Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Karnataka Adds AI Vocational Subject, Replacing Third-Language Option
Karnataka plans to teach artificial intelligence as a vocational subject to students in Classes 9 and 10.
The programme will begin in selected government schools in the 2026-27 school year.
It will be offered through the state’s existing skills-education system.
Students who choose AI may not need to study a third language under the current framework.
The lessons are expected to teach problem-solving, critical thinking and technical skills.
A total of 1,642 government high schools are included.
Each participating school will appoint an AI guest teacher.
Some language teachers oppose the plan because they want the three-language arrangement to continue.
Artificial intelligence will be offered as a vocational subject for Classes 9 and 10 in selected Karnataka government schools from 2026-27.
The programme will cover 1,642 government high schools under Samagra Shikshana Karnataka and the National Skills Qualifications Framework.
AI will replace vocational subjects in 81 existing single-sector schools and be introduced in 1,561 other schools.
Participating schools will appoint AI guest teachers, who will receive an honorarium of ₹20,000 per month.
Language teachers have opposed the move, while the department says students can choose either an NSQF subject or a third language.
- Who
- The Karnataka School Education Department and Samagra Shikshana Karnataka are implementing the programme for Classes 9 and 10 students.
- What
- Artificial intelligence is being introduced as an NSQF vocational subject, with the third-language option affected in participating schools.
- When
- From the 2026-27 academic year.
- Where
- In 1,642 government high schools across Karnataka.
- Why
- To give students early exposure to emerging technologies, workplace-oriented skills and pathways for further AI-related study.
AI Skills Expansion
Three-Language Continuation
Role of AI in schools
AI Skills Expansion
The education department places AI within the existing vocational framework to provide technical knowledge, problem-solving, critical-thinking and employability skills.
Three-Language Continuation
The Karnataka State High School Hindi Teachers' Association has opposed the move and urged the department to retain the existing three-language arrangement.
Effect on third-language teachers
AI Skills Expansion
Rashmi V Mahesh said introducing AI would not result in transfers of third-language teachers and that third-language teaching would continue in lower classes in flagship schools.
Three-Language Continuation
The teachers' association has raised concerns about the possible redeployment of third-language teachers from schools introducing AI.
Student subject choice
AI Skills Expansion
The department says students can choose either an NSQF subject, such as AI, or a third language under the existing framework.
Three-Language Continuation
The association's position is that the existing three-language arrangement should be retained rather than having AI offered in its place.
- Implementing programme
- Samagra Shikshana Karnataka
- Schools covered
- 1,642 government high schools
- Academic level
- Classes 9 and 10
- Teacher honorarium
- ₹20,000 per month
- Teacher requirement
- At least one year of work experience, along with prescribed computer-related qualifications and proficiency in the local language and English
- Framework
- National Skills Qualifications Framework
- Start year
- 2026-27 academic year