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“The Governor has taken note of issues and desired that the matter be examined comprehensively, keeping in view its academic and administrative aspects,” the communication said
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. (File Photo: PTI)
The controversy over Karnataka’s decision to award only grades — without marks — for the third language in SSLC examinations has intensified, with Raj Bhavan directing the state government to re-examine the policy following concerns raised by language preservation groups.
Meanwhile, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has weighed in on the debate, saying they can’t enforce Hindi on students.
In an official communication dated March 2, 2026, the Special Secretary to the Governor forwarded a representation submitted by the Association for Preservation of Local Languages, Bengaluru, urging the government to reconsider the decision.
The letter, addressed to Chief Secretary Dr Shalini Rajneesh, stated that the Governor has taken note of the concerns and wants the issue reviewed comprehensively.
“The Hon’ble Governor has taken note of the issues raised in the representation and desired that the matter be examined comprehensively, keeping in view its academic and administrative aspects across the education sector,” the communication said.
What triggered the controversy
The Karnataka government recently decided to award only grades instead of marks for the third language in SSLC examinations, a move that triggered strong reactions from language activists and education stakeholders.
Critics argue that removing marks could reduce the academic weight of third-language subjects such as Hindi, Sanskrit, Kannada and other regional languages, potentially discouraging students from taking them seriously.
Language organisations have also warned that the change could weaken efforts to preserve linguistic diversity, especially in a multilingual state like Karnataka.
Concerns over reduced academic importance
The representation highlighted the role of third-language education in strengthening linguistic diversity and intellectual growth among students.
According to the letter, stakeholders fear that removing marks from third-language evaluation could weaken student interest and reduce the subject’s academic significance.
“The representation highlights the significant role played by the third language in fostering linguistic diversity, awareness, and intellectual development among students,” the letter noted.
It further warned of long-term academic consequences if the grading-only system continues.
“The proposed system of awarding only grades, in place of marks, may inadvertently diminish the academic importance of the subject and affect students’ motivation to engage seriously with it,” the communication added.
Governor directs consultation with education department
Raj Bhavan has asked the state government to take up the matter in consultation with the Department of School Education and other concerned authorities.
“Therefore, I kindly request you to examine the matter in consultation with the Department of School Education and other concerned authorities, and take such action as deemed appropriate in the larger interest of students and the State’s educational objectives,” the letter stated.
The communication also mentioned that the concerns reflect apprehensions among teachers, parents and educationists, particularly regarding the long-term implications of the policy on the quality and inclusiveness of school education in the state.
Siddaramaiah weighs in
“We are not anti-Hindi. But you should not enforce (language) on students. During our period also, when we were students, Hindi was not compulsory. This time also, Hindi is not compulsory,” Siddaramaiah said.
“During the SSLC examination, it was compulsory earlier. Now we have removed the compulsory criteria. We are not coming in the way of learning Hindi. You can learn Hindi. Whoever wants to learn Hindi, let them learn Hindi,” the CM said.
The Raj Bhavan’s intervention is being seen as a significant development in the ongoing debate, signalling growing institutional scrutiny over the policy’s academic impact.
April 03, 2026, 1:32 PM IST
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