KAMS Demands CBSE Clarify Three-Language Policy Clash With Karnataka Law

On Monday, a Karnataka school association representing over 5,000 schools, including CBSE institutions in Bengaluru, sought urgent clarity from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) regarding its new three-language policy. The Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) stated that the CBSE's guidelines fail to address a key conflict with the state's law requiring Kannada to be taught as a first or second language.

Under the Kannada Language Learning Rules, 2017, students in the state already study Kannada as either their first or second language. KAMS noted that the CBSE guidelines do not explain how these students are expected to comply with the third-language requirement.

The CBSE guidelines, issued over a month ago, made studying three languages—including at least two native Indian languages—compulsory for Class 9 students starting July 1. Since its implementation, the policy has caused widespread confusion, leaving schools unprepared and prompting parents and students to legally challenge the order.

D Shashi Kumar, General Secretary of KAMS, stated that schools' apprehensions largely remain unaddressed. "The confusion still prevails. CBSE releases guidelines nationwide, but it needs to consider policies that states have adopted," Kumar said.

In a letter sent to the CBSE chairperson on Saturday, KAMS highlighted that schools cannot implement these educational reforms without adequate academic preparedness. The association pointed out that there is significant uncertainty regarding prescribed textbooks, their availability, language combinations, and examination methodology.

The forum also noted that the CBSE circular does not clarify how interstate migrant students should comply when Kannada is introduced as an additional compulsory language.

The mid-year policy shift has disrupted the ongoing academic year. KAMS emphasized that students had already opted for their language combinations, parents completed admissions based on the approved curriculum, schools prepared timetables, teachers were appointed, and textbooks were purchased before the directive.

The confusion has also led to a decline in admissions. Sandeep Pai S, Chairman of Bangalore Sahodaya Schools, an association of Bengaluru schools offering the CBSE curriculum, confirmed a dip in admissions, noting that some students have quit even after paying advance fees. Some college heads reported that admissions have dropped by nearly 40 to 50 percent following evaluation errors in CBSE exams and the announcement of the three-language policy.