SSLC students at an examination centre in Shivamogga. File photo.
| Photo Credit: S.K. Dinesh
Following a representation by the Association for Preservation of Local Languages, Bengaluru, the Karnataka Governor’s office has written to the Chief Secretary to examine the recent decision to award grading to third languages, including Hindi, instead of marking, in SSLC examination.
In his letter to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, R. Prabhu Shankar, special secretary to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, said that the representation submitted recently highlighted “the significant role played by the third language in fostering linguistic diversity, awareness, and intellectual development among students.”
Academic importance
“It has been pointed out that the proposed system of awarding only grades, in place of marks, may inadvertently diminish the academic importance of the subject and affect students’ motivation to engage seriously with it. The concerns raised also reflect apprehensions among teachers, parents, and educationists regarding the long-term implications of such a policy decision on the overall quality and inclusiveness of school education in the State,” the letter said.
Further the letter stated that the Governor had 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.
“Therefore, examine the matter in consultation with the Department of School Education and other authorities concerned, and take such action as deemed appropriate in the larger interest of students and the State’s educational objectives,” he requested.
Aim of move
Recently the School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa announced shifting from marks to grading system for third language in the State. He said that it was aimed at decreasing the academic burden on children.
The decision has received mixed reaction, with some welcoming the move and some others raising objections. The announcement had come even as the SSLC examinations were under way, creating confusion among students.
Hindi most picked
Hindi is the widely picked third language subject in high school, leading to the allegation that the government’s move was “anti-Hindi”. Over 7.5 lakh students have Hindi as their third language, followed by English (32,000) and Kannada (11,400). Urdu, Sanskrit, Tulu, Konkani and Marathi are the other third languages.
Published – April 03, 2026 06:02 pm IST
