Karnataka High Court Rejects State Plea, Upholds Marks System for SSLC Third Language Evaluation
Court rules grading system cannot be introduced mid-cycle, directs use of marks for 2025–26 exams
The Karnataka High Court has delivered a setback to the state government by refusing to interfere with its earlier decision on the evaluation method for SSLC third language examinations.
A bench led by Justice E. S. Indiresh dismissed a review petition filed by the Karnataka government, thereby upholding its April 15 order that directed answer scripts to be assessed using marks instead of a grading system.
The court ruled that the government must follow the evaluation rules that were in force when the examination notification was issued. It further stated that any shift to a grading system must be implemented only after proper legal amendments and cannot be introduced midway through an academic cycle.
While allowing the possibility of future reforms, the court made it clear that changes cannot be applied retrospectively for the ongoing 2025–26 SSLC examination process.
The case originated after three students from Chikkamagaluru and Udupi approached the court, raising concerns over proposed changes in evaluation methods for the third language subject. They sought enforcement of an earlier circular issued by the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board.
During proceedings, the state’s legal representative informed the court that evaluation would follow the rules applicable at the time of the exam notification. Taking note of this assurance, the court directed the government to continue with the marks-based system for the current examination cycle.The Karnataka High Court has delivered a setback to the state government by refusing to interfere with its earlier decision on the evaluation method for SSLC third language examinations.
A bench led by Justice E. S. Indiresh dismissed a review petition filed by the Karnataka government, thereby upholding its April 15 order that directed answer scripts to be assessed using marks instead of a grading system.
The court ruled that the government must follow the evaluation rules that were in force when the examination notification was issued. It further stated that any shift to a grading system must be implemented only after proper legal amendments and cannot be introduced midway through an academic cycle.
While allowing the possibility of future reforms, the court made it clear that changes cannot be applied retrospectively for the ongoing 2025–26 SSLC examination process.
The case originated after three students from Chikkamagaluru and Udupi approached the court, raising concerns over proposed changes in evaluation methods for the third language subject. They sought enforcement of an earlier circular issued by the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board.