Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has requested the state government to reconsider its recent decision to replace marks with grades for the third language subject in the Class 10 Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exams. In a letter addressed to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Gehlot emphasized the need for a comprehensive examination of the decision, which was announced by School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa on March 27. The new grading system, which affects over 7.5 lakh students, will reduce the total score from 625 to 525 marks, as the third language, typically Hindi, will no longer be scored with marks. The government argues that this change aims to reduce pressure on students, especially those who struggle with Hindi. However, the Governor's office has received representations from the Association for Preservation of Local Languages, expressing concerns about the potential diminishing of the academic importance of the third language and its implications for linguistic diversity and student motivation. Gehlot has urged the government to consult educational authorities and consider the long-term effects of this policy on the quality of education in Karnataka.