By the Education Karnataka Editorial Team · Last updated: November 2026
Quick answer: Karnataka was among the first states to begin implementing NEP 2020, but in 2023 the state government decided to withdraw it and frame its own State Education Policy (SEP). A commission led by Prof. Sukhadeo Thorat submitted its final report in August 2025. Reports in mid-2026 said its school-education recommendations had not yet been implemented. Meanwhile, CBSE and CISCE schools follow changes made by their national boards, such as CBSE’s two Class 10 board exams from 2026.
Key takeaways
- State Board schools: Follow Karnataka’s own rules and reforms, such as the three-exam system and the 33% pass mark.
- CBSE and ICSE schools: Follow their national boards, which have adopted several NEP-aligned changes.
- The State Education Policy was still awaiting implementation in school education, according to mid-2026 reports.
- Parents should follow official notifications for their child’s board.
Timeline
| Year | Development |
| 2020 | NEP 2020 announced nationally |
| 2021 | Karnataka begins NEP implementation, starting with higher education |
| 2023 | Karnataka decides to withdraw NEP and form a State Education Policy Commission |
| August 2025 | SEP Commission submits its final report |
| 2025–26 | State Board pass marks revised to 33%; three-exam system in place |
| 2026 | CBSE Class 10 two-board-exam system begins |
What does this mean by board?
- Karnataka State Board: Follows state notifications, including the 33% pass mark (from 2025–26), Exam-1, 2 and 3 for SSLC and 2nd PUC, and Class 1 admission-age rules.
- CBSE: Follows national reforms, including the two Class 10 exams, competency-based questions and the updated National Curriculum Framework.
- CISCE (ICSE/ISC): Follows its own national notifications.
Class 1 admission age in Karnataka
Karnataka requires children to be 6 years old by 1 June for Class 1 admission. For 2026–27, the government allowed a one-time 60-day relaxation, so children who turned 6 by 31 July 2026 were eligible. Check the latest order for future years.
What should parents do?
- Follow your board’s official website for exam and curriculum changes.
- Check state notifications for State Board schools.
- Ask your child’s school how it is applying the latest changes.
Frequently asked questions
Is NEP 2020 implemented in Karnataka schools? The state withdrew NEP in favour of its own policy, but CBSE and CISCE schools follow their national boards’ reforms. For State Board schools, follow state notifications.
What is Karnataka’s State Education Policy? It is a state-specific policy framework prepared by a commission headed by Prof. Sukhadeo Thorat, with the final report submitted in August 2025.
Does the change affect CBSE schools in Karnataka? CBSE schools follow CBSE’s rules, such as the 2026 two-exam system for Class 10.
What is the minimum age for Class 1 in Karnataka? Six years by 1 June, with a one-time 60-day relaxation for 2026–27.
Where can I find official updates? The Karnataka School Education Department website, the KSEAB website and the CBSE and CISCE websites.
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