Karnataka School Holidays October 2025: Karnataka has decided into a 10-day educational pause as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the closure of all government and government-aided schools from October 8 to October 18, 2025, to facilitate the completion of the state’s ambitious Social and Educational Survey, widely known as the caste survey. With only 34% of the survey completed in Bengaluru and uneven progress across districts, the extension aims to empower over 1.6 lakh teachers and government employees to finish the critical data collection without academic disruptions.
34% Survey Completed in Bengaluru
The caste survey, launched on September 22, 2025, was initially scheduled to conclude on October 7. However, inconsistent progress prompted the state cabinet to extend the deadline. Speaking after a high-level meeting, CM Siddaramaiah revealed that while Koppal district has achieved 97% completion, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada lag at 63% and 60%, respectively. Bengaluru, the state’s capital and largest urban center, stands at a mere 34% completion, despite the involvement of 6,700 teachers.
The survey’s uneven pace stems from logistical challenges, population density, and administrative bottlenecks. To address this, the Karnataka Primary and Secondary School Teachers’ Association and Congress MLC Puttanna formally requested a 10-day extension, citing the need for teachers to focus solely on data collection. The education department, in coordination with the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, approved the holiday order, ensuring teachers can dedicate full attention to the survey.
Who Is Conducting the Survey?
A massive workforce of 1.6 lakh personnel is driving the survey:
- 1.2 lakh teachers from government and aided schools
- 40,000 other government employees
Teachers currently conducting mid-term examinations at Pre-University Colleges (PUC) are exempt from survey duties, ensuring academic continuity for higher secondary students.
Compensation and Accountability Measures
In a gesture of solidarity, CM Siddaramaiah announced ex-gratia compensation of Rs. 20 lakh each to the families of three staff members who died during survey operations. The announcement underscores the physical and emotional toll of the massive data drive.
At the same time, the Chief Minister issued a stern warning, disciplinary action will be taken against any government employee found deliberately avoiding or delaying survey work. This dual approach, rewarding sacrifice and enforcing accountability, reflects the government’s commitment to data integrity.
Lucknow University Result 2025, Released: Direct Link to Download Even Semester Marksheet
Impact of the Survey on Students
Recognizing the impact of school closures on students, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar assured that special classes will be organized post-holidays to compensate for lost instructional time. “Teachers have given this in writing,” he affirmed, emphasizing institutional responsibility.
These remedial sessions will be scheduled during weekends or after regular hours, ensuring minimal disruption to the academic calendar. The government is also exploring digital alternatives, including recorded lectures and online worksheets, to support remote learning during the closure period.
How much is the Cost of Reform?
The caste survey is not merely a data exercise, it is a Rs. 420 crore investment in evidence-based governance. The findings will shape future policies on education, employment, reservations, and social welfare, particularly for backward classes, Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
By capturing granular data on socio-economic status, educational attainment, and occupational patterns, the survey aims to replace assumptions with facts. This will enable the state to design targeted interventions, such as scholarships, skill development programs, and housing schemes, for the most marginalized communities.
Conclusion – Karnataka School Holidays October 2025
Karnataka joins a growing list of Indian states, including Bihar, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, conducting caste-based surveys. While the Union government has resisted a nationwide caste census, several states argue that local data is essential for equitable development.
The Karnataka survey is particularly significant given the state’s diverse social fabric, with over 100 backward communities and complex caste dynamics. The data could influence reservation policies, potentially leading to reallocation of quotas based on empirical evidence rather than political negotiation.