Karnataka Students to Receive Two Sets of Free School Uniforms This Academic Year
Free Uniforms for Students in Karnataka 2025-26: Karnataka Government to Distribute Two Free School Uniforms to Students at Academic Year Start: a significant move aimed at improving educational support and equity, the Government of Karnataka has announced the distribution of two sets of free school uniforms to all government school students from Grades 1 to 10 for the academic year 2025–26. This initiative is part of the Vidyavikas Yojana, with administrative approval referenced from key state directives.
Free Uniforms for Government School Students
Under this scheme, free school uniforms will be distributed through designated agencies across all districts of Karnataka, covering students from Grades 1 to 10. Distribution logistics have been tailored by division and district:
- Bengaluru & Mysuru Divisions: All students in Classes 1–7 (boys) and 1–5 (girls) will receive two sets of uniforms.
- Kalaburagi Division & Yadgir District: Two sets will be provided to all girls from Classes 1 to 10.
- Belagavi Division: Targeting girls in Belagavi, Bagalkot, Chikkodi, and six other districts, all will receive two sets.
- Chitradurga, Davanagere & Shivamogga: Boys (1–7) and girls (1–5) will benefit, with a second tender covering older students.
- A temporary provision will allow schools to use grants to supply one set of uniforms for girls and for boys in Classes 1–5, if procurement is delayed. Uniform stitching will be managed at the school level with costs capped at ₹200 per set.
Uniform Materials Type and Quality 2025
| Type of Cloth | Color |
| Gandhigram, Mysore Mill B.T. cloth (Priority-1) – Viscose/polyester blend | Light Blue |
| Gandhigram, Mysore Mill Brand B.T. cloth (Priority-2) – Cotton/Polyester blend | Navy Blue |
| Cotton, Mysore Khadi B.T. cloth [2/40 C.X.V. mix] | Navy Blue |
| Cotton, Mysore Khadi Dupatta | Navy Blue, Violet Border Dupatta (Bandhani style, contrast border) |
| Cotton, Mysore Khadi Blouse | White |
| Cotton, Mysore Khadi Petticoat | White |
Boosting Science and STEM Education in Karnataka Schools
In tandem with uniform distribution, the state is prioritizing science education and the promotion of a scientific temperament through coordinated efforts between:
- Department of School Education and Literacy
- Karnataka Science and Technology Academy (KSTA)
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
- Other reputed science and academic institutions.
Programs will include:
- District-level science fairs, exhibitions, and model-making contests
- Establishment of science clubs in schools
- Active use of mobile science labs, digital learning platforms, and taluk-level science centers
- Science Day, Environment Day, and National Technology Day celebrations to raise awareness
Teachers and students will benefit from joint training programs, orientation camps, and collaborative innovation initiatives. The goal is to seamlessly integrate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education across Karnataka’s school curricula.
Karnataka School Uniform Fabric Chart by Class, Gender & Size 2025-26
| Classes | Items | Measurement | Width |
| I & II | Boys – Half Pant | 0.50 m | 54″ |
| I & II | Boys – Shirt | 1.10 m | 36″ |
| I & II | Girls – Skirt | 1.20 m | 36″ |
| I & II | Girls – Shirt | 1.10 m | 36″ |
| III & IV | Boys – Half Pant | 0.55 m | 54″ |
| III & IV | Boys – Shirt | 1.20 m | 36″ |
| III & IV | Girls – Skirt | 1.40 m | 36″ |
| III & IV | Girls – Shirt | 1.20 m | 36″ |
| V to VII | Boys – Half Pant | 0.60 m | 54″ |
| V to VII | Boys – Shirt | 1.40 m | 36″ |
| VIII to X | Boys – Shirt | 2.00 m | 36″ |
| VIII to X | Boys – Pant | 1.20 m | 54″ |
| V | Girls – Shirt | 1.50 m | 36″ |
| V | Girls – Skirt | 1.75 m | 36″ |
| V | Girls – Top | 2.00 m | 36″ |
| VI & VII | Girls – Bottom | 1.90 m | 36″ |
| VI & VII | Girls – Dupatta | 1.70 m | 36″ |
| VI & VII | Girls – Top | 2.10 m | 36″ |
| VIII | Girls – Bottom | 2.00 m | 36″ |
| VIII | Girls – Dupatta | 1.80 m | 36″ |
| IX & X | Girls – Top | 2.25 m | 36″ |
| IX & X | Girls – Bottom | 2.00 m | 36″ |
| IX & X | Girls – Dupatta | 2.00 m | 36″ |
Provision of Free Uniforms and School Bags in Karnataka 2025-26
The provision of free and compulsory primary education for all children up to the age of 14 is enshrined in the Directive Principles of State Policy as outlined in Article 45 of the Constitution of India. Notably, the National Policy on Education has prioritized the achievement of Universal Elementary Education (UEE) by shifting the focus from mere enrollment to encompass all three dimensions of UEE: enrollment, retention, and quality of learning. In accordance with this constitutional directive, successive plans from both the central government and individual states have placed significant emphasis on the universalization of elementary education, leading to improvements in access at the primary level.
Poverty and economic deprivation are significant factors contributing to children’s non-participation in school. These issues necessitate targeted governmental interventions to enhance the participation of such children. Increased access to educational facilities has resulted in a higher number of children from lower-income families attending school. Their retention until the compulsory education stage relies on effective programs such as the mid-day meal scheme, the provision of free school uniforms, textbooks, and regular health check-ups.
Primary Objectives of the Distribution of Uniforms in Karnataka 2025-26
- To ensure free and compulsory education for all children up to the age of 14 years.
- To retain children enrolled in schools until the compulsory education stage.
- To promote equality among all children within the school environment.
The initiative to provide free uniforms to school children predates independence. However, systematic efforts to implement free uniform distribution as an incentive began in 1961, when the State Government enacted the Compulsory Primary Education Act.
Free uniforms are provided to all boys and girls from 1st to 10th grade attending government and government-aided schools. Uniforms are available in various sizes: size 1 for boys and girls in 1st and 2nd grades, and size 2 for those in 3rd and 4th grades.