Karnataka Schools Demand Clarity on CBSE’s Three-Language Policy Shift

The Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) has written to the Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) seeking clarifications on the implementation of the three-language policy. The association has requested a response within 15 days.

On June 26, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced a relaxation of the three-language policy for students in classes 7, 8, and 9 of CBSE-affiliated schools. While the policy will be enforced for class 6 students, those in higher classes may continue studying the foreign language they had previously chosen.

D. Shashikumar, KAMS general secretary, raised several concerns. Many CBSE schools in Karnataka already offer Kannada as a first or second language. The association seeks clarity on whether Sanskrit, Hindi, and other approved Indian languages can continue to be offered as a third language. Additionally, they ask how to handle students who have migrated from other states and are now in class 6, as such students may face difficulties adapting to the revised language requirements.

KAMS also demanded clarity on the examination pattern that will apply to CBSE schools under the three-language policy in Karnataka. They urged the Union government and CBSE to permit schools to continue with their existing approved language combinations for the current academic year. Furthermore, the association requested that the circular’s implementation be kept in abeyance until it aligns with the Karnataka Kannada Language Learning Act, 2015, and the Kannada Language Learning Rules, 2017.

Other demands include availability of prescribed textbooks, comprehensive implementation guidelines, and stakeholder consultations before the policy is put into effect.