Karnataka launches ‘i-Code Labs’ to bring coding to govt schools

The Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) in Karnataka is set to roll out a new initiative called ‘i-Code Labs’ in select government schools starting from the 2025–26 academic year.

Partnering with the Agasthya Foundation, this program is designed to introduce students to computer education and coding—essential skills in today’s tech-driven world.

While private schools have long provided students with access to fully functional computer labs, government schools have lagged behind due to limited resources such as computers, internet connectivity, and even electricity.

Of the 43,000 government schools across Karnataka, only around 1,500 are equipped with proper computer labs. Moreover, computer education isn’t consistently available in most of them.

In his 2025–26 budget speech, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah pledged that all students in government schools would receive free computer education.

This vision is now taking shape. The plan begins with 63 government schools—already outfitted with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources—being designated as ‘hub’ schools.

These will support 756 surrounding ‘spoke’ schools, extending the reach of the initiative.

Initially targeting students in grades 6 through 10, the program is designed to expand gradually.

KV Trilok Chandra, Commissioner of Public Instruction, explained the approach: "Students will be taught basic computer skills, including coding and decoding."

He added that "coding fosters logical thinking, which benefits students in various subjects."

With time, the government aims to bring this program to every government school in the state, ensuring that no student is left behind in the digital age.