The Karnataka Governor has asked the state government to re-examine its decision to award only grades—without marks—for the third language in the SSLC examination, following concerns over its potential impact on academic engagement and linguistic diversity.

In a communication to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Secretary to the Governor R Prabhu Shankar forwarded a representation submitted by the Association for Preservation of Local Languages, Bengaluru, which flagged apprehensions about the policy’s implications for students, teachers and the broader education system.

“I am directed to forward herewith a copy of a representation submitted by the Association for Preservation of Local Languages, Bengaluru, which has been addressed to the Governor of Karnataka, concerning the recent decision to award only grades, without including marks, for the third language in the SSLC examination,” the letter stated.

The representation underscored the role of the third language in fostering linguistic diversity, awareness and intellectual development among students. It cautioned that a grading-only system could dilute the subject’s academic importance and weaken students’ motivation to engage with it seriously.

It also highlighted growing concerns among teachers, parents and educationists about the long-term implications of the move on the quality and inclusiveness of school education in the state.

“The 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.

The Chief Secretary has been requested to review the issue in consultation with the Department of School Education and other concerned authorities, and to take appropriate action in the larger interest of students and the state’s educational objectives.