Karnataka sets up Cabinet sub-committee to examine student, education challenges

The Karnataka government has constituted a cabinet sub-committee to examine challenges faced by students and recommend reforms in the education sector. The committee will focus on examination and recruitment transparency, education fees and coaching regulation, infrastructure in public institutions, curriculum and employability, student mental health and wellbeing, and access and equity.

The committee was constituted through an official memorandum issued by the Karnataka Government Secretariat on August 26, 2026. The decision follows a Cabinet decision taken on August 21, 2026.

Karnataka Cabinet panel to hear student concerns

The panel will be headed by U.T. Khader, minister for health and family welfare, minority welfare and Haj & Wakf. Higher education minister Basavaraj Rayareddy, home, IT & BT and e-governance minister Priyank Kharge, medical education and skill development minister Sharan Prakash Patil, and school education minister Madhu Bangarappa have been appointed as members.

Also read Karnataka Teacher Recruitment 2026: 15,000 posts announced; applications from August 18

The Chief Minister of Karnataka, in an X post, said the government wants to address issues ranging from fair examinations and affordable education to better public institutions, relevant skills, employment opportunities and student wellbeing.

The Chief Minister said, “The Government of Karnataka has constituted a Cabinet sub-committee to listen, examine and recommend reforms on these critical issues, in consultation with students, parents, teachers and institutions.”

Committee to focus on six areas

The cabinet sub-committee will examine the integrity of examinations and recruitment, including measures to prevent question paper leaks and malpractice. It will also look at transparency, fairness and accountability in state examinations and recruitment processes and recommend a fixed, time-bound examination and recruitment calendar.

The second area is the cost of education, fees and coaching regulation. The committee will examine regulation of fees charged by private educational institutions, oversight of coaching centres and measures to reduce the financial burden of education on students and their families.

The panel will also review infrastructure and quality in public institutions, including government schools, pre-university colleges and universities. The memorandum highlights teacher vacancies and the need for adequate laboratories, libraries, hostels and other essential facilities.

Under curriculum, skilling and linkage to employment, the committee will examine ways to align curricula with emerging employment opportunities and industry requirements. It will also consider skill development, apprenticeships, internships and stronger partnerships between educational institutions and industry.

Student mental health and wellbeing is another key area. The panel will examine ways to strengthen counselling and student support systems, address academic and examination-related stress and develop suicide-prevention measures, particularly in coaching hubs, hostels and residential educational institutions.

The sixth focus area is access and equity. This will include strengthening scholarships and financial assistance, expanding hostel capacity, promoting girls' education and providing appropriate support to students from SC, ST, OBC, minority and first-generation learner communities.

Also read Karnataka announces 7.5% reservation for rural government school students in professional courses

Committee to consult students, parents and teachers

According to the official memorandum, the cabinet sub-committee will undertake wider consultations with stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers and educational institutions across Karnataka. It may also seek assistance from subject experts from relevant fields.

The committee has been asked to submit its report within one month.

The chief minister said the government’s objective is to create an education system that responds to students’ concerns and prepares young people for future opportunities.

He said, “Our commitment is clear: listen to our youth, respond to their concerns and create the opportunities they aspire for.”

As per Rule 13(5) of the Karnataka Government (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1977, and Circular No. CS 02 SCM 2025 dated March 15, 2025, the higher education department will act as the nodal department for the cabinet sub-committee.