Karnataka Education Budget 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has presented the Karnataka education budget for 2025, introducing an outlay of Rs 4 lakh crore, surpassing last year’s Rs 3.71 lakh crore. This year, the state government has prioritized education reforms, aiming to expand access to quality education and enhance opportunities for marginalized communities.

Key Highlights of the Karnataka Education Budget 2025

Financial Assistance for Higher Education Abroad

A significant initiative in the Karnataka education budget is the Rs 1 crore financial aid for eligible students pursuing education at prestigious global institutions like the London School of Economics (LSE) and Columbia University. This support ensures financial backing for talented students aspiring for higher education internationally.

Scholarships and Residential School Upgrades

• Student Scholarships: Rs 120 crore has been allocated to continue supporting deserving students in their academic journeys.
• Upgrading Residential Schools: 31 residential schools serving SC/ST and backward-class students will be upgraded to Pre-University (PU) colleges, broadening educational access.

Expansion of Public Schools and Infrastructure Improvements

• 500 Karnataka Public Schools: The government will establish 500 new Karnataka Public Schools with Rs 2,500 crore in funding from the Asian Development Bank.
• New Residential Schools for Construction Workers’ Children: These institutions will provide quality education to children from construction worker families.
• School Infrastructure Enhancements: 50 high schools will be modernized, and 100 government primary schools will receive upgraded facilities.
• Hostel Repairs: Rs 25 crore has been sanctioned for refurbishing student hostels, ensuring better living conditions.

Advancements in Higher Education

• New Medical College in Puttur: A medical college will be established in Puttur, Dakshina Kannada district, to strengthen healthcare education in the region.
• Infrastructure for KREIS Residential Schools: Rs 1,292 crore will be invested in constructing new buildings for 61 KREIS residential schools, improving the learning environment.
• 16 Women’s Colleges: To enhance women’s access to higher education, 16 new women’s colleges will be built on Waqf institution plots by 2025-26.
• Commerce Stream Expansion: 62 Morarji Desai Residential Schools for Minorities will introduce Commerce streams, following the launch of PU classes in 2023-24.

Research, Training, and Digitalization Initiatives

• Buddhist Studies Academy: A dedicated academy will be set up in Bengaluru to encourage Buddhist research and learning.
• Digitalization of Mahabodhi Study Centre Library: The century-old library in Bengaluru will be modernized with a Rs 1 crore allocation.
• Specialized Training for Minority Students: Government-backed training programs will help minority students prepare for competitive exams.

Honorarium Increases and Agricultural Education

• Enhanced Monthly Honorariums: Government school cooks will receive an additional Rs 1,000 per month, while guest teachers and lecturers will get an increase of Rs 2,000.
• New Agricultural College: An agricultural college will be established in Athani to promote advanced agricultural studies.

Conclusion

The Karnataka education budget for 2025 introduces several key initiatives, from scholarships to infrastructure improvements, supporting students at various educational levels. With Rs 1 crore grants for international students, expansion of public schools, and new educational institutions, Karnataka is taking progressive steps to boost academic excellence. These reforms will pave the way for a more inclusive and well-equipped education system, ensuring a brighter future for students across the state. The Karnataka education budget continues to reinforce the state’s commitment to quality education and skill development