Major States Accelerate NEP Rollout: Karnataka, UP Lead Curriculum Overhaul in 2026

States like Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh are fast-tracking the National Education Policy (NEP) implementation, introducing new curricula, teacher training, and assessment reforms in 2026.

Bengaluru, February 11, 2026 — Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh have emerged as frontrunners in the nationwide push to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with both states unveiling major curriculum changes and teacher training initiatives this week. The rollouts, announced in official briefings and state education ministry updates, mark a significant acceleration in NEP adoption across India’s most populous regions.

The NEP 2020, approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2020, aims to transform India’s education system by 2030. Key reforms include a shift to a 5+3+3+4 curricular structure, emphasis on foundational literacy, and a focus on holistic and multidisciplinary learning. States have been tasked with adapting the policy to local needs, leading to varied timelines and approaches.

Karnataka's Swift Curriculum Overhaul

Karnataka’s Department of Primary and Secondary Education announced the rollout of the new curriculum for classes 1 to 5 in all government and aided schools, effective from the 2026-27 academic year. According to The Hindu, the state has completed the translation and adaptation of textbooks into Kannada and English, with a focus on experiential learning and critical thinking.

Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa stated that over 80,000 teachers have undergone NEP-specific training modules since January 2026. The training, conducted in partnership with Azim Premji University, covers new pedagogical methods, formative assessments, and digital classroom integration. The government has allocated ₹150 crore for the first phase of implementation, as reported by The Times of India.

Source: Photo by Akshi Yogashala on Pexels

Uttar Pradesh's Massive Teacher Training Drive

Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, launched its largest-ever teacher training program last week. The initiative aims to train 2.5 lakh teachers across 75 districts on NEP-aligned teaching practices by June 2026, according to Hindustan Times. The state has also begun piloting the new curriculum in 1,200 government schools.

State Education Minister Gulab Devi emphasized the importance of foundational literacy and numeracy, noting that the new curriculum integrates local culture and languages. The state’s education department has partnered with UNICEF and Tata Trusts to develop digital resources and assessment tools, aiming to bridge learning gaps exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assessment and Examination Reforms

Both Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh are piloting new assessment frameworks that prioritize continuous evaluation over rote-based exams. According to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), these reforms are designed to reduce exam stress and encourage deeper understanding. Karnataka’s pilot schools have reported a 15% improvement in student engagement, as per internal state data.

Uttar Pradesh’s assessment reforms include digital report cards and formative assessments, with teachers receiving real-time feedback through a centralized portal. The state’s education board is also considering the introduction of open-book exams for middle school students, a first in the region, as reported by The Indian Express.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite progress, both states face significant hurdles. Teacher unions in Karnataka have raised concerns about the pace of training and the adequacy of digital infrastructure, especially in rural districts. In Uttar Pradesh, logistical challenges persist in reaching remote schools and ensuring consistent internet connectivity, according to a report by India Today.

The Central Government has urged states to prioritize infrastructure upgrades and equitable resource allocation. The Ministry of Education’s latest review, published on February 8, 2026, highlights disparities in NEP implementation between urban and rural areas, calling for targeted interventions.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Parents and students have expressed cautious optimism. In Bengaluru, parent-teacher associations welcomed the focus on holistic education but requested more orientation sessions. In Lucknow, students reported excitement about interactive learning modules and reduced exam stress. However, some rural families remain concerned about the availability of textbooks and digital devices, as per a survey by Pratham Foundation.

Education experts, including Dr. Anuradha Joshi of NCERT, have lauded the states’ efforts but stressed the need for ongoing monitoring and feedback loops. "Implementation is a marathon, not a sprint. Continuous teacher support and community engagement are critical," Dr. Joshi told The Economic Times.

Central Government’s Role and Funding

The Union Ministry of Education has released an additional ₹2,500 crore to support NEP implementation nationwide in 2026, with a focus on teacher training, digital infrastructure, and curriculum development. States are required to submit quarterly progress reports and outcome metrics, as outlined in the latest ministry guidelines.

The National Steering Committee on NEP, chaired by Dr. K. Kasturirangan, is conducting monthly reviews with state education secretaries. The committee’s February 2026 report notes that 14 states have completed NEP curriculum pilots, while another 10 are in advanced stages of teacher training.

Impact on Higher Education

While the current focus is on school education, universities in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh are also aligning their undergraduate programs with NEP guidelines. Multidisciplinary courses, flexible credit systems, and skill-based electives are being introduced, according to University Grants Commission (UGC) updates. The states have set a target to fully transition higher education institutions by 2028.

Student enrollment in multidisciplinary undergraduate programs has increased by 12% in Karnataka since 2025, as per state education department data. Uttar Pradesh universities are piloting four-year degree programs with research options, aiming to boost employability and research output.

What’s Next: Monitoring and Scaling Up

Both Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh plan to scale up NEP implementation to all schools by 2027. The states are developing mobile apps for teacher support, parental engagement, and real-time monitoring. The Ministry of Education will conduct a national review in July 2026 to assess progress and identify best practices for replication in other states.

Experts warn that sustained funding, teacher motivation, and community participation will determine the long-term success of NEP reforms. The next six months are critical as states consolidate gains and address persistent challenges in infrastructure and equity.

Sources

Information for this article was sourced from The Hindu, The Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, India Today, Pratham Foundation, The Economic Times, University Grants Commission, and official Ministry of Education releases.

Sources: Information sourced from The Hindu, The Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, India Today, Pratham Foundation, The Economic Times, UGC, and Ministry of Education reports.