Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced a series of initiatives presenting the 2026–27 State Budget including opening of new schools, teacher recruitment, integration of artificial intelligence in classrooms and stricter regulation of student welfare issues such as drug abuse and social media use.

As part of efforts to improve public school infrastructure, the government announced that 800 Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) will be opened or upgraded at a cost of Rs.390 crore. The move is expected to provide integrated education facilities under one roof and improve the quality of government schooling across the State.

The Chief Minister also said that 15,000 vacant teaching posts in schools and colleges will be filled in the coming year to address the shortage of educators in government institutions.

AI push

In a major push towards technology-enabled learning, the government will introduce a personalised AI-based digital tutor for students from Classes 8 to 12 in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Dharwad. The initiative, estimated to cost ₹5 crore, is expected to benefit around 12.28 lakh students and enhance self-learning through artificial intelligence tools.

The State will also distribute free textbooks to Pre-University (PU) students and provide value education books for students from Classes 1 to 12.

In addition, the budget earmarks funds to improve infrastructure in government educational institutions, including ₹565 crore for construction and repair of classrooms, Rs. 75 crore for toilets, Rs. 25 crores for furniture, and ₹125 crore for maintenance of government schools and PU colleges.

Higher education

In the higher education sector, the government announced that the Rohith Vemula Act, aimed at protecting Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students from caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions, will be implemented across government, private and deemed universities.

The government also plans to reintroduce student union elections in colleges and universities to promote leadership and democratic participation among students.

To support students preparing for competitive examinations, digital libraries and study centres will be established in Dharwad and Bengaluru, each at a cost of ₹10 crore.

Further, the number of National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets in the State will increase from 96,000 to 1.06 lakh over the next two years. Also, 25 acres of land will be allotted in Basavakalyana for a private Vachana University.

Social media ban for children below 16

The Chief Minister announced that social media usage will be banned for children below the age of 16 to address concerns about the adverse effects of excessive mobile phone use and its impact on students’ mental health and academic performance.

The government will also frame strict rules to curb drug consumption among students and conduct awareness campaigns in educational institutions across the State.

Education Leaders Welcome Karnataka Budget 2026–27

“The Karnataka Budget 2026-27 is a visionary roadmap that reinforces the state’s position as a global leader in education and technology. We are equally encouraged by the strategic focus on the Bangalore Robotics and AI Innovation Zone (BRAINz) which will create a robust R&D pipeline and several job opportunities for our graduates. By pairing these innovations with a ₹40,000 crore investment in tunnel roads and a proactive stance on digital wellness for minors, the government has ensured that our institutions remain high-performing, accessible, and focused on holistic student development. Overall, the budget reflects a thoughtful commitment to strengthening the state’s education ecosystem through sustained investments in both infrastructure and inclusion.” 

– Rajiv Gowda, CEO, East Point Group of Institutions

“A strong education system depends not only on policy intent but on sustained investments that expand opportunity for every learner. The Karnataka State Budget reflects a thoughtful commitment to strengthening the state’s education ecosystem through sustained investments in both infrastructure and inclusion. The allocation for education, alongside the plan to upgrade 800 schools into Karnataka Public Schools under the “Quality Learning, Bright Future” initiative, signals a clear intent to raise academic standards and provide students with access to more comprehensive learning environments. Large-scale teacher recruitment and the establishment of additional learning centres are equally significant steps toward improving classroom engagement and ensuring that students receive consistent academic support.”

– Niru Agarwal, Managing Trustee, Greenwood High International School

“Increased investment in education, along with initiatives such as upgrading 800 schools into Karnataka Public Schools, will help create more integrated and resource-rich learning environments for students. Efforts to recruit 15,000 teachers and establish additional learning centres will further strengthen foundational learning and improve the quality of classroom instruction. By focusing on both infrastructure and learning support systems, the budget takes important steps toward reducing educational disparities and ensuring that more students across Karnataka can benefit from structured, high-quality schooling. The ban restricting social media access for children under 16 also highlights a growing recognition of the need to safeguard young learners in an increasingly digital environment.”

– Shweta Sastri, Managing Director, Canadian International School

“The Karnataka State Budget places notable emphasis on expanding educational opportunity while strengthening the state’s academic and research ecosystem. Initiatives on upgradation of school infrastructure and launching residential schools for children of labourers can significantly improve access for students from underserved communities.
The ₹2,500 crore Karnataka Higher Education Transformation Project is another encouraging move, as strengthening research capacity and centres of excellence can play a key role in fostering scientific inquiry and innovation among students. Going forward, it will be equally important to complement these investments with stronger emphasis on experiential learning, laboratory-based education, and continuous teacher training that supports inquiry-driven pedagogy.”

– Vallish Herur, Executive Chairman, Prayoga Institute of Education Research

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