Bengaluru, October 16, 2025

In a landmark move to revolutionize public education, the Karnataka government has announced the upgrade of 800 existing government schools into Karnataka Public Schools (KPS), aiming to bridge the gap between rural and urban learning opportunities. The initiative, revealed by School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa during a press conference in Bengaluru on Wednesday, promises bilingual instruction, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and cutting-edge digital tools to foster quality teaching and holistic student development. With an estimated investment of ₹3,000 crore, this project seeks to ensure equitable access to high-quality education for every child in the state, regardless of socioeconomic background.

The Karnataka Public Schools model, first introduced eight years ago to promote English-medium education, has seen overwhelming demand from parents and students seeking bilingual options that blend Kannada roots with global proficiency. Under the new plan, these upgraded institutions will offer seamless education from pre-primary levels through to the Second Pre-University Course (II PUC), all under one roof, accommodating up to 1,200 students per school. This comprehensive approach is designed to eliminate the fragmentation often faced by students transitioning between primary, high school, and pre-university stages.

Bilingual Education: A Bridge to Linguistic Flexibility

At the heart of the KPS upgrade is the introduction of bilingual teaching, tailored to nurture early language skills while respecting regional heritage. Up to Class 5, instruction will be delivered in both English and Kannada, allowing young learners to build fluency in both languages simultaneously. From Class 6 onward, students will have the freedom to select either Kannada or English as their primary medium of instruction, empowering them to align their education with personal and career aspirations.

Minister Bangarappa emphasized the strategic importance of this feature, stating, “There will be bilingual teaching in KPS up to class 5. From class 6, students can choose Kannada or English as the medium of instruction.” This policy responds directly to parental demands, as bilingual programs in existing KPS have become a magnet for enrollment, drawing families away from private institutions. Experts hail it as a progressive step that could reduce educational disparities, particularly in rural areas where access to English-medium schools has historically been limited.

Modern Infrastructure and Digital Integration for 21st-Century Learning

Each KPS will undergo a complete overhaul, featuring modern infrastructure estimated at ₹4 crore per school. This includes upgraded classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and sports facilities to create an inclusive and stimulating environment. To prepare students for a digital future, computer training will commence from Class 1, integrating basic coding, digital literacy, and online research skills into the curriculum. From Class 6, specialized skill-training modules—such as vocational courses in emerging technologies—will be introduced to equip youth with practical competencies.

Accessibility is another priority: Free transport services will be provided to students within a 5 km radius of each school, ensuring that geographical barriers do not hinder attendance. The upgrades will also boost student intake capacities—pre-primary classes will expand from 30 to 40 students, while primary to II PUC levels will rise from 30 to 50, with well-equipped schools allowing up to 60 per class to meet surging demand.

Phased Rollout and Funding: A Collaborative Effort

The ₹3,000 crore project will unfold in phases to ensure efficient execution. The first phase targets 500 schools, funded through a partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and state resources. An additional 200 schools in the Kalyana Karnataka region will draw from the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB), while 100 schools in 10 mining-impacted taluks will be supported by the Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation (KMERC) under the Comprehensive Environmental Plan for Mining Impacted Zones (CEPMIZ). Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) will guide each cluster’s development.

To guarantee localized oversight, Taluk Education Reform Committees—chaired by Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs)—will be formed in every taluk. Distribution will be equitable: Two to three KPS per Assembly constituency statewide, and four to five in each taluk of the Kalyana Karnataka region, prioritizing underserved areas.

While a full timeline for completion remains under finalization, an admission drive for the 2026-27 academic year will kick off in November, involving government officials, teachers, and elected representatives to ramp up enrollment. Minister Bangarappa outlined the funding breakdown: “In the first phase, 500 schools will be upgraded in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). In addition, 200 schools will be converted into KPS schools through Kalyan Karnataka Regional Development Board (KKRDB) funds.”

Broader Reforms: Value Education and Eased Exam Standards

This KPS initiative forms part of a sweeping educational overhaul. Complementing the upgrades, the government will introduce value education for Classes 1 to 10, emphasizing 10 core moral values like empathy, honesty, gender equality, and sustainable living. The Department of State Educational Research and Training (DSERT) has developed activity-based workbooks, with digital versions to be released by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on November 1 during Kannada Rajyotsava. Printed copies will reach every student, supported by training for 1,984 resource persons at District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) by month’s end.

In parallel, passing marks for SSLC and II PUC exams have been reduced from 35% to 33% starting the 2025-26 academic year, aligning with CBSE standards and aiming to curb dropouts. Students must now secure 33% overall (206 marks for SSLC out of 625, and 198 for II PUC out of 600), with at least 30% in each subject. Bangarappa noted, “The decision to lower the passing marks is aimed at increasing the passing rate of students and implementing a uniform system that aligns with the passing standards of CBSE and other states.”

Reactions: Optimism Tempered by Calls for Teacher Training

The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from education stakeholders. Parents’ groups have praised the bilingual and digital emphases as game-changers for rural youth. However, some teachers express concerns over implementation. A primary school educator, speaking anonymously, remarked, “Currently, teachers who teach Kannada teach other subjects including Science, Social Science and English. Therefore, even before they convert these existing schools into KPS, let them provide well-qualified teachers to teach different subjects in English.”

Minister Bangarappa addressed such feedback, affirming the government’s commitment: “The goal is to enhance the basic infrastructure of government schools and ensure quality education for all.” As Karnataka strides toward this vision, the KPS project stands as a beacon of inclusive progress, poised to empower the next generation with tools for a brighter, more equitable future.

  Karnataka Government, Modernisation of government schools