Flutter over grading third language

Karnataka's decision to grade third-language papers signals a shift towards a two-language policy, easing student pressure amid political debate.

The Karnataka government’s decision not to award marks for third language subjects, and instead give grades in the State Board class 10 (SSLC) exams, was announced midway through the examination process, taking all by surprise. It is seen politically as an “anti-Hindi move”, but otherwise argued to be aimed at easing academic pressure on students.

While many have criticised the timing of the announcement, which created confusion, most have welcomed the intent of the move. Only the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have, in principle, opposed it on the grounds of it being “anti-Hindi”. Some of them have vowed to bring back the three-language formula for exams once they are back in power.

Announcing the decision, School Education and Literacy Minister S. Madhu Bangarappa explained that until last year, SSLC exams were conducted for a total of 625 marks across six subjects, of which 100 marks were allotted to the third language. Henceforth, with the third language paper being only graded and not considered for the total marks, there will not be a pass or fail system for the third language, and the new total will be 525 for five subjects. However, the third language will be taught, and exams will be conducted as earlier, he said.

This new rule will apply to third languages such as Hindi (NCERT), Hindi, Kannada, English, Arabic, Urdu, Sanskrit, Konkani, Tulu, and Marathi. However, data for the year 2025-26 shows that 93% of students have taken Hindi as a third language. Of the total 8,07,962 students who have registered themselves for SSLC exams this academic year, 7,52,398 students have Hindi as their third language.

The Minister argued that the move was aimed at easing pressure on students. A large number of students failing in the third language, which is predominantly Hindi in the State Board schools, prompted this decision, he said. Data from 2024-25 shows that of the total 1.64 lakh students who failed the SSLC exam, 1.46 lakh students failed the third language paper.

Mr. Bangarappa argued that given the data, it was evident that students were not comfortable with the third language and it was a burden on them. Grading the paper, instead of scoring it, was another measure to protect the interest of the students, he argued.