The Punjab government recently took a significant step toward enhancing the state's higher education landscape by approving two new private universities: Rayat Bahra Professional University in Hoshiarpur and CGC University in Mohali. This move, formalized through the unanimous passage of the Rayat Bahra Professional University Bill and the CGC University Bill in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in 2025, is part of a broader state strategy to expand educational opportunities, promote multidisciplinary and research-oriented learning, and address the rising demand for quality higher education in the region.

Punjab has observed a notable surge in student enrollment across colleges, increasing from 7 lakh in 2022 to 9 lakh in the latest academic session. This growth reflects rising aspirations among the youth and underscores the urgent need for more universities and academic programs. The government has supplemented this private university initiative with plans to open new government colleges, focusing especially on underserved border and rural areas to ensure inclusive access to education.

The establishment of Rayat Bahra Professional University in Hoshiarpur and CGC University in Mohali aims to offer a wide array of academic disciplines. These include engineering, medicine, social sciences, liberal arts, and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, digital marketing, and tourism. Both institutions will operate under strict regulations established by the University Grants Commission (UGC), maintaining high standards of academic quality and research excellence. This regulatory oversight is intended to uphold the credibility of private higher education in Punjab and protect student interests.

Across Punjab, private universities have become key players in bridging gaps left by traditional public institutions. Cities like Mohali, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar have emerged as education hubs attracting students from across India and neighboring countries. The new universities will likely contribute to further strengthening Punjab's educational reputation and have a ripple effect on local economic growth, including job creation within and outside academia.

However, the expansion of private universities has also sparked calls for robust governance and equitable policies. Legislators and education leaders have emphasized the need for an effective regulatory body with real authority to monitor private university operations, prevent exorbitant fees, and ensure fair access for students from weaker socio-economic backgrounds. Issues such as post-matric scholarship delays affecting Dalit students and concerns over internal “brain drain” — where experienced teachers move from public to private institutions — have been raised during parliamentary debates. Proponents argue that protecting students’ rights, providing reserved seats, and ensuring transparent fee structures are essential to balancing public and private educational growth.

The government's educational vision, articulated by Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, integrates these private university initiatives with a commitment to expanding government education infrastructure. New government colleges and expanded Industrial Training Institute (ITI) seats further support skill development aligned with labor market needs. This combined approach aims to equip Punjab's young population with a diverse, modern, and accessible education system that responds to contemporary challenges and opportunities.