.
- AI Features: Adaptive algorithms track progress, offering tailored exercises; supports four language pillars with gamified elements for motivation.
- Integration: Blends seamlessly with existing school infrastructure; teacher training ensures effective hybrid use.
- Proven Track Record: Builds on EnglishHelper’s 2013 pilot in Punjab, scaled in 2015 with USAID support, demonstrating 20-30% improvement in proficiency scores.
This tech infusion transforms English from a rote subject into a confident, communicative skill, vital for Punjab’s youth in a globalized economy.
Partnerships and Funding: Collaborative Ecosystem
The initiative thrives on public-private synergy, drawing from long-standing collaborations to maximize reach and sustainability.
- Primary Partners:
- Punjab School Education Department: Leads implementation under Minister Harjot Singh Bains.
- EnglishHelper: Global EdTech firm providing AI solutions; MoU signed in March 2021 for statewide expansion.
- USAID: Backed initial 2015 pilot, influencing current scalable model.
- Funding Sources: Supported by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions and philanthropic grants, ensuring zero cost to students or schools.
- Teacher Empowerment: Over 10,000 educators trained in AI tools, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Broader Ecosystem: Aligns with Punjab’s AI education push, including teacher upskilling programmes announced in 2025.
These alliances exemplify how government-industry ties can democratize quality education in India.
Key Quotes: Voices from the Launch
Officials at the launch emphasized the programme’s transformative potential, highlighting its role in empowering Punjab’s next generation.
- Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains: “Punjab’s students are brimming with talent and potential. This flagship program will empower every child, regardless of background, to express themselves confidently in English. Under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s visionary leadership, we’re ensuring every child in government schools has the confidence to shine on the world stage.”
- Manish Sisodia, AAP Punjab Incharge: “The tagline ‘Learn Smart, Speak Sharp’ encapsulates the programme’s vision—to help students evolve with the evolving world, think independently, and communicate confidently. This is a testament to Punjab’s commitment to a holistic education revolution.”
- Deepak Verma, CEO, EnglishHelper: “We are excited to scale our proven learning solutions across Punjab. This programme addresses all four pillars of language acquisition through AI-powered self-learning and teacher-led instruction, equipping students with the confidence to thrive globally.”
These insights underscore the initiative’s focus on equity and innovation.
Impact and Future Outlook: Shaping Punjab’s Educational Landscape
The English Edge promises far-reaching benefits, from reduced dropout rates to enhanced employability in sectors like IT and services, where English proficiency is a key enabler.
- Expected Outcomes: 25-40% uplift in English scores; increased enrollment in higher education; better global competitiveness for Punjab’s 7.5 lakh participants.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Annual assessments via AI analytics; adjustments based on student feedback and performance data.
- Expansion Potential: Model eyed for replication in other states; ties into Punjab’s Rs 12 billion education overhaul announced in 2025.
- Challenges Addressed: Tackles urban-rural divides and gender gaps through accessible, mobile-friendly tools.
As Punjab invests in AI-driven education, The English Edge positions the state as a leader in NEP-inspired reforms, unlocking doors for its youth in an interconnected world.
