Karnataka has introduced a grading system for the third language in the ongoing SSLC examinations, School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa announced on Friday.
Addressing a press conference, the minister clarified that marks scored in the third language will not be counted towards the final aggregate. However, appearing for the subject remains compulsory. “There will be no pass or fail. Students will be assessed only through grades,” he said.
The decision follows sustained demands from pro-Kannada organisations opposing the perceived imposition of Hindi in schools. While Hindi is not the only option offered as a third language, it remains the most widely chosen due to its availability in most institutions.
In the previous SSLC examination, nearly 1.48 lakh students failed in Hindi. This year, the third language paper is scheduled for March 31.
The minister also announced a revision in the minimum age criteria for Class 1 admissions. The new rule will apply uniformly across all boards, including CBSE, ICSE, international, and state boards. Children aged 5 years and 10 months will now be eligible for admission, with the two-month relaxation extended to kindergarten levels as well.