Karnataka plans to extend AI training to government school students from Class 6

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has directed officials to explore the possibility of extending Artificial Intelligence (AI) training in government schools to students from Class 6.

The direction was issued during a review meeting on Oct 5 on the progress of the state government's 100-day programmes, recruitments and priority schemes.

AI training has already been introduced for Class 9 students in Karnataka's government schools. Officials have now been asked to examine how the programme can be extended to students from Class 6, with support from the state's Information Technology department and private organisations.

Google expresses interest in school AI training

Google has expressed interest in providing AI training in government schools, according to the Chief Minister's Office statement cited in reports.

Officials have been asked to examine Google's initiatives in Telangana as part of the exercise to work out a possible model for Karnataka. The details of any proposed partnership, including the curriculum, rollout schedule or number of schools to be covered, have not yet been announced.

The proposed expansion comes as Karnataka seeks to introduce technology-focused learning at an earlier stage of school education. The state is also considering the establishment of an AI university, with the chief minister directing officials to identify suitable land for the proposed institution.

Karnataka already has AI training for Class 9

The move to explore AI education from Class 6 follows the existing programme for Class 9 students in government schools.

The latest direction does not mean that AI training has already been rolled out to Class 6. Officials have been asked to work on the possibility of extending the existing programme to younger students.

At the national level, the Ministry of Education has also been working to integrate computational thinking and AI into school education. NCERT, in collaboration with CBSE, introduced a Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence curriculum for Classes 3 to 8 from the 2026–27 academic year. The curriculum includes logical reasoning, pattern recognition, algorithm design, data literacy and responsible use of AI.

During the review of the School Education Department, Shivakumar also directed officials to organise visits for Class 9 and Class 11 students from 941 urban schools to progressive farmers' fields.

The programme is expected to include arrangements for students to stay overnight in villages, including the use of community halls and hostels. The chief minister also directed that private schools implement the programme, with completion targeted by December.

The state is separately working on the development of 1,000 Karnataka Public Schools. Officials have been asked to complete preparations for laying foundation stones by Nov 14.

The government also plans to develop 100 Karnataka Public Schools through corporate social responsibility funding, with companies reportedly showing interest in developing 60 schools.

For now, the proposed extension of AI training to Class 6 remains at the planning and exploration stage, with the state government examining possible institutional and private-sector support before deciding on implementation.