Karnataka has decided to make grading system for third language in SSLC exam. This will be applicable from SSLC that is underway, announced minister for school education and literacy Madhu Bangarappa. Announcing the decision at a press conference on Friday, the minister said that marks for third language will not be included for the final marks. However, it is mandatory for all students to appear for it. “There will be no fail or pass for this. Only grades will be given,” said the minister. The move comes following demand from various pro-Kannada organisations who oppose Hindi being imposed among students. Even though Hindi is not the only third language available for students, it is the most opted subject as most schools offer it. In last SSLC, around 1.48 lakh students have failed in Hindi. The third language paper in the current SSLC is slotted for March 31. The Minister, at the press conference, has also added that the new age criteria for class 1 will be applicable to all schools– CBSE, ICSE, international, and state boards. He had announced on Thursday that children who are 5 years, 10 months can also enroll for Class 1. The two-month relaxation is applicable for kindergarten classes too.
