Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jun 29: In a significant step towards equipping students with future-ready skills, the Karnataka Department of School Education and Literacy has decided to introduce STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics)-based education for high school students in Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) from the current academic year.
The initiative is aimed at enabling students to make informed career choices from their high school years while fostering scientific thinking, creativity and innovation. As part of the programme, students will be introduced to robotics, coding, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence to strengthen their problem-solving abilities and prepare them for emerging career opportunities.

“This is meant to cultivate interest in science and technology, besides kindling their creative spirit,” a School Education Department official said.

Officials pointed out that while a majority of students pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines in higher education, this would be the first time the state government is introducing these subjects in government-run schools with the addition of Arts, thereby adopting the globally recognised STEAM model.

A key feature of the programme will be its emphasis on concept-based learning through experiments and practical activities, moving beyond conventional classroom teaching methods. The initiative has already been rolled out at a school in Chikkamagaluru, where students are learning coding, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and other STEAM subjects.

Welcoming the move, the headmaster of a government school said many private institutions had already introduced STEM education from Class VI in view of the increasing global demand for technology-oriented skills.

“Many private schools have introduced STEM subjects right from Class VI considering the demand they have in the global job market. So, this is an encouraging move geared towards preparing our students,” the headmaster said.

A Science teacher at a government school also welcomed the government's decision to introduce Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at the school level.

“Inclusion of STEAM-based classes will prove beneficial,” the teacher said.

The STEAM curriculum will initially be introduced in the 300 Karnataka Public Schools currently functioning across the state.

The government has also announced plans to establish 800 more KPS schools, where the programme is expected to be extended in the coming years.

“STEAM-based classes will provide a solid foundation for the children's future,” the School Education Department official said.

The move reflects Karnataka's growing emphasis on integrating technology-driven education into the public school system and preparing students to meet the demands of an increasingly innovation-led global economy.