Karnataka CM Announces AI Akshara Abhiyana, Coding Gurukula for School Students from Class 6

The Chief Minister of Karnataka, D K Shivakumar, has announced a state-wide programme aimed at bringing artificial intelligence (AI) and coding education to school students. The initiative, called AI Akshara Abhiyana and Coding Gurukula, was announced during his Independence Day address in Bengaluru on August 15.

According to a PTI report, AI education will be introduced in schools from Class 6 onwards, as part of the programme. The initiative aims to help students develop technology-related skills and prepare them for emerging opportunities in the global economy.

Government Plans AI University in Bengaluru

Shivakumar also said his government was working to establish India's first government-owned AI University in Bengaluru.

Stressing on the need to improve the quality of schools and colleges, the CM said an expert committee constituted to reform the examination system would submit its report within two months.

The CM said that the government is also working on a proposal to establish a government-owned AI University in Bengaluru and highlighted the need for reforms in the education system.

He also stressed that an expert committee constituted to examine changes to the examination system is expected to submit its recommendations within two months. The state government's education and youth-focused plans are part of its broader “Youth Karnataka, New India” vision.

Focus on Youth Employment and Rural Students

Alongside the AI education initiative, Shivakumar announced several measures focused on employment and skill development. The government plans to fill approximately 72,000 vacancies in government departments within six months.

The state will also introduce Udyoga Sethu, aimed at helping job seekers connect with opportunities in the private sector. Industries generating new employment will be eligible for an incentive of approximately Rs 2,500 per job per month for two years, with the programme expected to cover up to one lakh jobs.

For students from rural government schools, the government plans to implement the Sahaya Hasta/Hosa Hasta scheme and provide 7.5 per cent reservation in professional higher education, including courses in medicine and engineering.

Karnataka's Technology and Development Push

The Chief Minister also outlined Karnataka's broader development plans, including a target of taking the state's economy to USD 3 trillion by 2047.

The government is simultaneously focusing on technology-led agriculture. Under the proposed Raitha Chaitanya scheme, drones, satellite technology and real-time data will be used for crop insurance surveys and information related to agricultural pests, diseases and markets.

Several infrastructure, healthcare, water security and urban development projects were also highlighted during the Independence Day address.