Mysuru [Karnataka]: In a major move to improve public education infrastructure, the Karnataka government has announced the upgradation of 30 schools in Mysuru district into Karnataka Public Schools (KPS), where students can study continuously from LKG to Class XII. The initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to strengthen state-run schools, enhance quality, and reduce school dropouts.
Schools across blocks selected for upgrade
As per the official government notification, the schools identified for upgradation are spread across several taluks in Mysuru district — Nanjangud (3), Periyapatna (3), HD Kote (3), KR Nagara (3), Mysuru Rural (6), Hunasuru (2), Mysuru South (2), Mysuru North (4), and T Narasipura (4).
Among the prominent institutions selected for transformation is Maharaja High School, located in the heart of Mysuru city, which will soon be developed into a full-fledged Karnataka Public School.
Currently, Mysuru district has 12 operational KPS institutions, which have shown encouraging results in terms of student admissions, academic performance, and pass percentage.
Expansion across neighbouring districts
Along with Mysuru, the state government has also announced the upgradation of 19 schools in Shivamogga, 18 in Mandya, 11 in Chamarajanagar, and five in Kodagu districts. Once operational, these new KPS institutions will receive enhanced administrative and financial support, along with improved infrastructure and staffing.
The Education Department has allocated ₹2 crore to ₹4 crore per school for upgrading classrooms, laboratories, libraries, playgrounds, and other facilities.
School mergers and staff stability
According to the government order, smaller government schools with low student enrolment—especially those located within a 1 to 5 km radius—will be merged with the newly upgraded KPS institutions.
The order also specifies that teachers posted in KPS schools will have a minimum tenure of ten years, ensuring academic continuity and reducing disruptions caused by frequent transfers. Teachers will be recruited through competitive examinations and mandatory training programmes designed to strengthen teaching quality.
Skill training and student support
Beyond academics, the government plans to introduce skill-based training, coaching for competitive examinations, and career guidance programmes within these schools to attract and retain students. If any nearby schools are merged, the students will be provided with free transportation facilities to attend classes at the KPS campuses.
An official from the Department of School Education said that this initiative is part of Karnataka’s long-term goal to standardise government schools, offering high-quality, English-medium, and holistic education under one roof.
Teachers’ association welcomes the move
The decision has been widely welcomed by the Karnataka State Primary Teachers’ Association. Its state president, Chandrashekhara Nuggali, praised the government’s efforts to consolidate resources for better quality education.
“If the number of students is less in schools, it is difficult to provide quality education. Merging small schools with bigger, well-equipped institutions is a positive step, especially with free transport facilities. Many schools today have just 25–35 students, which makes it hard to provide adequate teacher attention and academic depth,” he said.
Boost for public education
Education experts believe that the Karnataka Public School model could serve as a blueprint for revamping the state’s school education system. With integrated schooling from kindergarten to pre-university level, students are expected to benefit from continuity, better academic monitoring, and exposure to modern learning facilities.
The government hopes that by investing in infrastructure, faculty stability, and skill-based learning, the Karnataka Public School model will make public education a preferred choice for parents across the state.