Ballari schools implement AI face-recognition for student attendance

Government schools in Karnataka’s Ballari district have started using an artificial intelligence (AI)-based face-recognition system to record student attendance. The initiative, introduced through the ‘Nirantara’ app by the education department, marks a significant shift towards technology-driven monitoring in the education sector.

Previously used for tracking teacher attendance, the system is now being extended to students. Starting from the academic year 2026-27, all government and aided schools and colleges in the district will adopt this AI-enabled attendance system. Currently, the rollout is underway in 720 government schools and 76 aided schools in Ballari.

Teachers have been instructed to download and register on the app, while student data is being collected by capturing facial images from three angles: left, right, and front. This data is then uploaded to the department’s server, allowing the app to automatically mark attendance using face-recognition technology.

According to Ballari’s Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI), J. M. Thippeswamy, the district has 1,05,955 students enrolled in Classes 1 to 10 in government schools this year. Of these, around 9,000 students have already been registered in the new system, and the process is ongoing.

Officials believe this technology will streamline attendance tracking and reduce manual errors, ensuring better monitoring of student presence. While the initiative is being welcomed as a step towards modernization, its success will depend on smooth implementation and addressing potential privacy concerns.