Karnataka’s New Education Policy Seeks NCERT Exit, Reservation Quota in Private Schools

The Karnataka State Education Policy (KSEP) panel has recommended a major shift in the state’s school curriculum by removing NCERT textbooks and replacing them with state-specific content. The draft also suggests introducing reservations for disadvantaged groups in private educational institutions, aiming to improve inclusivity and access. If approved, this move could significantly change the way

I am writing about this because education policies like these directly impact students, teachers and parents. The proposal to replace NCERT books means a change in syllabus, teaching methods and exam patterns for lakhs of students. On the other hand, introducing reservations in private schools could open up more opportunities for underprivileged children, but it also raises questions about implementation, seat availability and fee structures. This topic is important to understand as it will influence not just academic learning but also social equity in education. By looking closely at the details of the policy, we can see how it may shape the future of Karnataka’s school education system.

Key Proposals in the Karnataka State Education Policy

The KSEP committee has outlined a series of reforms, with two key highlights:

Scrapping NCERT syllabus – NCERT textbooks may be replaced with Karnataka-specific content designed to reflect the state’s history, languages, and socio-economic realities.
Reservation in private institutions – The policy suggests a certain percentage of seats in private schools and colleges be reserved for students from economically weaker and marginalised communities.

Why Replace NCERT Textbooks?

Supporters of the move believe that NCERT books often have a national focus that overlooks the state’s own heritage and cultural contributions. A Karnataka-focused syllabus could help students connect better with their immediate environment, traditions and local governance. Critics, however, worry this might reduce national curriculum uniformity and affect students who move between states.

Reservation in Private Schools – Opportunities and Challenges

The reservation proposal could give many first-generation learners access to high-quality private education. However, the success of such a scheme will depend on:

Clear guidelines on how many seats will be reserved.
Compensation or subsidies for private schools to accommodate students from low-income families.
Monitoring to ensure merit and diversity are balanced.

What Happens Next?

The draft policy is still under review and will go through public consultations before final approval. If implemented, Karnataka would be among the few states to both move away from NCERT books and extend reservations into private education.

BRAOU Announces Free Education for Girls and Tribal Students, Says VC Prof Ghanta Chakrapani

Dr B R Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) has announced a special initiative to provide free education for girls and tribal children, as stated by Vice-Chancellor Prof Ghanta Chakrapani. The scheme aims to make higher education accessible to those who face social and economic barriers, ensuring that they are not left behind in academic opportunities. I

I am writing about this because such initiatives directly address one of the biggest challenges in India’s education system – inequality in access. Many girls and children from tribal communities are forced to drop out of school or never get the chance to pursue higher studies due to financial hardships. By removing tuition fees, BRAOU is not just offering education but also opening doors to better livelihoods and empowerment. This move could inspire other universities to follow suit and help bridge the educational gap in our country. It’s important for students, parents, and even policymakers to know about such opportunities so that more eligible candidates can benefit from them.

Details of the Free Education Initiative

According to Prof Ghanta Chakrapani, the scheme will cover the full tuition fees for all eligible girl students and tribal children enrolling at BRAOU. The initiative applies to various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offered by the university.

Who Can Apply

All girl students from any background are eligible
Students from Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, irrespective of gender
Must meet the standard admission criteria for BRAOU courses

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted through BRAOU’s official admission portal
Necessary documents like caste certificates for tribal students and identity proof for girl students are required
The admission process will be as per the university’s regular schedule

Why This Matters

Providing free higher education for marginalised groups is a direct investment in social progress. Tribal communities often live in remote areas with limited access to schools, let alone colleges. Girls in many regions still face societal pressure to marry early instead of continuing their studies. Removing the cost barrier means more students will consider education as a real option.