The Karnataka government has proposed a new grading system for third language subjects in the SSLC examination, aiming to reduce academic pressure on students. This initiative is set to be implemented starting in the 2025-26 academic year.
Under the new rules, students will receive grades instead of traditional marks for their performance in third language and National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) subjects. The grading scale will award an ‘A’ for scores between 80% and 100%, a ‘B’ for 50% to 79%, and a ‘C’ for scores up to 49%.
Importantly, these third language and NSQF subjects will be treated as additional courses on the marks card, meaning they will not impact a student’s pass or fail status. The overall structure of the SSLC examination will remain unchanged, with six core subjects still carrying a total of 625 marks.
This proposal comes as part of the Karnataka government’s broader efforts to alleviate the intense academic pressure faced by students, while simultaneously promoting skill-based and language learning. The notification regarding this grading system is currently in draft form and is open for public objections and suggestions for a period of seven days.
As the education landscape continues to evolve, this move reflects a growing recognition of the need for a more balanced approach to student assessment. By shifting to a grading system, the government hopes to encourage students to engage more deeply with their studies without the fear of punitive marks.
Observers are keenly watching how this proposal will be received by the public and educational stakeholders, as it represents a significant shift in the assessment paradigm within Karnataka’s education system. The feedback gathered during the public consultation period will likely play a crucial role in shaping the final implementation of these changes.
Details remain unconfirmed as the proposal navigates through the public input phase. The government is expected to finalize the grading system based on the feedback received, ensuring that it aligns with the needs and expectations of students and educators alike.
