Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has announced that artificial intelligence (AI) education will be introduced from Class 6 onwards in schools across the state. The initiative, revealed during his Independence Day address, will run through two programmes: AI Akshara Abhiyana and Coding Gurukula. The goal is to build AI and coding skills early so students are prepared for a technology-driven job market.
The state is also working toward establishing India's first government-owned AI university in Bengaluru. Karnataka plans to launch AI certificate courses from January 2027 and set up AI hubs across the state. These moves are part of a broader push to strengthen technology education and help students compete in the global digital economy.
What the school programmes include
The two programmes target different age groups within the school system. AI Akshara Abhiyana will focus on introducing AI concepts to younger students, while Coding Gurukula is designed to teach programming skills more systematically. Both are intended to create a pipeline of students comfortable with technology before they reach higher education.
Teachers will need to adapt to the new curriculum, which means training and resources for educators will be essential. Schools that already have digital infrastructure will likely find it easier to implement the programmes, though the state has not yet detailed how schools without such facilities will be supported. For educators looking to prepare, AI for Teachers Courses offer a structured way to build the skills needed for this shift.
The AI university and certificate courses
The proposed AI university in Bengaluru would be the first of its kind owned by a state government in India. The institution is expected to offer degree programmes and research opportunities, though the timeline for its establishment has not been specified. The certificate courses planned for January 2027 are separate from the university project and appear aimed at working professionals and older students.
School administrators will need to plan for curriculum changes, teacher training, and infrastructure upgrades as these initiatives roll out. The AI Learning Path for School Principals covers the administrative side of implementing AI education, including budgeting and staff development.
Why this matters for education professionals
For teachers and school leaders in Karnataka, this announcement signals a concrete shift in what classrooms will look like within the next few years. The Class 6 starting point means current primary school teachers have time to prepare, but the curriculum work will begin soon. Education professionals who develop AI skills now will be better positioned to lead implementation rather than react to it.
The January 2027 timeline for certificate courses also suggests opportunities for educators to upskill or transition into AI instruction roles. For those outside Karnataka, the state's move may serve as a model for what other regions could adopt, making AI literacy a growing requirement across the education sector nationwide.
Your membership also unlocks:
