K’taka Guv orders review of SSLC’s third language grading policy

THe mysore regulator’s power has instructed the say governing body to examine concerns raised over the government’s move to introduce a grading system for third language subjects in the state secondary school leaving certificate (SSLC) examinations.The move came after the Association for Preservation of Local Languages, Bengaluru, submitted a representation questioning the academic and systemic consequences of the decision. The Governor’s office has forwarded the concerns to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh.According to the communication, the governor has asked for a comprehensive review that considers both academic and administrative dimensions of the policy. “The governor has taken note of the issues raised in the representation and desired that the matter be examined comprehensively, keeping in view its academic and administrative aspects across the education sector,” it said.Officials have been instructed to consult the department of school education and other authorities and “take such action as deemed appropriate in the larger interest of students and the State’s educational objectives.”The concerns come from the perceived impact of the change on the status of third-language learning. The representation argued that these subjects play a role in promoting linguistic diversity and intellectual development, and warned that removing marks may reduce student motivation and weaken engagement.The policy shift itself was introduced during the ongoing SSLC examination process, catching many by surprise and prompting criticism over its timing. It has also been perceived in political circles as an “anti-Hindi” move, even as the government has maintained that the intent is to ease academic pressure on students.School education and literacy minister S Madhu Bangarappa said that, earlier, the SSLC examination covered six subjects totalling 625 marks, including 100 marks for the third language. Under the revised system, the total has been reduced to 525 marks across five subjects, with the third language assessed through grades and excluded from pass or fail criteria. He said the subject would continue to be taught and examined.The minister said the decision was informed by performance trends. In 2024-25, out of 164,000 students who failed the SSLC examination, 146,000 failed in the third language paper. He argued that this indicated widespread difficulty with the subject and justified a shift to grading as a measure to protect student interests.The change applies to a range of third languages, including Hindi, Kannada, English, Arabic, Urdu, Sanskrit, Konkani, Tulu and Marathi. Data from the current academic year shows that a large majority of students — 7,52,398 out of 8,07,962 —have opted for Hindi as their third language.The move has also fed into a broader debate over language policy in the state. Kannada organisations had earlier threatened protests, arguing that Hindi was being imposed and affecting students’ prospects.The Kannada Development Authority and the State Education Policy Commission have recommended moving towards a two-language system.The current change is being seen by some as a step in that direction. After the commission submitted its report in 2025, chief minister Siddaramaiah expressed support for a two-language formula, though it has not yet been implemented.At the same time, opposition leaders have criticised the policy. Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, including Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, have opposed the decision and said they would restore the earlier system if they return to power. Union minister Shobha Karandlaje has also described the move as “anti-Hindi”.