In Karnataka, Pratham works through the Akshara Foundatin. The Foundation was set up in 2000 to implement a range of programs to increase enrollment and learning levels of 6-14 year old children in the state.

The key programs being implemented in the state include:

Direct Programs: Balwadis , learning support classes and Libraries are conducted in Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli and Darawad reaching almost 18,000 children each month.

Karnataka Learning Partnership: The Karnataka Learning Partnership is a unique partnership between the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Akshara Foundation that has been set up to improve learning outcomes among primary school children in government schools in Karnataka. It aims to reach out to every child in Karnataka to ensure that they are learning at the age appropriate level.The first phase of the programme was implemented in 2006 where the Accelerated Programme for Reading was conducted in 1301 government schools in Bangalore Urban District. 75,000 children who were unable to read were put through the programme to improve their reading ability.

Karnataka Catalytic Programme: The Karnataka Catalytic Programme aims to improve the quality and quantity of primary education in rural and semi-urban across Karnataka through a series of initiatives in partnership with other NGOs. The programme is currently working in 20 Blocks of 8 significantly backward districts in North Karnataka. The districts are Bidar, Gulbarga, Raichur, Bellary, Gadag, Dharwad, Bagalkot and Bijapur. Akshara Foundation has launched its programmes in 402 villages in these blocks.