The state education department has decided to extend the free textbook scheme to Pre-University (PU) students from the academic year 2026–27, benefiting around 61 lakh students. So far limited to Class 10, the scheme will now cover PU colleges, reducing the financial burden on parents, especially in rural areas. Karnataka has 1,319 government and 815 aided PU colleges, where students across arts, science and commerce streams will receive textbooks for 34 subjects under the scheme.In government PU colleges, about 13.17 lakh students are enrolled across first and second year, while aided colleges have around 1.91 lakh students. The education department had submitted a proposal of Rs 30.83 crore for distribution of textbooks and workbooks from Classes 1 to 12, which has been approved by the government.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Examinations Authority clarified that for CET ranking, the higher score obtained by II PU Science students in either of the two exams will be considered, and results will be announced only after both exam results are declared, advising students not to believe rumours.
