The Karnataka government's recent decision to grade rather than score third language subjects in the State Board class 10 (SSLC) exams has generated significant controversy. Announced unexpectedly during the examination period, the change is perceived by some as an 'anti-Hindi move,' particularly by leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who have vowed to reinstate the three-language policy if they regain power. The School Education and Literacy Minister, S. Madhu Bangarappa, defended the initiative, stating it aims to alleviate academic pressure on students, as many struggle with the third language, predominantly Hindi. Data indicates that of the 8,07,962 students registered for the current SSLC exams, 7,52,398 have chosen Hindi as their third language. The decision follows a trend of high failure rates in this subject, with 1.46 lakh students failing the third language paper in the previous year. While the intent is to protect students' interests, the timing of the announcement has left many confused, with teachers and students expressing concerns about the implications for their grades. The move is seen as a potential step towards adopting a two-language policy in Karnataka, which has been a contentious issue in the state for decades. As the government navigates this transition, the future of language education remains uncertain.