Karnataka Gears Up for New Academic Year with 75% Textbook Delivery, 51,000 Guest Teachers, and Student Pass Initiatives

Karnataka Prepares for Smooth School Reopening on May 29

As the academic year 2025–26 begins, schools across Karnataka are set to reopen on May 29 with significant groundwork already in place to ensure an efficient and well-supported start. From timely textbook distribution to addressing teacher shortages and facilitating student transportation, the state government is rolling out proactive measures to ease the transition back to school for students and educators alike.

75% of Textbooks Delivered to Educational Blocks

According to the Karnataka Textbook Society (KTBS), 75% of textbooks have already reached educational blocks across the state. These textbooks are now ready for final distribution to individual schools, ensuring students receive their study materials promptly.

KTBS Managing Director Prema HM confirmed the progress, stating, “Three-fourths of the textbooks have already been sent to the concerned blocks, and they'll be supplied to schools soon. We've provided each block with detailed transportation charts to streamline the delivery process.”

While the majority of textbooks have been dispatched, some materials, including student diaries, workbooks, and textbooks in minority languages, are still pending. However, KTBS remains confident that all remaining items will be delivered without affecting the academic schedule.

Academic Calendar and Updated NCERT Textbooks

The academic calendar remains unchanged, and classes will resume as originally planned on May 29. To help reduce the weight of school bags, KTBS has continued its practice of printing textbooks in two separate volumes — a strategy introduced last year that received positive feedback.

Additionally, KTBS has incorporated updated versions of key textbooks. “The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) revised certain books such as Class 6 Mathematics and Science. These revised books have already been supplied,” said Prema.

In total, 801 textbook titles are being printed across seven mediums of instruction. These include 11 language books to cater to the state's diverse student population.

Over 9.7 Crore Textbooks Distributed

The textbook distribution is divided into two categories: free and sales. Under the free distribution scheme, more than 6 crore textbooks are being supplied to students in government schools. Meanwhile, the sales category accounts for over 3.7 crore textbooks.

A minor price revision, a nominal increase of 2 paise per page, has been introduced this year. The government says this will help maintain printing quality without significantly burdening families.

Trilok Chandra, Commissioner of the Department of School Education and Literacy, also confirmed that the distribution of school uniforms is progressing on schedule and will be completed before schools reopen.

Government Appoints 51,000 Guest Teachers

To tackle the persistent shortage of teaching staff in government-run primary and high schools, the Karnataka government has appointed 51,000 guest lecturers for the 2025–26 academic year. These temporary appointments will either last until permanent teachers are recruited or until the academic year ends, whichever comes first.

Of the 51,000 appointees, 40,000 will be deployed in primary schools, while 11,000 will serve in high schools.

“This is crucial to bridge the immediate gap in teaching staff and ensure our students don't suffer because of a lack of teachers. Our priority is to ensure quality education is accessible from day one,” stated School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa.

In parallel, the department has been directed to prepare a comprehensive proposal outlining the honorarium structure for these guest lecturers. The proposal will include details about their deployment across various districts and taluks, ensuring transparent and equitable staffing.

BMTC Student Bus Passes Open for 2025–26

To facilitate smooth transportation for students in the upcoming academic year, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has initiated the annual process for issuing concessional student bus passes. Applications can be submitted online through the Seva Sindhu portal starting May 26, and physical passes will be issued beginning June 1.

During the online application process, students must upload supporting documents such as proof of admission and their residential address. In addition to the online platform, BMTC has designated several centers across Bengaluru—including Kempegowda Bus Station, Kengeri TTMC, Shantinagar TTMC, Hoskote, Electronics City Depot 19, and KSRTC Bus Station in Anekal—where students can apply in person from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM daily.

Shakti Scheme Continues for Female Students

One of the key highlights this year is the continuation of the Shakti Scheme, which provides free bus travel on ordinary BMTC buses for female students residing in Karnataka. This initiative encourages girls’ education and significantly eases the financial burden on families.

Conclusion

With textbook delivery underway, uniforms ready, guest lecturers appointed, and student transportation systems in place, Karnataka is poised for a well-organized start to the new academic year. These steps reflect the state government's commitment to ensuring students receive uninterrupted, quality education from day one.