No marks-based assessment for third language in SSLC exam

To reduce the academic pressure on SSLC students, the Karnataka government has decided not to award marks for the third language, including Hindi, in the final results. Instead, a grading system will be followed for the third language. This is applicable to the ongoing exam too.

Speaking at a press conference here on Friday, Minister for School Education and Literacy, Madhu Bangarappa, said, “Till now, the SSLC examination was conducted for 625 marks for six subjects. Hundred marks were allotted for the third language. Henceforth, there will be no pass or fail system for the third language. That is, the marks of the third language will not be considered for the final result. Instead, grading (for example: A, B, C, D) will be given,” he added.

“This new rule will apply to all third languages in the State curriculum, including Hindi, Sanskrit, Tulu, Marathi, Urdu, Arabic and others. An official order in this regard will be issued soon,” he stated.

He pointed out that many Kannada organisations and the Kannada Development Authority had raised the issue of the third language, including Hindi, becoming a burden for schoolchildren.

“In addition, a total of 1.64 lakh students failed in the third language and 1.48 lakh students failed in Hindi during last year’s SSLC examination. In many States, grading is being given instead of marks for third language,” the Minister said.

Replying to a question whether subjecting third language to grading will not hinder Kannada language learning in schools where Kannada is taught as the third language, Mr. Bangarappa said, “About 96% of the schools in the State are teaching Hindi as a third language. In the remaining 4% of the schools, different languages are being adopted as the third language. Therefore, a separate policy will be implemented after discussing with experts so that Kannada is not affected.”

Decision hailed

The Kannada Development Authority (KDA), Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, and other stakeholders have welcomed the government’s decision.

“This decision complements the two-language policy advocated in the State Education Policy (SEP) and will reduce unnecessary language pressure on students and also promote the growth of the Kannada language,” said Purushottama Bilimale, chairman of KDA.

Niranjanaradhya V.P., Developmental Educationist said, “It would have been better if the government had made this decision at the beginning of the academic year. However, this decision will reduce the burden and increase the speed and ability of children’s cognitive learning.”

T.A. Narayana Gowda, president of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike said, “This is big success in the fight against Hindi imposition.”

However, the Association for the Protection of Indigenous Languages has urged the State government to review its decision. “It is necessary to review the State government’s decision on third language from the perspective of educational interest, personality development of students and the unity of the country,” said Chidananda A. Patil, vice-president of the association.