With spurt in demand, 582 more government schools in Karnataka to start pre-primary classes

The government has so far established a total of 7,008 pre-primary classes in State-run schools.

In response to strong demand, the Karnataka government has issued an order approving the introduction of 582 additional Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) classes (LKG and UKG) in government schools across the State for the 2026-27 academic year.

The government has so far established a total of 7,008 pre-primary classes in State-run schools. Given the significant demand for pre-primary education, the government has now ordered the addition of 582 more LKG and UKG classes for the current academic year, taking the total number of such classes in government schools to 7,590.

The introduction of bilingual and pre-primary classes is part of the government’s effort to preserve government schools and attract more students.

Last year, LKG and UKG classes were launched in 1,008 government schools across the Kalyana Karnataka region. Within just 42 days, around 48,000 students enrolled in these classes, according to government data.

Given the demand, the State Project Director of Samagra Shikshana Karnataka (SSK) submitted a proposal to the government seeking the introduction of pre-primary classes in an additional 582 government schools.

The proposal stated that teaching and learning activities in these schools would be conducted using the existing Balachetana workbooks. It also included provisions for providing mid-day meals to students and for the recruitment of ECCE teachers and helpers/assistants.

In these pre-primary classes, teachers will conduct bilingual, activity-based learning sessions. Children will participate in activities such as storytelling, music, drawing and writing. Records relating to children’s learning, behaviour and development, along with student profiles, will be maintained. The school headmaster is responsible for ensuring a conducive learning environment for pre-primary classes.

“Measures must be taken to conduct the pre-primary classes currently held in government schools in a bilingual medium, with separate instruction for each class. Furthermore, these classes should be conducted from 10 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Children aged between 4 and 5 years are to be enrolled in these classes. For this section to commence, a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 children in the eligible age group must be enrolled,” the order stated. If the minimum number of students is not met, such schools should commence these pre-primary classes in the following academic year, the order added.