Karnataka Government Launches Inspirational UK Tour for Top SSLC Students

Bengaluru, October 6, 2025 – In a bid to foster academic excellence and global exposure among underprivileged students, the Karnataka government has launched an innovative program sending four top performers from the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exams to the United Kingdom. This seven-day inspirational tour, organized by the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS), aims to ignite higher aspirations by immersing the young scholars in world-renowned educational institutions and cultural landmarks.

Program Overview and Selection Criteria

The initiative targets top SSLC scorers from KREIS-affiliated residential schools, particularly those from marginalized communities. For the 2024 SSLC batch, four exceptional students were chosen based on their outstanding marks and category-wise performance. The selected toppers include:

• Keerthan T.B. and Kiran Kumar, both scoring 617 marks (OBC category, Morarji Desai Residential School, Mulki taluk, Dakshina Kannada).
• Ashwini Hanumanthappa Lamani, with 597 marks (SC category, Morarji Desai Residential School, Gadag taluk).
• Savita Mahadevappa Tapal, scoring 601 marks (ST category, Morarji Desai Residential School, Hukkeri taluk, Belagavi).

These students, now pursuing pre-university courses in KREIS colleges, were accompanied by educators Roopa G.N., Principal of Kittur Rani Chennamma Residential School in Tumakuru, and Nagaraj Pujar, Taluk Development Officer with the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation. The tour received support from the World Book of Records, London, highlighting its global recognition.

Detailed Itinerary: A Journey Through Academic and Cultural Milestones

The tour, held from September 6 to 13, 2025, took the group across key UK destinations, blending education, history, and inspiration. Highlights included:

• Glasgow and Edinburgh: Interactions with local student groups, a visit to the Scottish Parliament, exploration of economist Adam Smith’s historic home, and a tour of the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
• Oxford: Immersive visits to the prestigious Oxford University, including the Bodleian Library and historic lecture halls, offering a glimpse into centuries-old academic traditions.
• London: Engagements at the London School of Economics (LSE) and a poignant visit to the Ambedkar House Museum, where Dr. B.R. Ambedkar resided during his studies in the UK. The students observed the rooms where the architect of India’s Constitution lived and worked.

Additional stops in Manchester further enriched the experience with peer discussions and cultural exchanges.

Purpose: Igniting Ambition and Global Perspectives

Minister for Social Welfare H.C. Mahadevappa emphasized the program’s transformative intent: “The programme is aimed at encouraging students to set higher academic goals. It will also expose them to the standards of world-class educational institutions and heritage sites linked to Ambedkar’s legacy.” By connecting the students to Ambedkar’s journey, the tour underscores themes of resilience and opportunity for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) youth.

The initiative also featured interactions with beneficiaries of the Karnataka government’s Prabuddha Overseas Scholarship Scheme, which provides financial aid for SC and ST students pursuing higher education abroad. This exposure is designed not just for the participants but to inspire thousands of peers across the state through shared stories and photos.

Future Plans: Making It an Annual Tradition

Karnataka officials have announced plans to institutionalize the UK tour as an annual event for KREIS SSLC toppers, potentially expanding it to include more students. This aligns with broader state efforts to enhance educational ties with the UK, including recent collaborations with the British Council for skilling programs and invitations for UK universities to establish campuses in Karnataka. As the government pushes for a 75% pass rate in SSLC exams without grace marks, such motivational programs could play a pivotal role in elevating student performance.

The tour’s success marks a significant step in democratizing access to global education, proving that inspiration knows no borders.