Karnataka has signed an agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the comprehensive development of 500 government schools as Karnataka Public Schools (KPS).

The programme has a total investment of ₹2,500 crore, of which ₹1,750 crore will be provided by ADB and ₹750 crore by the State government. The programme will be implemented over four years, up to 2029-30.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara and School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa, along with senior officials of the Government of Karnataka and ADB.

Under this programme, 500 schools with the potential to attract large numbers of students have been selected based on parameters including grade coverage, enrolment, land availability and infrastructure. Each selected school is targeted to have the capacity to accommodate at least 1,200 students.

As part of the school-complex integration process, potential schools have already been identified in clusters and nearby sub-scale schools within a 3 to 5 km radius have been mapped for possible consolidation. Around 100 Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have already been prepared.

Mr. Bangarappa said the investment will cover civil works and infrastructure development, classroom furniture, laboratory equipment, IT infrastructure and other facilities. Recurring expenditure will include teacher salaries, non-teaching staff, transport, administration, utilities, maintenance and other school-level operational requirements.

Published - August 21, 2026 08:57 pm IST