CBSE Schools Raise Concern Over Kannada Mandate

Feb. 28, 2025, 9:46 a.m.

CBSE schools in Bengaluru are very much concerned as the first batch of students who took Kannada as a mandatory second language reaches Class 9 in 2025. The challenge lies in how students who joined schools in Karnataka midway through their education will get adapted with the language requirement. Bangalore Sahodaya, an association of CBSE schools, plans to raise this issue with CBSE officials.

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A school principal pointed out that students who moved to Karnataka recently may struggle to meet the language proficiency needed for board exams. Another principal mentioned that the suggested approach, starting with Grade 1 textbooks for older students and progressing gradually, is impractical for board exam preparation. A further concern is the registration code for Kannada as a second language, which is linked to a first-language textbook, making the difficulty level too high.

The association will request CBSE to allow Kannada as a mandatory third language instead of a second language. A Sahodaya official clarified that they do not oppose Kannada being taught but believe making it a second language disadvantages students new to the state. Some students performing well in other subjects have shifted to international curricula to avoid the issue. D. Shashi Kumar from the Association of Primary and Secondary Schools of Karnataka said there is no clarity on the exam’s format, textbooks, or who will conduct it. A court case filed by parents on this matter remains unresolved, leaving schools uncertain about how to proceed.