Edupreneur Roundtable at Bengaluru – Stakeholder Discussion

Overview

Karnataka has achieved remarkable progress in expanding access to education, yet learning outcomes remain below expectations. The National Assessment Survey 2025 reveals that only 26% of Grade 6 students can identify basic fractions, and 29% of Grade 9 students can visualise number sets—reflecting deep learning gaps that go beyond rote memorisation.

The state’s school system includes government (65%), aided (9%), and unaided private schools (26%), with low-fee private schools (LFPS) playing a vital role in reaching underserved communities. Despite this diversity, learning outcomes remain poor across all categories—indicating a systemic challenge rooted in pedagogy, regulation, and teacher preparation.

Shortages of qualified teachers, limited training, and outdated curricula further intensify the crisis. To address these issues, the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), in collaboration with the Centre for Civil Society (CCS), is hosting the Edupreneur Roundtable at Bengaluru to convene government officials, educators, think tanks, and civil society leaders for a collaborative dialogue on improving school education outcomes in India.

The roundtable is part of the CPPR project, “Easing the Regulatory Ecosystem of School Education in India.“

Objectives

• Facilitate Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue: Engage policymakers, education experts, and civil society to identify barriers and strategies for quality improvement.

• Identify Policy Gaps & Recommend Reforms: Examine existing frameworks that restrict innovation in teaching and learning.

• Promote Technology Integration: Share successful models and address challenges in leveraging digital tools for education.

Panel 1: Bridging the Learning Gap

Discussion Points:

• Role of LFPS in expanding access and ensuring sustainability.

• How curriculum, assessment, and regulations influence learning outcomes.

• Rethinking teacher development amid qualification and training constraints.

• Designing performance monitoring systems that prioritise real learning over compliance.

Panel 2: Leveraging Technology in School Education

Discussion Points:

• Enhancing engagement and foundational skills through digital tools.

• Balancing innovation with regulatory and content compliance.

• Ensuring equitable access to connectivity, devices, and digital literacy through public–private partnerships.

AGENDA

Friday, 10th October 2025

09:45 a.m. — Conference Begins

10:00 – 10:15 a.m. — Welcome Address by Dr D Dhanuraj, Chairman, CPPR; Presentation by CPPR Team

10:15 – 11:45 — Session 1: Bridging the Learning Gap: Understanding Causes, Challenges, and Strategies for Better Outcomes

Key Discussants

• D Shashikumar, Secretary, Associated Managements of English Medium Schools (KAMS)
• Thomas Antony, Senior Manager – Education Policy, Reforms at the Centre for Civil Society (CCS)

11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Break

12:00 – 01:30 p.m. — Session 2: Leveraging Technology in School Education

Key Discussants

• Sai Kothai, Principal Consultant and Early Career Coach
• Nityananda C, Chief Program Officer, e-Vidyaloka

1:30 – 2:00 p.m. — Lunch