The Karnataka government has announced a significant change to the SSLC examination, proposing a grading system for third language subjects that will take effect from the 2025-26 academic year. Under this new system, students will receive grades instead of traditional marks for these subjects, including Hindi and NSQF courses.
The proposed grading scale is straightforward: students will earn an ‘A’ for scores between 80% and 100%, a ‘B’ for scores from 50% to 79%, and a ‘C’ for scores up to 49%. This shift aims to alleviate academic pressure on students while promoting skill-based and language learning.
Importantly, third language and NSQF subjects will be classified as additional subjects on the marks card and will not influence a student’s pass or fail status. The overall structure of the SSLC examination will remain intact, with six core subjects still accounting for a total of 625 marks.
The Karnataka government is currently in the process of finalizing this proposal, which is open for public objections and suggestions for a period of seven days. This initiative reflects a broader trend in educational reform, focusing on reducing stress and enhancing the learning experience for students.
As the notification is still in draft form, stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the proposal and provide feedback. Observers anticipate that this change could set a precedent for other states considering similar reforms in their educational systems.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific implementation process and how the grading will be integrated into existing frameworks. However, the move has already sparked discussions among educators and parents about its potential impact on student learning and assessment.
