No grace marks in SSLC examination-2 and 3: Minister Bangarappa

Udupi: Karnataka Minister for Primary & Secondary Education, Madhu Bangarappa, announced that students received grace marks this year due to the strict conduct of the SSLC annual exam. He clarified that this was a one-time measure and will not be repeated in future academic years. No grace marks will be given for the SSLC annual examination-2 and annual examination-3 this time either.

Bangarappa explained that the exams were conducted under strict rules to maintain their integrity. However, to support students, 20% of grace marks were awarded. Over 2 lakh students have registered for examination 2, which will also be held under strict conditions, Bangarappa stated at a press conference at the Congress office in Udupi.

Expansion of Karnataka Public Schools

Bangarappa also announced plans to open 3,000 new Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) in the 2024-25 academic year, due to high demand.

“There is a high demand for Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) in the state. Under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, we plan to open more KPS using Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. The necessary infrastructure for KPS schools will be provided by utilizing the CSR funds from local associations and corporate bodies… We aim to open 3,000 KPS schools in the 2024-25 academic year,” he said.

Additionally, existing government primary and high schools will also be upgraded to KPS, he added.

No Decision on School Entry Age Relaxation

Addressing concerns about the strict rule requiring children to be 4 years old to join LKG, Bangarappa stated that no changes will be made at this time. The rule was set based on expert advice, and any changes could cause problems. He said, “We have to wait and see what will happen in the future.”