‘Kannada cannot be third language in Karnataka’: State school body opposes CBSE’s three-language policy
The Karnataka Associated Board of Primary and Secondary Schools (KAMS) has opposed the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) compulsory three-language policy, saying it conflicts with the state’s existing language law.In a legal representation submitted to the CBSE chairman, the association urged the Board to keep the circular on hold for the next academic year until there is clarity on how it will be implemented in Karnataka. He has also sought an immediate clarification from the CBSE.KAMS said the Karnataka Language Learning Act, 2015 already makes Kannada compulsory as a first or second language in all schools, including CBSE-affiliated ones. According to the association, the new CBSE circular has created legal uncertainty, especially for schools where Kannada is already being taught as a first or second language.D Shashi Kumar, general secretary of the association, said, “It is technically impossible to implement Kannada as a third language in CBSE schools. Also, CBSE should clarify whether English is a foreign language or a regional language. In our opinion, English should be considered a regional language as it is widely used in all walks of life, from the judiciary to the legislature.”KAMS has given CBSE 15 days to respond. He said he will approach the High Court if the Board fails to provide the clarification sought within the stipulated time.Meanwhile, CBSE on Monday issued detailed guidelines explaining how the third language policy will be implemented for students of different classes under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, announcing some exemptions.For students studying in class IX during the academic session 2026-27, the third language (R3) will be assessed through an internal school assessment only. There will be no CBSE Board examination for the third language when these students reach Class X in 2027-28. CBSE and NCERT will also provide grade-appropriate learning resources to help students study the language.As a relaxation, students of the current Class VII and Class VIII batches who have already chosen and started studying two non-native languages will only have to add one Bhartiya Bhasha and continue studying it till Class X. Like the current Class IX batch, the third language will be assessed through an internal school assessment, and there will be no CBSE Board exam.
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