The Punjab English Skilling Program
The Punjab English Skilling Program, The English Edge, was formally inaugurated on October 28, 2025, in Amritsar, with the presence of state leaders, education officials, teachers, and students.
The launch was a significant milestone in the joint effort between the Government of Punjab and EnglishHelper to strengthen English proficiency for over 750,000 students across 3,600 government schools in the coming years.
The program has already generated tremendous energy and commitment on the ground, with schools and students enthusiastically participating and engaging in learning.
The project seeks CSR and philanthropic partners to ensure that this initiative reaches its full potential, helping to scale the program faster, deepen its impact, and contribute meaningfully to the future of Punjab's youth.
EnglishHelper's English Skilling Program in Punjab
The Government of Punjab has recognized that while students in Punjab possess basic English reading and comprehension skills, they lack the confidence to communicate effectively in the language. The lack of English-speaking skills excludes students from many opportunities of higher education as well as vocational training and employability.
To this end, the Government has partnered with EnglishHelper to launch a three-year, tech-enabled English Skilling Program targeting 750,000 students in Grades 9-12 across 3,600 government schools.
EnglishHelper, an EdTech enterprise with global reach and deep impact in India, has implemented its AI-powered learning tools in Punjab since 2013. Under this program, two key solutions are being deployed:
- ReadToMe (RTM): A multisensory classroom tool that supports teachers in delivering English instruction using the school's textbook content.
- Reading & Comprehension Assistant (RCA): A self-paced, AI-powered tool enabling listening, reading, speaking, and writing practice with real-time feedback.
The program uses a blended learning model, integrating self-learning with curriculum-aligned classroom instruction. Students learn the prescribed syllabus from their textbooks through ReadToMe in the classroom during their scheduled English period. Students engage with RCA at home on personal/household devices for one-on-one supplemental learning with personalized and instant feedback, designed for superior outcomes.
Underpinned by learning science, the program supports low-resource environments, and is aligned with NEP 2020 priorities such as foundational literacy, equitable access, and technology integration.
The deployment model includes continuous teacher training and has built in feedback, review and governance mechanisms involving all stakeholders – parents, teachers, block- and district-level officials, and SCERT officers. A rigorous impact evaluation using Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and surveys will measure vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and spoken English outcomes, supported by AI-based diagnostics.
The program cost is funded through a combination of discounted delivery by EnglishHelper, support from philanthropic and CSR partners, and potential state budget integration. The model emphasizes long-term sustainability, public-private collaboration, and scalable impact on youth skilling in Punjab.
EnglishHelper's journey in Punjab:
2013
EnglishHelper's solutions piloted across 441 students. Significant learning improvement observed in the pilot.
2015-2017
Scale-up to 38,000 students, 200 schools, in partnership with USAID, Significant learning improvement compared to counterfactual.
2021-2024
Statewide implementation in 6,400 High Schools benefitting NN students.
2025
The Government of Punjab has selected EnglishHelper to deploy its interventions for student English proficiency improvement.