16th July 2026
Vedanta IOK Initiative Drives SSLC Pass Rate Surge from 78% to 97% in Rural Karnataka Schools
A focused academic mentoring initiative supported by Vedanta Iron And Steel – Iron Ore Karnataka (VISL – IOK) is helping transform educational outcomes in rural Chitradurga, with participating schools recording an impressive rise in SSLC pass rates from 78% in 2025 to 97% in 2026.
Implemented under Vedanta IOK’s flagship CSR programme, Project Vriddhi, the ‘Master Class to Achieve 100%’ initiative was designed to support students at a critical stage in their academic journey. Through structured mentoring, intensive weekend coaching, examination preparation sessions and confidence-building support, the programme enabled students from rural communities to strengthen their learning outcomes and approach their board examinations with greater preparedness and self-belief.
The impact has been significant. Of the 167 students who appeared for the SSLC examinations across four participating government and aided schools, 162 successfully cleared the exams. More importantly, the initiative has helped improve opportunities for students pursuing higher education, vocational courses and future career aspirations, reinforcing the role of quality education in creating pathways for social and economic progress.
The improvement was visible across all participating schools. Shri Anjaneya Swamy High School, Kadleguddu, improved its pass percentage from 85% to 97%, while Dr. B. R. Ambedkar High School recorded a substantial increase from 74% to 96%. Shri Nuthan High School, Siddapura, achieved a perfect 100% pass rate, up from 93% in the previous year. The most notable turnaround was witnessed at Shri Anjaneya Swamy High School, Manangi, where pass percentages rose from 59% to 98%, reflecting the transformative impact of sustained academic support and mentoring.
Speaking on the achievement, Mr Shrishaila Gouda, CEO, Vedanta – Iron Ore Karnataka, said: “At VISL -IOK, we believe education is one of the most powerful enablers of social transformation. The outstanding improvement in SSLC results across all four schools demonstrates what can be achieved when students are provided with the right academic support, mentoring and encouragement. An overall improvement from 78% to 97% is a matter of immense pride, and we congratulate every student, teacher and parent who contributed to this success. Through Project Vriddhi, we remain committed to strengthening rural education and creating opportunities that enable every child to realise their full potential.”
Launched in December 2025, the programme sought to address learning gaps and strengthen academic preparedness among SSLC students through subject-specific mentoring, examination-writing techniques and effective time-management practices. The intervention not only improved academic performance but also increased student confidence and classroom engagement, helping learners realise their full potential.
The initiative forms part of Vedanta IOK’s broader commitment to community development through Project Vriddhi, which promotes quality education in rural Karnataka through academic support programmes, school infrastructure development, distribution of educational resources and the Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarship Programme. Together, these interventions are helping create a more enabling learning environment for students and supporting long-term educational advancement across the region.