Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Jul 10: In a major push towards strengthening government education infrastructure, Udupi district has been sanctioned 12 new Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) under the state government's ambitious school development initiative. The schools will be developed with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and will feature a uniform design with modern facilities.
The Karnataka Public School initiative was launched to provide quality education to students from rural and urban areas, particularly those from economically weaker and middle-income families. Currently, nine KPS schools are operational in Udupi district, offering education from LKG to class 12 to a total of 7,927 students.
Government schools at Bajagoli, Bailur, Hebri, Udyavara, Rajeevnagar, Olakadu, Board High School, Manuru, Basuru, Amavasya Bailu, Siddapura and Uppunda have been upgraded into Karnataka Public Schools.
Traditionally, students in government primary schools often have to shift to different institutions for high school and pre-university education after completing their primary studies. However, Karnataka Public Schools provide a continuous learning system from LKG to second-year PUC under one campus, offering greater convenience to students and parents.
The newly approved 12 schools will be developed on a common design model with facilities aimed at matching private schools. These include well-equipped classrooms, advanced science and computer laboratories, libraries and playgrounds.
To facilitate infrastructure development and financial assistance, officials from the Asian Development Bank have already carried out survey work in Udupi district and prepared a detailed report.
Despite the growing popularity of English-medium and private schools, Karnataka Public Schools in Udupi district have succeeded in attracting students, with enrolment figures showing a positive trend.
For the 2026–27 academic year, the district's nine major KPS schools recorded admissions of 4,012 boys and 3,915 girls. Among the schools, Brahmavar HRS Karnataka Public School recorded the highest enrolment with 1,498 students, followed by Hiriyadka School with 1,028 students.
The total student strength across the nine KPS schools includes 1,117 students at Muniyalu School, 964 at Koteshwara School, 1,184 at Biskalkatte School, 788 at Kokkarnne School, 510 at Hosmaru School, 487 at Padubidri School and 351 at Vantse School.
This academic year, Karnataka Public Schools recorded admissions of 336 students in LKG and 319 students in UKG. Class-wise enrolment figures show 315 students in class 1, 369 in class 2, 436 in class 3, 478 in class 4, 526 in class 5, 628 in class 6, 628 in class 7, 824 in class 8, 793 in class 9 and 992 in class 10.
Officials said 828 students are enrolled in first-year PUC and 848 students in second-year PUC across Karnataka Public Schools in the district.
The expansion of KPS schools with ADB support is expected to give a further boost to government education facilities in Udupi, providing students with access to quality infrastructure and a complete schooling experience closer to their homes.