Mysuru: Around 219 government primary schools across the four districts of the Mysuru region, including 35 schools in Mysuru district, recorded zero admissions for the 2026-27 academic year, according to data presented in the Karnataka Legislative Council.
Hassan district reported the highest number of government primary schools without a single admission, with 103 such schools. Mandya followed with 64 schools, while Mysuru recorded 35 and Chamarajanagar 17.
The figures were shared by Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa in response to a question raised by Mysuru-Mandya MLC K Vivekananda.
Hassan records highest number of zero-admission schools
Of the 219 government primary schools in the four districts that reported zero admissions, Hassan accounted for the largest share with 103 schools.
Mandya district recorded 64 schools with no new admissions, followed by Mysuru with 35 and Chamarajanagar with 17.
The data highlights concerns over enrolment patterns in government primary schools across the Mysuru region, where several institutions have been unable to attract even a single new student for the current academic year.
| District | Total primary schools | Schools with zero admissions |
|---|---|---|
| Mysuru | 1,842 | 35 |
| Mandya | 1,458 | 64 |
| Hassan | 2,109 | 103 |
| Chamarajanagar | 718 | 17 |
| Total | 6,127 | 219 |
KR Pet taluk records 23 such schools
The highest number of government primary schools with zero admissions was reported from KR Pet taluk in Mandya district.
As many as 23 primary schools in the taluk did not admit a single student during the 2026-27 academic year.
Schools with zero admissions were reported in nearly all taluks of the region, with the exception of the Mysuru South academic district.
The data points to uneven enrolment across rural and semi-urban areas and raises questions about changing parental preferences and the availability of alternative schooling options.
35 schools in Mysuru district report no admissions
In Mysuru district, 35 government primary schools recorded zero admissions.
KR Nagar and Periyapatna taluks recorded seven such schools each. Hunsur and HD Kote reported six schools each with no admissions.
Nanjangud had four schools with zero admissions, while T Narasipura recorded three.
Mysuru North and Mysuru Rural recorded one such school each.
The figures show that the issue is spread across several parts of the district rather than being limited to a single geographical area.
Two high schools also record zero admissions
The data presented in the Legislative Council also showed that two high schools in the Mysuru region recorded zero admissions for the 2026-27 academic year.
While the number is small compared with primary schools, it reflects wider concerns about enrolment trends in some government-run educational institutions.
Teachers have attributed part of the decline in admissions to the growing popularity of Karnataka Public Schools (KPS), which offer another government-supported schooling option and may attract students who would otherwise enrol in smaller neighbourhood primary schools.
Government says schools will not be closed
Responding to concerns over the future of schools with zero admissions, Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa clarified that none of the institutions would be shut down solely because they had not enrolled students during the current academic year.
He said the schools would continue to remain in the system and could resume regular functioning once new students were admitted.
The assurance is significant for local communities concerned that zero enrolment could lead to the permanent closure of government schools, particularly in rural areas.
The government’s position is that the schools will be reopened when students enrol rather than being immediately shut down.
Child Welfare Committee to examine student access
Mysuru Child Welfare Committee member Mahadeva Kote said the quasi-judicial body had not received any complaints so far regarding inconvenience to children because of the lack of admissions in these schools.
However, he said the committee would examine the situation if it received the list of schools with zero admissions.
The committee could then assess where children from the respective localities are studying and whether they are facing difficulties in accessing education.
This could help authorities understand whether zero admissions are the result of a declining child population, migration, changing parental preferences or students shifting to other government or private schools.
Changing enrolment patterns raise questions
The zero-admission figures underline the changing education landscape in the Mysuru region.
The rise of larger and better-equipped schools, including Karnataka Public Schools, may be influencing the choices made by parents. Families may prefer institutions that offer improved infrastructure, transportation, English-medium instruction or a wider range of facilities.
At the same time, migration and demographic changes may also affect the number of school-age children in particular villages and localities.
However, the available data does not establish a single reason for the zero admissions in all 219 schools. A school-wise assessment would be required to understand the specific circumstances behind the decline.
The issue will therefore require careful monitoring to ensure that children, particularly those in remote areas, continue to have convenient access to quality education.