AI-Driven Facial Recognition Attendance System Set to Transform Student Monitoring in Karnataka Schools
Karnataka will implement a mobile AI facial recognition attendance system in 52,686 schools from 2025-26. It ensures accurate attendance and supports welfare program monitoring.
Mobile-based AI-Driven Facial Recognition Attendance System in Schools
The government has mandated the implementation of a Mobile-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) Driven Facial Recognition Attendance System across all government and aided schools in the State. This initiative aims to ensure accurate daily attendance records, identify absentees promptly, and maintain transparency in student-focused programmes.
A dedicated mobile application has been developed for this system, integrating student data from the Students Achievement Tracking System. The attendance system will be operational starting from the 2025-26 academic year, with all software and data hosted at the Karnataka State Data Centre, Vikasa Soudha.
Scope and Coverage
The programme will cover 52,686 schools, including 46,460 government and 6,226 aided institutions. It will monitor the attendance of approximately 5.25 million students—4.07 million in government schools and 1.18 million in aided schools.
The system uses an Advanced Vector-Based Facial Recognition Engine to identify students’ facial data in real time. Captured images are encrypted into unique IDs through the mobile app, preventing any reverse engineering and safeguarding student privacy and security.
This technology will also track student participation in government welfare schemes such as the distribution of eggs, midday meals, shoes, and socks.
A pilot project conducted in 2024 in Uttara Kannada district schools demonstrated the system’s effectiveness. Following its success, the Department of School Education and Literacy decided to extend the system statewide. The Chief Minister announced this as part of the ‘Nirantara’ programme in his 16th State Budget speech.
Key Benefits
- Quick and accurate attendance data collection at all education levels.
- Correction of deficiencies found in current attendance recording methods.
- Daily monitoring of schools with significant absenteeism.
- Reliable data for implementation and monitoring of incentive schemes, preventing fund misallocation.
- Improved planning and decision-making to enhance educational outcomes based on precise attendance reports.
This system not only improves administrative efficiency but also supports transparency and accountability in managing educational resources and welfare schemes.
