Karnataka to Introduce AI Education in Schools From Class 6, Says D K Shivakumar

BENGALURU, August 16, 2026: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has announced a new school education initiative aimed at preparing students for the emerging technology economy, with artificial intelligence education set to be introduced from Class 6 across the state.

Speaking at the Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Parade Ground during the state's Independence Day celebrations, Shivakumar unveiled the “AI Akshara Abhiyana and Coding Gurukula” programme.

AI EDUCATION FROM CLASS 6

The Chief Minister said the programme would introduce artificial intelligence education in schools and equip students with skills needed to compete in the global technology landscape.

He described the initiative as part of a broader transition into a new technological era.

GOVERNMENT AI UNIVERSITY PLANNED

Shivakumar also said the Karnataka government was working towards establishing India's first government-owned AI university in Bengaluru.

The proposed institution is intended to further strengthen Karnataka's position in artificial intelligence education and technology.

EXAMINATION SYSTEM UNDER REVIEW

The Chief Minister said an expert committee examining reforms to Karnataka's examination system is expected to submit its report within two months.

He said improving the quality of schools and colleges remains an important part of the government's education agenda.

YOUTH AND EMPLOYMENT

Shivakumar outlined a broader youth-focused strategy under the slogan “Youth Karnataka, New India.”

The government aims to fill around 72,000 government vacancies within six months and has also announced initiatives including Udyoga Sethu for private-sector job seekers and Udyoga Nidhi.

Industries creating new employment opportunities would receive an incentive of around ₹2,500 per job per month for two years, according to the announcement. The scheme is expected to cover up to one lakh jobs.

₹1,000 CRORE FOR YOUTH ORGANISATIONS

The government also plans to establish 10,000 Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas across Karnataka.

Each organisation would receive an annual grant of ₹10 lakh, taking the proposed total allocation to ₹1,000 crore.

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING CLUSTER

An Advanced Manufacturing Cluster at Doddaballapur is expected to attract around ₹20,000 crore in investment and create approximately three lakh jobs, according to the Chief Minister.

The project forms part of the state's broader strategy to combine technology, manufacturing and employment generation.

KARNATAKA'S LONG-TERM ECONOMIC TARGET

Shivakumar said Karnataka has set an ambitious goal of taking the state's economy to $3 trillion, or approximately ₹320 lakh crore, by 2047.

He said Karnataka's per-capita income had reached ₹4.33 lakh, nearly twice the national average, while the state ranked second in GST and income-tax collections.

KEY POINTS

AI education planned in Karnataka schools from Class 6.

AI Akshara Abhiyana and Coding Gurukula programmes announced.

Government-owned AI university proposed in Bengaluru.

Around 72,000 government vacancies targeted for filling within six months.

Udyoga Sethu and Udyoga Nidhi announced for employment support.

Job-creating industries could receive incentives of ₹2,500 per job per month for two years.

10,000 Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas planned with a proposed ₹1,000 crore allocation.

Doddaballapur Advanced Manufacturing Cluster could attract ₹20,000 crore and create around 3 lakh jobs.

Karnataka targets a $3 trillion economy by 2047.