Karnataka Overhauls SSLC Assessment: Third Language Moves to Grading System
In a significant move aimed at easing academic pressure on secondary school students, Karnataka’s School Education and Literacy Minister, S. Madhu Bangarappa, has unveiled a series of reforms to the SSLC examination framework. The announcements, made during a press conference following the legislative assembly session, signal a major shift in how students will be evaluated in the state.
Third Language: No More Pass or Fail
The most notable change concerns the ‘third language’ paper in the SSLC exams. Previously, this subject carried 100 marks out of a total of 625. Under the new system, the pass-fail criterion for this paper has been completely removed. Instead of numerical scores, students will now receive grades such as A, B, C, or D. Crucially, marks obtained in the third language will no longer be factored into the final aggregate score, reducing the stakes for students who may find the subject challenging.
This new grading approach will apply uniformly across all third language options, including Hindi, Sanskrit, Tulu, Marathi, and Arabic. An official notification detailing the implementation is expected to be released shortly.
Introduction of Moral Science as a Subject
In addition to the examination reforms, the Minister announced the introduction of a dedicated Moral Science subject starting from the current academic session. The government will provide free textbooks for this subject to all students. The initiative is designed to foster ethical values and character development, with the broader goal of nurturing responsible and conscientious citizens.
Proposal to Restrict Social Media for Minors
The Minister also addressed concerns regarding children’s online safety. A proposal to ban social media usage for children under the age of 16 was tabled in the assembly and received widespread support. While the government is taking legislative steps, Bangarappa emphasized that this is a shared responsibility. He urged parents to actively monitor their children’s mobile phone usage and guide their online activities to ensure a safe digital environment.
Broader Examination Reforms and Government Vision
Beyond the third language changes, the state has already implemented a system of conducting examinations three times a year. This approach is intended to alleviate the stress of a single high-stakes exam by giving students multiple opportunities to improve their performance. Under this model, students have the chance to retain their best scores.
These multifaceted reforms underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening the public school system. The emphasis is on creating a more transparent, student-friendly educational environment that prioritizes holistic development over rote learning and exam anxiety. By reducing the pressure associated with board exams and introducing value-based education, the state aims to cultivate a more positive and supportive learning atmosphere for its students.
