Sat Nov 01 17:33:12 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
The government of Karnataka, India, has launched the “Kalika Deepa” program in 1,145 government primary schools. This program, utilizing AI and developed in collaboration with the EkStep Foundation, aims to improve the mathematics, English, and Kannada skills of students in grades 4-6. The program was piloted successfully in three schools in 2024-25 and will now reach 1.44 lakh students. It addresses concerns highlighted by learning assessment reports like ASER, which indicated that students were lagging in these core subjects. Kalika Deepa uses interactive, activity-based modules with video and audio components. Plans are in place to expand the program to 2,000 more schools in the future. Internet connectivity and headphones are being provided to students participating in the program.
News Article:
AI-Powered Education Program “Kalika Deepa” Launched in Karnataka to Boost Student Learning
Bengaluru, India – November 1, 2025 – The Karnataka state government has officially launched the “Kalika Deepa” program, an initiative designed to enhance the mathematics, English, and Kannada skills of students in grades 4 through 6 attending government primary schools. The program leverages the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide personalized and engaging learning experiences.
Following a successful pilot project in three schools in Koppal and Tumakuru during the 2024-25 academic year, Kalika Deepa is now being rolled out to 1,145 schools across the state, reaching an estimated 1.44 lakh students. The initiative, which was announced in the 2025-26 State Budget, is being implemented in collaboration with the EkStep Foundation, and under the supervision of the Department of State Educational Research and Training (DSERT) and Samagra Shikshana Karnataka.
The need for Kalika Deepa stems from learning assessment reports, including the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), which have consistently shown that government primary school children in Karnataka are struggling with mathematics and English. Kalika Deepa, a learning programme through data-based technology (DBT), aims to remedy this situation.
“Kalika Deepa utilizes activity-based modules with videos, audio components, and interactive elements to make learning more engaging and effective,” explained an official from DSEL. “The AI-powered system will answer students’ questions and provide personalized feedback, helping them develop a stronger foundation in language and mathematics.”
The program emphasizes practice through interactive listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. The state government is also ensuring that participating schools have adequate Internet connectivity and that students have access to headphones.
Officials are optimistic about the impact of Kalika Deepa, citing positive results from the pilot program. The results showed a reduction in reading difficulties and overcoming learning deficits among students. Plans are already underway to expand the program to an additional 2,000 schools in the next phase, solidifying the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve educational outcomes across the state.
First Piper 