Karnataka makes social media a must for govt schools to increase enrolment for 2026-27

In a bold digital push, the Karnataka government has instructed all state government schools to open social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and X, among others, in order to compete with private schools and reverse the declining enrollments. An order issued by the Department of School Education and Literacy targets the 2026-27 academic year, for which the admission campaign is already underway till June 2026.​​

Headmasters should highlight all the aspects of school facilities, students' achievements, board examination results, student enrolments, and other activities day-to-day through postings, videos, and various success stories of alumni. "Several alumni of government schools have scaled new heights. Posting videos of such old students will help attract more admissions," a senior official told Deccan Herald. Even rural schools in far-flung areas have been covered to utilize the reach of social media to educate parents through teachers and SDMCs.​

Early adopters report success: A Bengaluru school saw 40 per cent more pre-primary inquiries after Instagram posts of renovated labs, while a Haveri high school retained 95 per cent students through Facebook Live sessions. The state will provide training, smartphones and support to bridge the urban-rural digital divide, while restarting summer camps from 2026-27.​

This move bridges the perception gap that, though government schools come with benefits like free uniforms, better teacher ratios, and scholarships, private schools dominate marketing. Having made teachers influencers, the state aspires to a 5-15 percent surge in enrollment, targeting girls and out-of-school children.​

As digital outreach flips traditional recruitment, government schools enter parents' feeds-possibly reshaping education equity in India.​