Punjab Government Unveils AI-Driven Career Guidance Initiative for Students
In a groundbreaking move towards fostering equitable career development among students, the Punjab government has introduced a pioneering initiative aimed at embedding artificial intelligence (AI) into the public school framework for career guidance.
During a recent announcement, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains inaugurated 25 AI-enabled Career Guidance Labs within government schools and those affiliated with the Punjab School Education Board as part of a pilot phase.
Bains articulated that this avant-garde initiative is set to empower students to make educated choices regarding their futures.
Simultaneously, the minister launched labs at both the Government Senior Secondary School in Nangal and the Government Senior Secondary School for Girls in Sri Anandpur Sahib.
Implemented in partnership with the ed-tech firm Beyond Mentor, the programme is being provided at no cost to students, according to an official communiqué.
The Education Minister emphasized that this venture is focused on equipping the youth of the state with timely and appropriate resources. The pilot program will undergo rigorous monitoring to evaluate its effectiveness, impact on student outcomes, and operational viability.
Anticipated successful results are expected to facilitate a phased rollout throughout Punjab, potentially positioning it as one of the first states in India to systematically incorporate AI-led career guidance within its educational landscape.
This initiative exemplifies the Punjab government’s commitment, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, to adequately prepare students for the complexities of the 21st-century economy, Bains remarked.
“Career guidance should not be a privilege reserved for the few. By implementing structured, AI-driven counseling in our government schools, we ensure that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, can make informed decisions about their future,” the education minister asserted.
Detailing the operational framework of the AI labs, Bains mentioned that students will participate in an AI-based assessment of their aptitudes and interests on a digital platform.
This system will generate personalized career reports, delineating potential academic and vocational pathways.
Subsequently, professional counselors will conduct one-on-one sessions with students and their parents to discuss the reports and formulate actionable plans.
This model is designed to transcend traditional, generic advice, offering tailored, data-informed insights from as early as the sixth grade, he added.
PSEB Chairman Dr. Amarpal Singh highlighted the necessity of transitioning from an exam-oriented educational approach to one that fosters holistic development.
“True education unlocks potential. These labs will assist students in identifying their inherent strengths and transforming them into achievable career aspirations, thereby moving beyond the conventional pursuit of grades,” Singh stated.
Saurav Kumar, CEO of Beyond Mentor, remarked, “Our platform merges technology with human empathy. While the AI facilitates scalable assessments, the essential counseling is administered by professionals, ensuring each child feels supported and sufficiently guided.”
Source link: Hindustantimes.com.
