Karnataka to Introduce AI Education From Class 6, Plans Public AI University in Bengaluru

Karnataka is preparing to bring artificial intelligence into school education from Class 6 onwards while planning a public AI university in Bengaluru, marking a major shift in how the state wants students to prepare for technology-driven careers.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced the initiatives on 15 August during Karnataka’s Independence Day celebrations. The state plans to introduce AI education across schools through two programmes, AI Akshara Abhiyana and Coding Gurukula. The aim is to give students exposure to artificial intelligence and coding at an earlier stage of their education.

Under the Coding Gurukula programme, students will receive access to free special classes focused on coding and AI skills. The initiative is intended to give young people practical exposure to technologies that are increasingly being used across industries, from software and finance to healthcare, manufacturing and communications.

The state is also working towards establishing what Shivakumar described as India’s first government-owned AI university in Bengaluru. The university is still at the planning stage, with the government working on the programme and structure. AI certificate courses are expected to begin by January 2027, according to reports on the announcement.

The proposed university is expected to give Karnataka another institution focused on artificial intelligence education, research and skills. Its location in Bengaluru could also connect it with the city’s large technology and start-up ecosystem. The wider plan includes creating AI hubs across Karnataka to support education and innovation beyond the state capital.

The announcements come as artificial intelligence is changing the skills expected from students entering higher education and the workplace. Companies are increasingly looking for people who can work with AI tools, understand data and apply technology to practical problems. This is putting pressure on universities and schools to update curricula and give students more exposure to industry requirements.

Karnataka’s move also comes amid a wider debate over how AI should be introduced into education. While access to AI tools can support learning and research, educators are also examining issues such as responsible use, academic integrity, critical thinking and the risk of students becoming overly dependent on automated tools. Recent discussions in India have increasingly focused on ensuring that students learn how to use AI rather than simply relying on it.

Alongside the AI initiatives, Karnataka has announced plans to convert 1,000 government schools into Karnataka Public Schools over the next two years. These schools are planned to offer modern infrastructure, bilingual education, digital classrooms, vocational education and student transport from LKG to Class XII. The government estimates that the programme could benefit nearly 10 lakh students.

The combination of school-level AI education, coding programmes and a proposed public AI university points towards a broader attempt to build a technology-focused education ecosystem. It could also create opportunities for partnerships between educational institutions, technology companies and start-ups.

For students, the most important change could be the earlier introduction of technology-related learning. Instead of encountering AI only at university or during professional training, students could begin developing basic familiarity with the technology during their school years.

However, the success of the programme will depend on implementation. Schools will need trained teachers, suitable digital infrastructure, appropriate curriculum and access to technology. The proposed university will also need a clear academic structure and strong links with industry and research institutions.

If these elements come together, Karnataka’s plans could make AI education a more established part of the state’s education system and strengthen Bengaluru’s position as a centre for technology education, research and innovation.