AI facial recognition to track student attendance statewide

From the academic year 2025-26, all government and aided schools in the State will use an AI-powered facial recognition system to track student attendance. The aim is to create accurate daily attendance records, identify students who are absent, and increase transparency in student programs. A mobile app has been developed for this purpose, incorporating students' data from the Students Achievement Tracking System (SATS). Officials emphasize the importance of regular attendance for quality education. High absenteeism can create learning gaps, which may affect students' performance in exams. There have been noticed discrepancies in registered versus actual student attendance, which this new system hopes to address. The facial recognition system will also help track the number of students benefiting from government initiatives, such as meal programs and school supplies. The Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) tested the program in Uttara Kannada district and decided to expand it statewide after a successful pilot project. According to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, monitoring attendance will be part of the 'Nirantara' program. Teachers will need to install the app on their smartphones. The app is designed to protect students' privacy. Commissioner K.V. Trilok Chandra assures that student photos will not be stored. Instead, the software will recognize facial features like eyes and nose. This technology allows for capturing all students' facial features quickly. For instance, a class of 50 students can be scanned in about five seconds. Teachers can manage attendance efficiently, helping improve school attendance rates.