Karnataka Govt Approves AI Facial Recognition Attendance System in Schools from 2026
The Karnataka government has officially approved the implementation of an AI-based facial recognition attendance system in schools and colleges across the state.
The initiative will be rolled out under the “Niranthara” programme, marking a major step towards digital governance in the education sector.
According to official government orders issued by the Department of School Education and Literacy, the system aims to modernize attendance tracking using advanced artificial intelligence technology.
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Official Government Confirmation
The decision is backed by a formal government order (EP 51 EGOV 2025) and has also been included in the Karnataka State Budget 2025–26. The project will be implemented by the Centre for e-Governance (CeG) under the state’s digital infrastructure framework.
The system will cover:
- Government schools
- Aided schools
- Pre-university (PU) colleges
This confirms that the initiative is not experim
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ental but part of an officially approved statewide policy.
How the AI Attendance System Works
The facial recognition attendance system will function through a mobile-based application. Key features include Automatic attendance marking using facial recognition Integration with the Student Achievement Tracking System (SATS) Secure storage of student data in the
Karnataka State Data Centre Ability to function in varied lighting conditions Each student’s face will be converted into a unique digital identity, ensuring accurate and tamper-proof attendance records.
Implementation Timeline
The Karnataka government has finalized the rollout timeline:
Initial plan: 2025–26 academic year
Revised rollout: 2026–27 academic year (mandatory implementation)
Preparations, including software development and infrastructure setup, are expected to be completed before the start of the academic year.
Attendance System for Teachers
In addition to students, teachers and staff will also be brought under a digital attendance system. They will be required to use the Karnataka Attendance Management System (KAMS) mobile application.
This ensures:
- Real-time attendance tracking
- Elimination of proxy attendance
- Improved accountability in schools
Budget and Implementation Cost
The project has undergone budget revisions:
Initial allocation: ₹5 crore Revised estimate: approximately ₹2.2–₹2.8 crore The system will be developed and managed by the Centre for e-Governance (DPAR), ensuring technical reliability and statewide scalability.
Government Objectives Behind the Initiative
The Karnataka government aims to achieve multiple goals through this AI-based system Improve student attendance tracking Reduce dropout rates Ensure transparency in school operations.
Enable real-time monitoring of over 50 lakh students Strengthen delivery of welfare schemes The system is expected to cover more than 50,000 schools across the state.
Pilot Testing and Expansion
The project has already been tested in select districts, including Uttara Kannada. Based on the pilot’s success, the government has decided to expand the system across Karnataka.
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Privacy and Data Concerns
While the initiative has been widely recognized as a step toward modernization, it has also raised concerns among experts regarding:
- Data privacy of students
- Security of biometric information
- Ethical use of facial recognition technology
The government has stated that the system will use encrypted data formats to ensure safety and prevent misuse.
Conclusion
The Karnataka government decision to introduce AI-based facial recognition attendance is a confirmed and officially approved policy initiative.
However, it is important to note that the system is currently in the rollout phase and will become fully operational from the 2026–27 academic year. This move places Karnataka among the leading Indian states adopting AI-driven governance in education.
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