The Karnataka Budget 2026–27 was presented on 6 March 2026 by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the state assembly. The budget focuses on technology, infrastructure, welfare schemes, and education. The total budget size is about ₹4.48 lakh crore, one of the largest budgets in the state’s history. �

Below are the major highlights.

1. Total Budget Size
   Total Outlay: ₹4.48 lakh crore
   Revenue expenditure: about ₹3.38 lakh crore
   Strong focus on welfare schemes, infrastructure and technology sectors. �
   South First
2. Technology & AI Initiatives
   7 new initiatives for Artificial Intelligence sector.
   AI-based attendance systems in Anganwadis, schools and colleges.
   Plans to strengthen the AI ecosystem and tech startups. �
3. Major Infrastructure Projects
   ₹7,000 crore for Bengaluru infrastructure.
   41 km metro expansion in Bengaluru.
   Development of 1,800+ km roads across the state.
   Plans for a second airport for Bengaluru.
   Mysuru to be developed as the second IT hub of Karnataka. �
4. Education & Youth
   15,000 vacant teacher posts to be filled.
   ₹2,500 crore to upgrade 40 government colleges and polytechnics.
   800 schools to be upgraded into Karnataka Public Schools.
   31 women PU colleges under Waqf institutions to become degree colleges. �
5. Social Welfare & Health
   Free insulin pens for children with Type-1 diabetes.
   Indira Food Kit (tur dal, sugar, salt, oil) for poor families.
   Continued funding for guarantee schemes like Gruha Lakshmi (₹28,608 crore allocation).
6. Agriculture & Rural Development
   Financial assistance for 1.3 lakh farmers (₹5,000 annually).
   Electricity subsidy for farm pumps.
   Funding for irrigation projects like Mekedatu and Upper Bhadra.
   ₹10,433 crore for Jal Jeevan Mission rural water supply. �
   
7. New Policies & Interesting Announcements
   Proposed ban on social media for children under 16 years to protect mental health. �
   Plan to end alcohol price controls and introduce a new excise system. �
   Construction of an 80,000-seat international cricket stadium near Bengaluru. �
   ✅ Overall focus:
   Technology & AI
   Infrastructure growth
   Welfare schemes
   Education and rural development