Eighty-five students from Punjab’s government non-SOE (Schools of Excellence) schools have qualified for the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2025, a significant rise from 49 qualifiers last year. Officials have attributed this 74% increase to the SATHEE initiative, a free mentoring and academic support programme developed by the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Education.

SATHEE, which was launched in 2023, offers an organized preparation regimen for competitive exams such as JEE and NEET to students in government schools across India. It includes live interactive classes, short-term crash courses and recorded lectures delivered by IIT faculty, alumni and senior students, as well as weekly practice tests, full-length mock exams, personalized one-on-one mentoring sessions with IIT undergraduates and a study plan based on the Punjab School Education Board syllabus.

Officials from the Punjab School Education Department credited the increase in successful candidates to the availability of high-quality, structured learning resources through SATHEE, bridging the gap between board curricula and the rigor of national-level entrance examinations.

Keeping in line with the National Education Policy 2020’s emphasis on mother-tongue instruction, IIT Kanpur is now introducing Punjabi-dubbed lectures on the SATHEE platform later this academic year. This initiative aims to make complex STEM concepts more accessible to first-generation learners and further enhance the reach and effectiveness of the platform.

Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, said, "True progress in education happens when opportunities are made accessible to every talented student, regardless of background. We are proud to see the impact SATHEE initiative is making in Punjab and across the country, and we will continue to innovate and expand its reach to nurture the aspirations of students nationwide."

Officials from the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Punjab, have also indicated plans to further expand outreach under SATHEE to ensure that more deserving students across the state can aspire and secure admissions in India’s premier engineering institutes.

About IIT Kanpur:

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, holds the distinction of being recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has made significant contributions to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts a rich array of academic and research resources. The institute comprises 19 departments, 26 centres, three interdisciplinary programs, and two specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur continues to be a leader in fostering innovation and academic rigor.

For more information, visit www.iitk.ac.in.