GD Goenka Public School, Lucknow, Shines in CBSE Rankings; Chairman Sarvesh Goel Honoured with Udyami Ratna Award:

GD Goenka Public School, Lucknow, has once again cemented its reputation as a frontrunner in quality education. The school has been ranked No. 1 CBSE (Co-Ed) school in Lucknow and No. 3 CBSE School in Uttar Pradesh in the EducationWorld India School Rankings 2025–26 — marking the 11th consecutive year it has held this prestigious position. The achievement underscores the institution’s enduring commitment to academic excellence and holistic student growth.

Chairman Sarvesh Goel received the award at a ceremony held in New Delhi. Reflecting on the honour, he remarked, “Every recognition deepens our responsibility. The real question is not about our rank, but about how far we can go in redefining the standards of quality education in Uttar Pradesh.”

When asked about the secret behind the school’s consistent success, Goel emphasized the need for education to evolve with changing times. “Academics alone can’t be the yardstick. Our focus is on preparing students for real-world challenges — balancing intellect with values, physical fitness, and creativity,” he said.

He further added that schools today must move beyond producing exam toppers to nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped to face a dynamic global future.

The recognition of GD Goenka comes at a time when the Yogi Adityanath government is actively strengthening education in Uttar Pradesh. The state has expanded digital classrooms, promoted skill-based learning, and invested in infrastructure. Goel acknowledged the government’s efforts, saying, “The state has taken important steps, but schools like ours need to ensure these reforms translate into real outcomes for students. Rankings matter, but the true achievement is in preparing a generation that can think, innovate, and lead.”

Beyond the classroom, Goel has also been known for community-driven initiatives. His annual event, the Lucknow Run, has become one of the city’s most popular fitness and social awareness movements. Reflecting on the importance of this effort, he said, “Running teaches perseverance and resilience. It is also a metaphor for life itself. In many ways, it mirrors education. You cannot achieve success overnight; it requires discipline, consistency, and effort.” The Lucknow Run has, over the years, promoted causes such as environmental awareness and youth engagement, furthering its impact beyond sport.

On the same day as the EducationWorld recognition, Goel was also honoured by the Indian Industries Association (IIA) Lucknow Chapter with the prestigious Udyami Ratna Award. The award acknowledged his entrepreneurial leadership, contributions and dedication to community development. Speaking about the honour, he said, “It is not just about building schools or companies. It is about building ecosystems where education, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility converge.”

In his vision for the future, Goel emphasised the need to align with global standards while keeping Indian values intact. “Our real challenge will be to integrate technology, foster creativity, and encourage problem-solving while ensuring students remain grounded. We must also bridge the gap between what is taught in schools and what the world demands. Only then can Uttar Pradesh lead the knowledge economy of India,” he said.

As the education landscape continues to evolve, GD Goenka Public School’s recognition and the honour for its chairman reflect broader trends shaping Uttar Pradesh’s academic environment. At a time when the state is making concerted efforts to raise quality and accessibility, these milestones underscore both the opportunities and the responsibilities ahead.