Bengaluru, September 6, 2026: The Karnataka government is working towards introducing a free notebook distribution scheme for students in government and aided schools, with the initiative likely to be implemented from the current academic year. School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa announced the plan during Teachers’ Day programmes in Bengaluru.

The proposed initiative is aimed at reducing the financial burden on families and ensuring that students have access to essential learning materials throughout the academic year.

Free Notebooks From Classes 1 to 12

According to reports, the proposed scheme could cover students from Class 1 through Class 12. The minister said the government is examining the possibility of implementing the notebook distribution programme during the current academic year.

The proposal would extend support already provided through Karnataka’s various education welfare measures, including the distribution of textbooks and other essential materials.

The government had earlier indicated that free notebooks and textbooks would be provided to students from Classes 1 to 12. The notebook component, however, required further financial and administrative clearance before implementation.

Government and Aided School Students to Benefit

The latest announcement indicates that students studying in government and aided schools are expected to be among the beneficiaries.

The move could be particularly significant for families who have to purchase multiple notebooks and other stationery items at the beginning of every academic year. Providing notebooks through the school system could help lower these recurring education expenses.

Initiative Follows Earlier Promise

The proposal is not entirely new. A year ago, the state government had announced plans to provide notebooks to schoolchildren in addition to textbooks. According to reports, implementation was delayed after the proposal did not initially receive the required financial approval.

The government is now making another effort to revive the scheme and introduce it during the current academic year.

Free Textbooks Already Extended to PU Students

Karnataka has also expanded its free textbook support. From the 2026–27 academic year, the state extended free textbooks to students in government and aided Pre-University colleges, covering Arts, Science and Commerce streams.

The government has also previously stated its intention to provide free notebooks and textbooks more broadly, making the latest announcement part of a wider effort to reduce the cost of education for students.

What Students and Parents Should Know

At present, the notebook initiative should be viewed as a government plan under consideration rather than a fully operational statewide distribution programme. Details such as the number of notebooks per student, distribution schedule, notebook specifications and the final list of beneficiary institutions are yet to be clarified.

Parents and students should therefore wait for an official government or education department notification before making assumptions about when or how notebooks will be distributed.

Key Highlights

• Scheme: Free notebooks for students
• State: Karnataka
• Proposed beneficiaries: Government and aided school students
• Expected coverage: Classes 1 to 12
• Implementation: Proposed from the current academic year
• Announced by: School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa
• Objective: Reduce students’ education-related expenses and improve access to learning materials

The proposed free notebook scheme could provide meaningful financial relief to families while ensuring that students have access to basic classroom supplies. If implemented as planned, it would add another layer of student welfare support to Karnataka’s existing free education-material initiatives.