The Karnataka government has introduced tight norms for private school admissions in the 2025–26 academic year to boost transparency and compliance among educational institutions.

According to the new regulations, all private schools, including schools affiliated with ICSE and CBSE, have to impart education in Kannada as a first or second language. This move is in tune with the provisions of the Kannada Language Learning Act, 2015, which mandates education in Kannada in schools. Schools that are not compliant will be penalized, including payment of fines of up to Rs 25,000.

Further, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) has implemented an online application system for schools to apply for affiliation to national boards. This process minimizes administrative levels from eight to five and shortens processing time from 35 to 25 days. The new process also vests the power to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) with the jurisdictional Deputy Directors of Public Instruction (DPPIs), seeking to reduce bureaucratic lags and improve efficiency.

In an attempt to eliminate malpractices, the government has raised penalties for presenting false documents in the application process. Institutions that are convicted of document forgery will be barred from applying for registration or recognition for two years.

These actions are also part of Karnataka's larger push to bring private schools under regulatory control and make sure they act within the ambit of the law. The government has also pinpointed more than 1,300 unauthorised private schools that run without legitimate recognition, highlighting the importance of strict control.

While these regulations aim to standardize educational practices, they have faced opposition from some private school managements, who argue that the new rules impose additional burdens. Nevertheless, the government maintains that these steps are essential for maintaining educational standards and protecting students' interests.