Karnataka launches 'Nirantara' AI-based facial recognition attendance system for schools, PU colleges

The Karnataka government has launched Nirantara, an AI-powered facial recognition system to record attendance in government and aided schools and PU colleges. First tested in Gadag district, the system aims to make attendance tracking easier and reduce teachers' paperwork by recording attendance automatically.

According to the Karnataka School Education and Literacy Department, the Nirantara initiative uses facial recognition technology to automatically record student attendance. The system aims to make attendance management more accurate, transparent, and efficient in schools and colleges.

The system records student attendance automatically using facial recognition technology through a mobile app, reducing the need for manual attendance, the department said.

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The initiative is part of the state's Nirantara programme announced in the budget. It aims to make attendance management more accurate, efficient, and transparent.

AI attendance in Karnataka schools

The system was first tested in the Gadag district and showed positive results. After making improvements based on feedback, the state government decided to introduce it across Karnataka from the 2026–27 academic year, according to earlier government communications.

According to a government order, the Centre for e-Governance has been given the responsibility of implementing the AI-based student facial attendance system in government and aided schools and PU colleges across the state. The system will work in a similar way to the attendance platform already used for government employees.

Officials said the technology will help teachers save time by removing the need for manual attendance entry. The AI-based system can record the attendance of many students at once and upload the data accurately, reducing administrative work in classrooms.

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The state government approved the rollout of the facial recognition attendance system at a cost of about Rs 2.16 crore. Officials have also been asked to ensure that the system works properly in different conditions, including low-light areas, and can identify students accurately.

The attendance initiative is part of Karnataka's efforts to use AI in government services. The state has already introduced digital attendance systems for government employees and has recently expanded technology-based attendance tracking for teachers as well.

Under the new plan, e-attendance will be compulsory for students in government and aided primary schools, high schools, and PU colleges from the 2026–27 academic year.