Karnataka Colleges Reopening: Government Planning To Begin UG, PG Classes From Next month

News Network

October 21, 2020

Mysore, Oct 21: The Karnataka government is preparing to re-open colleges for UG and PG students from next month and a decision on it would be taken keeping in mind the safety of students and teachers in view of COVID-19 pandemic, Deputy Chief Minister Ashwath Narayan said on Monday.

Amid the uncertainty over reopening of schools and colleges, shut since the national COVID-19 lockdown began in March, he said a final decision on when to start the regular courses for undergraduate and post-graduate students will be taken shortly. At present, online classes are being conducted for the students.

"The government is preparing to start the offline graduate classes from November. Shortly a decision will be taken after discussing with Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and other officials concerned," Mr Narayan, who holds the higher education portfolio, said.

He said the guidelines have already been issued by the Centre for re-opening schools and colleges and accordingly preparations were afoot. Conceding that there will be challenges galore and any hasty decision was uncalled for, Narayan maintained, "We have to ensure the safety of students and teachers. The virus is very much amidst us. Hence, we need to take the decision after much deliberation."

Mr Ashwath Narayan was talking to reporters after attending the centenary convocation of the Mysore University in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated through video conferencing.

The Deputy Chief Minister expressed his happiness over the 'success' of online classes, saying the digital learning and teaching has been going in the state beyond expectations. He asked students to take maximum advantage of it. On the new National Education Policy (NEP), he said the state government was gearing up to implement it in stages.

"The task force constituted to recommend the implementation of NEP has already submitted its first report. The new education policy will be implemented in a phased manner by 2021 after making all the arrangements," Mr Narayan said.

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Screen silence: Karnataka’s bold ‘switch-off’ strategy to boost SSLC scores

News Network

February 5,2026

In an era where digital distractions are the primary rival to academic excellence, the Karnataka Education Department is taking the fight directly to the living room. As the SSLC (Class 10) annual examinations loom, officials have launched a localized "digital strike" to ensure students aren't losing their competitive edge to scrolling or soap operas.

The 7-to-9 Lockdown

The department has issued a formal directive urging—and in some cases, enforcing via home visits—a total blackout of mobile phones and television sets between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. This two-hour window is being designated as "sacred study time" across the state until the examinations conclude on April 2.

Key Pillars of the Initiative:

• Doorstep Advocacy: Teachers are transitioning from classrooms to living rooms, meeting parents to explain the psychological benefits of a distraction-free environment.

• Parental Accountability: The campaign shifts the burden of discipline from the student to the household, asking parents to lead by example and switch off their own devices.

• The Timeline: The focus remains sharp on the upcoming exam block, scheduled from March 18 to April 2.

"The objective is simple: uninterrupted focus. We are reclaiming the evening hours for the students, ensuring their environment is as prepared as their minds," stated a senior department official.

Student vs. Reality

While the student community has largely welcomed the "forced focus"—with many admitting they lack the willpower to ignore notifications—the move has sparked a debate on enforceability. Without a "TV Police," the success of this initiative rests entirely on the shoulders of parents and the persuasive power of visiting educators.

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