Karnataka Launches Kalika Deepa: AI-Powered Learning Programme for Primary Students

Karnataka has launched the Kalika Deepa programme, an innovative AI-powered learning initiative designed to enhance competency in mathematics, English, and Kannada among students in classes 4 to 6 across government primary schools. Following a successful pilot project in three schools during 2024-25, the programme has been expanded significantly.

The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the EkStep Foundation and overseen by the Department of State Educational Research and Training (DSERT), currently operates in 1,145 schools with computer labs, reaching approximately 1.44 lakh students. Plans are underway to extend the programme to 2,000 additional schools.

The activity-based learning modules feature interactive videos, audio components for pronunciation training, and AI-powered question-answering capabilities. Students learn through practice-based activities involving listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The pilot phase demonstrated encouraging results, notably reducing reading difficulties and improving language proficiency, suggesting positive impacts on overall academic performance. Efforts are now focused on ensuring adequate internet connectivity and providing headphones to all participating schools.