The Karnataka government is expanding its bilingual education system (Kannada + English) across schools in Bengaluru and other parts of the state. This initiative is part of a broader plan to improve enrollment and make government schools more competitive.
Under this policy, hundreds of schools are being upgraded into Karnataka Public Schools (KPS), offering education from pre-primary to higher secondary under one system. The aim is to provide quality education with English exposure, which many parents prefer today.
Starting from the 2026–27 academic year, these schools will adopt single-textbook bilingual teaching, especially for Classes 1 to 5. This means students will learn concepts in both Kannada and English, improving comprehension and language skills simultaneously.
The move comes in response to declining enrollment in government schools, as many parents shift toward private institutions. By offering English-medium support, the government hopes to attract more students back.
However, challenges remain. Karnataka still faces a shortage of teachers, with thousands of vacancies reported in primary and high schools.
Despite this, experts believe bilingual education is a practical solution that balances regional language preservation with global competitiveness. In cities like Bengaluru, where job markets demand English proficiency, this reform could significantly benefit students.
News as reported
