Karnataka to introduce AI education from Class 6 under new Coding Gurukula program

Karnataka will introduce artificial intelligence education in schools from Class 6 under the newly announced AI Akshara Abhiyana and Coding Gurukula program, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said.

The initiative is aimed at giving students early exposure to AI and coding while building technology skills needed to compete in the global economy. Shivakumar made the announcement during his Independence Day address at the Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru.

"We are now entering a new technological era. The AI campaign and Coding Gurukula, this is your era, a new era," Shivakumar said.

"Today I am announcing an important programme called the 'AI Akshara Abhiyana and Coding Gurukula,'" he said.

The chief minister said the AI curriculum would be introduced across schools beginning with Class 6. He also said the state government was working to establish India's first government-owned artificial intelligence university in Bengaluru.

The announcements formed part of the government's broader plans for education, employment and youth development. Shivakumar said an expert committee examining reforms to the state's examination system is expected to submit its report within two months.

The government has adopted "Youth Karnataka, New India" as its slogan, Shivakumar said, while outlining a target of expanding Karnataka's economy to $3 trillion, equivalent to ₹320 lakh crore, by 2047.

The state also plans to fill about 72,000 government vacancies within six months. For private-sector employment, the government will introduce Udyoga Sethu, while industries generating new employment will receive incentives of about ₹2,500 per job each month for two years.

The incentive scheme is expected to support up to 1 lakh jobs, according to the chief minister.

The government will also provide a 7.5% reservation for rural students in professional higher education, including medical and engineering programs.

Reiterating his government's focus on inclusive development, Shivakumar said, "Security for every family, dignity for every citizen and opportunities for the youth, these are the fundamental principles of our government."