Photo credits:  Ai Generated

Chandigarh Ranks at Top in PGI 2.0

Check the best-performing states & union territories in education

Jul 08, 2026

suniska

According to the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2025-26 Reports released by the Ministry of Education, Chandigarh has attained the top position among the best performing states and Union Territories in school education.

Photo credits:  Ai Generated

While Chandigarh secured Number 1 position, states like Punjab, Kerala  Delhi and union territories such as Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman &Diu secured the second spot in the list.

Photo credits:  Ai Generated

The released placement of states and UTs are based on the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0. Instead of ranking states and UTs against each other, the PGI 2.0 places them into performance bands (grades) to promote a more balanced and constructive assessment framework.

Photo credits:  Ai Generated

In this grading system, states are evaluated based on 70 indicators across 2 main categories such as Outcomes and Governance & Management which further comprises of six major domains, i.e.  Learning Outcomes and Quality, Access, Infrastructure & Facilities, Equity, Governance Processes, and Teachers Education and Training.

Photo credits:  Ai Generated

The grading system uses specific nomenclature based on the percentage of the total score achieved such as Utakarshi, Uttam (1,2,3), Prachesta (1,2,3) and Akanshi (1,2,3).

Photo credits:  Ai Generated

The highest achievable grade is  called 'Utkarsh', which is for states and UTs scoring more than 90 per cent followed by: 'Uttam-1' (81-90 pc),  'Uttam-2' (71-80 pc),  'Uttam-3' (61-70 pc), ' Prachesta-1' (51-60 pc),  'Prachesta-2' (41-50 pc) and  'Prachesta-3' (31-40 pc)

Photo credits:  Ai Generated

A total of 462 districts have improved their score in outcomes, out of which 50 districts have made grade level improvement.

Photo credits:  Ai Generated

Among all the states and UTs, none have reached the Utakarshi category (Top most category) . Chandigarh is the only UT/State to reach the Uttam-3 category (61-70% score).

Photo credits:  Ai Generated

School Holidays in July 2026: Check complete state-wise list of festivals

Learn More

Photo credits:  Ai Generated