Namoshi questions State govt. on SSLC third language policy change, seeks withdrawal

Shashil G. Namoshi, MLC, criticised the State government’s decision to dilute the role of third language subjects in the SSLC examination framework, terming it detrimental to students and the education system.

Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi city on Saturday, Mr. Namoshi said the move to reduce the total marks from 625 to 525 by excluding third languages from evaluation was “deeply regrettable”. He urged the State government to withdraw it immediately.

“SSLC is a crucial stage in a student’s academic life. Treating the third language as insignificant during the examination period will negatively affect students,” he said.

He noted that while third languages would continue as subjects, they would not be counted for marks, thereby diminishing their importance. Languages likely to be affected include Kannada, Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Urdu, Sanskrit, and Tamil. “The third language is not confined to Hindi alone. This decision weakens the three-language formula and does injustice to all these languages,” he said.

Mr. Namoshi pointed out that students across the State choose Kannada, Hindi, or Urdu as their third language, while those in border areas often opt for neighbouring State languages. In many cases, English and Hindi are taken as first and second languages, with Kannada as the third language. “Such a move could undermine the importance of Kannada itself,” he said.

He criticised the government for taking a major policy decision without discussion in the legislature. Noting that the Assembly session had concluded recently, he said the issue could still be taken up during the monsoon session for wider consultation before implementation.

Mr Namoshi said a notification for the 2025-26 SSLC examinations had already been issued, and preparations were underway based on the existing system. “The sudden decision has created confusion among students, teachers, and the examination board,” he said.

Mr. Namoshi warned that the move could dilute academic rigour and affect students’ seriousness. He objected to the announcement of no pass or fail status for the third language while the examinations are under way, stressing that key policy decisions should be made at the beginning of the academic year.