Karnataka Makes Face Recognition Mandatory for Student and Teacher Attendance in Schools
AI-based system to be rolled out in government and aided schools from the 2026–27 academic year.
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has made face recognition technology compulsory for marking attendance in government and aided schools across the state. The new system will record attendance of both students and teachers using an AI-powered mobile application.
According to an official order issued by the state’s Education Department, schools must ensure that attendance is recorded daily through the new software without fail. The system will be implemented starting from the 2026–27 academic year.
The AI-based face recognition system has been developed at a cost of ₹2.16 crore. Authorities have directed that the mobile application be installed and operational in all schools by May. Parents will also be able to check their children’s attendance records through the SATS (Student Achievement Tracking System) portal.
In addition to students, teachers will also be required to mark their attendance using face recognition. This means attendance can only be registered when a teacher is physically present on campus. Officials say the move aims to prevent irregularities and ensure accountability in schools.
The initiative will be carried out under the ‘Niranthara’ programme, which focuses on digitally recording attendance in government and aided schools and colleges across the state using an AI-based face attendance monitoring system.
The government believes the new system will improve transparency, strengthen monitoring, and streamline attendance management in educational institutions.
