AI Training in Government Schools of Karnataka for Students from Class 6

As per media reports, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has directed officials to explore the means to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) training in government schools from Class 6. The training is to be incorporated with the support of the Information Technology department and other private partners. The CM issued the directions at a review meeting conducted on the progress of the Government's 100-day programmes, recruitments and priority schemes. 

ಇಂದು ಗೃಹ ಕಚೇರಿ 'ಕೃಷ್ಣಾ'ದಲ್ಲಿ ನಮ್ಮ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ 100 ದಿನಗಳ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಗಳು, ನೇಮಕಾತಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಆದ್ಯತಾ ಯೋಜನೆಗಳ ಪ್ರಗತಿ ಪರಿಶೀಲನಾ ಸಭೆ ನಡೆಯಿತು. ಸಭೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಉಪಸ್ಥಿತರಿದ್ದ ಸಚಿವರು ಹಾಗೂ ಕೃಷಿ, ಜವಳಿ, ಸಕ್ಕರೆ, ತೋಟಗಾರಿಕೆ, ಶಾಲಾ ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ಮತ್ತು ಸಾಕ್ಷರತೆ, ಪಶುಸಂಗೋಪನೆ, ಗಣಿ ಮತ್ತು ಭೂವಿಜ್ಞಾನ, ಸಣ್ಣ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕೆ, ವಾಣಿಜ್ಯ ಮತ್ತು ಕೈಗಾರಿಕೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಅರಣ್ಯ, ಪರಿಸರ ಮತ್ತು ಜೀವಿಶಾಸ್ತ್ರ ಇಲಾಖೆಗಳ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳಿಂದ ಸಮಗ್ರ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಪಡೆದುಕೊಂಡು, ಮುಂದಿನ ಕಾರ್ಯಗಳ ಕುರಿತು ಅಗತ್ಯ ಸೂಚನೆಗಳನ್ನು ನೀಡಿದೆ.

— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) October 5, 2026

As per reports, the CM mentioned that AI training has already started for students from class 9 in government schools. Officials have also been asked to work towards extending the same for students from class 6.

Reports also suggest that Google has expressed an interest in providing AI training in schools, and officials have been asked to examine the company's initiatives in Telangana as part of this exercise. Shivakumar has also directed the officials to identify land for establishing an AI University in the state. 

According to media reports, steps to recruit 956 teachers on an outsourcing basis are also underway. The CM, while reviewing the School Education Department, directed the officials to organise visits for Class 9 and Class 11 students from 941 urban schools to progressive farmers' fields. Students should be provided with facilities to stay overnight in villages, including community halls and hostels and private schools must also mandatorily implement the programme. The programmes are to be completed by December

Concerning the development of 1000 Karnataka Public Schools, the CM has directed officials to complete preparations for laying the foundation stones by November 14, 2026. Deputy commissioners have been authorised to approve detailed project reports and tenders for the same. 

The government also plans to develop 100 Karnataka Public Schools through Corporate Social Responsibility funds with companies having already shown interest in developing 60 schools, as per reports.