In a forward-looking move aimed at equipping students with essential life skills, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to introduce financial education at the school level starting from Class 6, focusing on money management, savings, responsible spending and basic financial planning. The initiative will be implemented under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, with the state entering into strategic partnerships with leading financial institutions, including Zerodha, to design age-appropriate and practical learning modules for students.

Officials said the program is intended to build strong financial awareness among children at an early stage, preparing them to make informed financial decisions in adulthood. The curriculum will cover fundamental concepts such as budgeting, saving habits, digital payments, banking systems, investment basics, fraud awareness, insurance, taxation awareness and responsible use of credit.

Education department officials noted that while students are increasingly exposed to digital payments and online transactions, structured financial knowledge remains limited. Introducing financial education from Class 6 onwards is expected to bridge this gap and foster a culture of financial discipline from a young age. The modules will be integrated into regular school learning through interactive lessons, activity-based exercises, real-life simulations, games and practical examples rather than conventional textbook-driven teaching.

Special emphasis will be placed on money management skills, teaching students how to plan expenses, differentiate between needs and wants, set savings goals and understand the long-term value of disciplined spending.

As part of the program, the state government is going to tie up with reputed financial firms, including Zerodha, to provide technical expertise, digital learning content and teacher support. These firms will assist in developing simplified financial concepts suitable for school students and aligned with national education goals. Officials said the collaboration will ensure that students gain exposure to real-world financial systems while maintaining strict academic and ethical standards.

The curriculum will also include lessons on digital financial safety, cyber fraud prevention, UPI usage, online banking risks and financial consumer rights. With digital transactions becoming routine even among adolescents, the government aims to ensure students are equipped to navigate the digital economy safely.

Speaking on the initiative, State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha, B. Srinivas, said the program marks a significant shift in school education. “Financial education is no longer optional, it is a life skill. By introducing structured financial learning from Class 6, we are empowering students to understand money, savings and responsible spending at an early age. This initiative will help create financially aware and confident citizens for the future,” he said.

He added that the program would be rolled out in phases across government schools, with teacher training and digital support systems being developed simultaneously. “Our partnership with financial institutions such as Zerodha will help bring practical knowledge into classrooms. The objective is not to promote markets, but to build awareness, discipline and informed decision-making among students,” Srinivas explained.