Faridkot lies in Punjab’s Malwa region and takes its name from the Sufi saint Baba Farid. Its heritage includes Tilla Baba Farid, the former princely state’s fort and the Jaitu Morcha. Healthcare education is another defining feature. A central governance challenge is to maintain public confidence in institutions while improving access to services. In August 2026, a pharmacy recruitment examination controversy prompted protests. A deputy commissioner (DC) must approach such concerns fairly and transparently.
Timeline: Faridkot in 5 stops
- 12th–13th centurySufi heritageLegacy
Baba Farid‘s verses became part of the Guru Granth Sahib.
- 1923–25Akali movementMorcha
The Jaitu Morcha opposed British action over the Nabha ruler’s removal.
- 1972District formationDistrict
Faridkot became a district in 1972.
- 2025–26Education changesExpansion
Baba Farid University of Health Sciences became Punjab’s controlling authority for pharmacy and healthcare courses.
- Aug 2026Recruitment examinationProtests
A pharmacy officer examination cheating controversy led to student protests and political criticism.
Know your district
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Faridkot |
| Region | Malwa |
| Formed | 1972; formerly a princely state. |
| Known for | Baba Farid’s legacy, the Jaitu Morcha and healthcare education. |
| Famous personalities | Baba Farid, also known as Sheikh Farid, was a Sufi saint whose verses are in the Guru Granth Sahib. |
| Economy | Agriculture and services, including healthcare and education. |
| Key institutions | Baba Farid University of Health Sciences and Guru Gobind Singh Medical College. |
Places and people the board may ask about
- Baba Farid: The district is named after the Sufi saint, whose verses are included in the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Tilla Baba Farid: This place is associated with the saint and Faridkot’s spiritual heritage.
- Baba Sheikh Farid Aagman Purb: The festival is celebrated every September.
- Jaitu: The town is associated with the Jaitu Morcha of the Akali movement.
- Raja’s Qila Mubarak: The fort recalls Faridkot’s history as a princely state.
- Guru Gobind Singh Medical College: The college is an important centre for medical education in the district.
Strengths and challenges
Strengths
- Living Sufi heritage and an annual festival.
- Historical associations with Jaitu and the former princely state.
- Established institutions for medical education and healthcare.
Challenges
- Maintaining confidence in recruitment examinations after the pharmacy examination controversy.
- Making healthcare accessible while strengthening teaching institutions.
- Protecting heritage while providing visitor facilities.
What happened in 2025-26
- 2025–26: Baba Farid University of Health Sciences became the controlling authority for all pharmacy and healthcare courses in Punjab.
- 2025–26: Guru Gobind Singh Medical College received approval to increase Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) seats from 150 to 200. For a wider public health discussion, see Malwa cancer: Punjab’s public health challenge.
- August 2026: A cheating controversy in the university-conducted pharmacy officer recruitment examination led to student protests and political criticism.
If you were DC of Faridkot
- Examination integrity: Coordinate with the university and police to support a fair inquiry and protect evidence.
- Public communication: Provide verified updates and a channel for candidates to submit grievances.
- Healthcare access: Review service gaps with the medical college and district health authorities, then prioritise referrals and outreach.
- Heritage: Work with local stakeholders to improve cleanliness, accessibility and visitor information at heritage sites.
- Public health: Use existing health programmes to strengthen screening awareness and follow-up in coordination with health institutions.
Likely interview questions
Tell us about your home district, Faridkot.
Answer pointers:
- Locate it in Malwa and mention Baba Farid’s legacy.
- Connect Jaitu Morcha and the former princely state to its history.
- Close with healthcare education and responsible local development.
What is Faridkot’s biggest governance challenge?
Answer pointers:
- Discuss public confidence in institutions after the examination controversy.
- Recognise the district’s educational strengths and avoid prejudging an inquiry.
- Suggest transparent processes and accessible grievance redressal.
As DC, how would you handle protests over a recruitment examination?
Answer pointers:
- Hear candidates and facilitate peaceful protest.
- Coordinate with competent authorities to preserve evidence and ensure a fair inquiry.
- Share verified updates and provide a grievance channel.
Why is Jaitu significant in Punjab’s history?
Answer pointers:
- Identify the Jaitu Morcha as part of the Akali movement.
- Connect it to opposition to British action over the Nabha ruler’s removal.
- Recognise its place in the region’s historical memory.
How does examination integrity relate to constitutional equality?
Answer pointers:
- Connect fair recruitment with equality of opportunity.
- Protect both candidates’ rights and the integrity of the inquiry.
- Close with transparent procedures and timely grievance redressal.
Speak with pride about Baba Farid, Jaitu and healthcare institutions without exaggeration. Acknowledge governance concerns and offer one practical, fair solution.
Prelims Practice Corner
Q1. In which year was Faridkot formed as a district?
(a) 1947 (b) 1966 (c) 1972 (d) 1984
Show answer
Answer: (c) because Faridkot became a district in 1972.
Q2. The Jaitu Morcha is associated with which movement?
(a) Akali movement (b) Swadeshi movement (c) Chipko movement (d) Bhoodan movement
Show answer
Answer: (a) because the Jaitu Morcha was part of the Akali movement.
Q3. Whose verses are included in the Guru Granth Sahib?
(a) Baba Farid (b) Raja of Faridkot (c) Nabha ruler (d) None of these
Show answer
Answer: (a) because verses of the Sufi saint Baba Farid are included in it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Faridkot district famous for?
Faridkot is known for Baba Farid’s legacy, the Jaitu Morcha and healthcare education. Tilla Baba Farid and the former princely state’s fort are important heritage sites.
When was Faridkot formed as a district?
Faridkot was formed as a district in 1972. It was formerly a princely state.
What is the significance of Jaitu?
Jaitu is associated with the Jaitu Morcha of 1923–25. The Akali movement’s protest concerned British action over the removal of the Nabha ruler.
Sources: The Tribune, The Tribune, Amar Ujala
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