University to offer North India’s first specialised courses in defence technology, AI, quantum computing & cyber warfare: Harjot Singh Bains
Punjab E News: Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Monday unanimously passed the historic Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur World Class University Punjab Bill, 2026, proposed by Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains. In a landmark move merging Punjab’s deep spiritual heritage with a bold futuristic vision for higher education, the Bill proposes the establishment of a cutting-edge world-class university on the sacred land of Sri Anandpur Sahib that will offer North India’s first specialised courses in defence, aerospace, cyber security and quantum computing, with the ambition of positioning the institution alongside leading global centres of learning such as MIT.
Moving the Bill in Punjab Assembly on Monday, Harjot Singh Bains highlighted the significance of Sri Anandpur Sahib and Sri Guru Teg Bahadur’s sacrifice. “The holy city’s land was purchased by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji himself. This is sacred land where Dasmesh Pitah Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji gifted the world the Khalsa Panth—the fountainhead of justice. It’s a humble tribute to Sikh legacy,” he stated.
Underscoring the Bill’s transformative potential, the Education Minister outlined an ambitious academic structure focused on emerging technologies and strategic studies, courses currently unavailable in any premier institute across North India. “These include BSc in Defence Technology, MSc Strategic and Defence Studies, M.Tech in Defence, Electronics and Radar Systems, M.Tech in Military Robotics and Atomic System, B.Tech in AI, M.Tech in AI, MSc in Data Sciences, B.Tech in Drone Engineering and UAV Technology, Atomic Serial System, B.Tech in Cyber Security, M.Tech in Cyber-warfare and National Security, B.Tech in Space Technologies and Satellite Engineering, B.Tech in Semi-conductor Engineering, M.Tech in Chip Design and Micro-electronics, B.Tech in Quantum Technology, M.Tech in Quantum Computing, BA & MA in Military History, LLM in Defence & Military Laws, LLB in Maritime, PG Diploma in Border Security & Counter Terrorism and Maritime courses,” he shared.
Defence is no longer just a public sector domain. Mahindra, Tata and others are building drones and missiles, he added, while stating, “Our children will be trained to meet these challenges. We will also offer courses in Maritime Studies utilising the Sutlej river and Gobind Sagar Lake, and a Master’s in Military History to study our own wars, from the times of the Gurus to Maharaja Ranjit Singh.”
The Education Minister emphasised Punjab’s unique position as a border state, highlighting the need for technology-driven research in policing and internal security. He asserted, “The institution would be developed with global standards as CM Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has envisioned an institution on par with MIT, nurturing future scientists in the legacy of Nobel Laureates like Hargobind Khorana, Piara Singh Gill and Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany. This will be a university with international validation, where students not only earn degrees but work on complex problems Punjab and the nation may face in the next 20 to 50 years.”
He revealed that ₹300 crore has been proposed for investment over the next three years, with an initial allocation of ₹20 crore in the current budget. This project is a top priority of the state government and whatever funds are required will be provided. The university will be strategically established near a newly approved bypass on Kiratpur Sahib and Nangal highway, ensuring excellent connectivity. It is a 70-minute drive from the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali and just four hours from the national capital. A transit campus has been identified at a closed college and a martial academy, with officials working day and night to commence courses by July 2026.
Harjot Singh Bains added, “The university would educate over 10,000 students in the next decade, generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs for the region, including faculty positions, technical staff, lab assistants and opportunities in retail, hospitality and startups. The culminating event of the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji would be held on the grounds of this very university. This is not just any university. It’s a tribute to that great land.”
Calling the university a personal mission and a dream, Harjot Singh Bains said that it will transform the destiny of children from Sri Anandpur Sahib, Nangal, Ropar, Garhshankar, Banga, Balachaur, Nawanshahr and Hoshiarpur. Following the discussion on the bill, the assembly has passed Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur World Class University Punjab Bill, 2026.
