Complete Static GK 2026 : Punjab State

Punjab: The Land of Five Rivers — Ultimate Static & Current G.K. Guide (2026)

Punjab, a land synonymous with bravery, agriculture, and a vibrant soul, remains a top priority for examiners in PPSC, PSSSB, and Punjab Police recruitment. Whether it is the ancient legacy of the Indus Valley or the modern “Holy City” declarations of 2025, Punjab’s G.K. is as dynamic as its people. For any student aiming for a government job in 2026, staying updated with the latest leadership and administrative changes is the primary step toward success.

This blog post is your comprehensive manual, blending timeless static facts with the most recent 2026 developments.

1. Administrative Hub & Leadership (2026)

The administrative structure of Punjab is key for all state-level exams.

• Capital (राजधानी): Chandigarh

• Chief Minister (मुख्यमंत्री): Shri Bhagwant Singh Mann

• Governor (राज्यपाल): Shri Gulab Chand Kataria (Sworn in July 2024, serving in 2026)

• Chief Justice (High Court): Justice Sheel Nagu (Punjab and Haryana High Court)

• Formation (स्थापना): 1 November 1966 (Modern Punjab)

• Official Language (भाषा): Punjabi (Gurmukhi script)

2. Geographical Profile (भूगोल)

Punjab is divided into three main regions: Majha, Doaba, and Malwa.

• Total Area (कुल क्षेत्रफल): 50,362 sq. km

• Area Rank: 19th in India

• Number of Districts: 23 (Malerkotla is the 23rd district)

3. Demographic Trends: 2026 Projections

Population data is frequently tested. Here are the latest estimates for 2026:

4. Political & Judicial Structure

Punjab’s legislative system is unicameral.

• Legislative Assembly (विधानसभा): 117 Seats

• Lower House (लोक सभा): 13 Seats

• Upper House (राजसभा): 7 Seats

• High Court: Punjab and Haryana High Court (Chandigarh). The building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Le Corbusier.

5. Hydrology: Rivers, Lakes & Dams (जल संसाधन)

Punjab literally means “Land of Five Rivers” (Panj + Ab).

• Major Rivers: Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi (The Chenab and Jhelum are now primarily in Pakistan Punjab).

• Lakes: Harike Wetland (Tarn Taran), Kanjli Wetland (Kapurthala), and Ropar Wetland.

• Major Dams (बांध):

  • Bhakra Dam: Located on the border (Sutlej River).

  • Thein Dam (Ranjit Sagar Dam): Located on the Ravi River near Pathankot.

6. Culture: Festivals and Folk Dance

• Festivals: Baisakhi (Harvest festival), Hola Mohalla, Maghi Mela (Muktsar), and Lohri.

• Folk Dance (लोक नृत्य):

  • Bhangra & Giddha: Globally recognized.

  • Jhumar: The dance of ecstasy.

  • Malwai Giddha: Performed by elderly men.

7. Environmental & Wildlife Heritage

Punjab is home to vital wetlands that host migratory birds.

• National Parks: While Punjab does not have a “National Park” in the strict central forest definition, it manages several vital Protected Areas.

• Wildlife Sanctuaries: * Abohar WLS: Famous for the Blackbuck (State Animal).

  • Harike Pattan: India’s famous bird sanctuary.

  • Bir Moti Bagh (Patiala): Historical sanctuary.

8. Energy Sector & Power Stations

Punjab is a surplus power state with a growing focus on renewables.

• Thermal Power Plants: * Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Plant: Ropar.

  • Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant: Lehra Mohabbat (Bathinda).

  • Talwandi Sabo Power Ltd: Mansa.

• Nuclear Power: No operational nuclear plants in Punjab currently.

• Solar Power (सौर ऊर्जा): * Amritsar Solar Plant: Punjab’s first major solar project.

  • Floating Solar Projects: Recently initiated on various canal tops and at the Bathinda Thermal Lake.

9. Current Affairs 2025-2026: Exam Special

Stay ahead with these high-yield current updates:

• Holy City Status (Nov 2025): The Punjab Government declared Amritsar (Walled City), Talwandi Sabo, and Sri Anandpur Sahib as “Holy Cities,” banning liquor and tobacco.

• Education: In late 2025, the government announced the establishment of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur University at Anandpur Sahib.

• Semiconductor Hub: Mohali’s SCL (Semiconductor Laboratory) received a ₹4,500 crore upgrade approval in late 2025 to become a national hub.

Conclusion

The General Knowledge of Punjab is a blend of its heroic past and its push towards a tech-driven future. For 2026, keep a close watch on the Semiconductor mission in Mohali and the newly designated Holy Cities. These topics are guaranteed to appear in your next exam!