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The Karnataka government has constituted a five-member Cabinet sub-committee to examine challenges faced by students and recommend reforms across the state's education sector. The committee will study issues related to examination integrity, education costs, public infrastructure, curriculum and skilling, student mental health, and access to education.

The committee was constituted following a Cabinet decision taken on August 21, 2026. An official memorandum issued on August 26, 2026, assigned the panel the task of examining six broad areas and submitting its recommendations within one month.

The sub-committee is headed by Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader and includes Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy, Home Minister Priyank Kharge, Medical Education and Skill Development Minister Sharan Prakash Patil, and School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa.

Karnataka Education Reform Committee 2026: Key Details

Karnataka Education Reform Committee 2026: Examination Integrity

Preventing examination paper leaks, malpractice and other irregularities is one of the major priorities of the committee.

The panel will examine measures to improve transparency, fairness and accountability in state examinations and recruitment processes. It will also consider establishing a fixed and time-bound calendar for examinations and recruitment activities.

The recommendations are expected to focus on strengthening examination systems and reducing delays and irregularities that can affect students and candidates.

Education Costs and Regulation of Private Institutions

The Cabinet sub-committee will also examine the financial burden associated with education. This includes reviewing fees charged by private educational institutions and examining the functioning and regulation of coaching centres.

The panel will explore measures aimed at reducing the financial pressure on students and their families while ensuring appropriate oversight of educational services.

Strengthening Public Education Infrastructure

Another key area of review will be public education infrastructure. The committee will examine ways to strengthen government schools, pre-university colleges and universities across Karnataka.

The review will include issues such as teacher vacancies and shortages of essential facilities. These facilities may include:

• Laboratories

• Libraries

• Hostels

• Classrooms and other educational infrastructure

• Other essential facilities required by students and institutions

The committee will consider measures to improve the quality and availability of infrastructure in public educational institutions.

Curriculum, Skilling and Industry Linkages

The panel will examine whether existing curricula are aligned with emerging employment opportunities and industry requirements.

It will explore ways to strengthen skill development and create stronger connections between educational institutions and industry. The committee will also consider promoting:

• Skill development programmes

• Apprenticeships

• Internships

• Industry-academia partnerships

• Employment-oriented education

The objective will be to improve students' readiness for employment and help educational programmes respond to changing industry requirements.

Student Mental Health and Wellbeing

Student mental health and wellbeing have also been included among the areas for review. The committee will examine ways to strengthen counselling and student support systems.

Particular attention will be given to academic and examination-related stress, especially among students studying in coaching hubs, hostels and residential educational institutions.

The panel will consider measures that can improve access to counselling and other forms of student support.

Access and Equity in Education

The sixth focus area is access and equity. The committee will examine measures to improve educational opportunities for students from different social and economic backgrounds.

The review will include scholarships and financial assistance, expansion of hostel facilities and promotion of girls' education. The panel will also examine support mechanisms for students from SC/ST, OBC, minority and first-generation learner communities.

Karnataka Education Reform Committee to Consult Stakeholders

The Cabinet sub-committee will conduct wider consultations with various stakeholders across Karnataka before preparing its recommendations.

The consultation process will include:

• Students

• Parents

• Teachers

• Educational institutions

• Other stakeholders

• Subject experts, wherever required

The committee can seek assistance from experts in relevant fields while examining specific education-related issues.

Karnataka Education Reform Committee 2026: Report Submission

The Higher Education Department has been designated as the nodal department for the Cabinet sub-committee. The panel has been directed to complete its exercise and submit its report to the Karnataka government within one month.

The recommendations submitted by the committee could guide future policy measures relating to examination systems, education affordability, infrastructure, student wellbeing, skilling and equitable access to education across Karnataka.

Source

The Times of India – Karnataka govt sets up panel to tackle paper leaks, education costs and student stress