Bengaluru: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Karnataka government have signed a Rs 1,750-crore loan agreement to upgrade 500 government schools into Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) over the next four years.

The State government will contribute Rs 750 crore towards the project, taking the total investment to Rs 2,500 crore. The school upgradation programme is scheduled to be completed by 2029-30.

School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa said the initiative aims to strengthen government school infrastructure and improve access to quality education for students across Karnataka.

The agreement was signed by officials of the School Education Department and ADB at Vidhana Soudha in the presence of Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Bangarappa.

500 government schools to become KPS

Under the project, 500 selected government schools will be upgraded into Karnataka Public Schools over the next four years.

The schools will be chosen based on specific criteria, with priority expected to be given to institutions that have the potential to attract a larger number of students.

The government plans to equip each Karnataka Public School with infrastructure and facilities capable of accommodating at least 1,200 students.

The initiative is part of the State’s broader effort to strengthen the government education system and provide students with improved learning facilities.

Detailed project reports have already been prepared for 100 schools, while the schools to be covered under the upgradation programme have also been identified, according to the minister.

Rs 2,500-crore investment planned

The total cost of the programme is estimated at Rs 2,500 crore.

Of this, Rs 1,750 crore will come through ADB assistance, while the Karnataka government will contribute Rs 750 crore.

Bangarappa said the ADB support would represent the bank’s largest financial assistance to India’s education sector.

According to the minister, ADB examined Karnataka’s plans for the development of Karnataka Public Schools and the measures proposed to improve the quality of education before approving the financial assistance.

The funding is expected to support infrastructure development as well as improvements in teaching, learning and skill development.

Focus on bilingual and technology-based learning

The project will support several education initiatives, including bilingual education and teacher training.

Computer science education will also form an important part of the programme as the State works towards preparing schools and students for changing technological requirements.

The government is also making preparations to introduce artificial intelligence learning as part of future educational initiatives.

The proposed focus on technology is intended to provide government school students with greater exposure to emerging fields and digital learning.

Teacher training will be another key component, aimed at helping educators adapt to new teaching methods and the changing requirements of the education system.

Skill education and rural transport

The programme also includes plans to strengthen vocational and skill education.

Improving practical and employment-oriented learning opportunities is expected to be part of the development of the upgraded schools.

The State government also plans to provide safe transportation facilities for students from rural areas.

Better transport access could help students from remote villages attend larger Karnataka Public Schools and benefit from improved facilities without facing difficulties in travelling long distances.

The focus on transport is particularly important for the proposed KPS model, as upgraded schools may serve students from a wider geographical area.

Funds to be released in phases

Of the total ADB assistance, Rs 262.5 crore has already been provided.

A further Rs 358.75 crore is expected to be released during 2026-27.

The subsequent instalments are expected to include Rs 385 crore in 2027-28, Rs 376.25 crore in 2028-29 and Rs 367.5 crore in 2029-30.

The phased funding is expected to support the implementation of infrastructure and educational components over the project’s four-year period.

The State government’s Rs 750-crore contribution will complement the ADB funding to meet the overall project cost of Rs 2,500 crore.

Major push for government education

The agreement marks a significant financial push towards strengthening Karnataka’s government school system.

By upgrading 500 schools into larger and better-equipped Karnataka Public Schools, the government aims to create institutions capable of serving more students with improved infrastructure and learning opportunities.

The programme combines physical infrastructure development with teacher training, technology education, bilingual learning and vocational skills.

The proposed introduction of AI-related learning also reflects the government’s effort to prepare students for emerging technologies and future employment requirements.

With the project scheduled for completion by 2029-30, the government expects the upgraded schools to play an important role in improving the quality and accessibility of public education across Karnataka.

The success of the initiative will depend on the timely use of funds, completion of infrastructure works and effective implementation of the academic and skill-development programmes planned under the KPS model.