Karnataka SSLC Reforms: Only grading for 3rd language in Class 10, moral science focus from 2026

The Karnataka government has announced a series of reforms aimed at reducing academic pressure and promoting holistic learning among SSLC students, state education minister Madhu Bangarappa said in a post on X.

In the post, Bangarappa emphasised that the decisions are part of a broader effort to ease exam-related stress and create a more student-friendly and supportive learning environment across the state.

He wrote that the move comes amid growing concerns over academic pressure and its impact on students’ mental well-being.

Also read Karnataka SSLC Reforms: Only grading for 3rd language in Class 10, moral science focus from 2026

SSLC Key Measures

The minister outlined below key measures aimed at easing academic burden and ensuring overall development of students;

• The government will introduce a grading system for third languages in the SSLC examination. Subjects such as Hindi, Sanskrit, and Urdu will no longer carry marks and will instead be assessed through grades. Bangarappa wrote that this step is expected to significantly reduce the fear of pass or fail associated with these subjects and help students focus on learning rather than scoring.

• Moral Science will be introduced as part of the curriculum from the current academic year. As per the minister, the subject aims to instill ethical values and help shape students into responsible and socially aware citizens. The government will also provide free textbooks to ensure accessibility for all students.

• The minister said that the issue of children’s digital safety was also discussed in the assembly, particularly the regulation of social media usage among children below 16 years of age. Bangarappa urged parents to remain vigilant and take an active role in monitoring their children’s online behaviour, highlighting the growing risks associated with digital exposure.