Exam results: Karnataka govt to withdraw circular on teachers' pay cut

Bengaluru: Minister for School Education and Literacy Madhu Bangarappa, heeding objections raised by several legislators, informed the Legislative Council on Monday that his department would withdraw the circular that threatened teachers with the loss of salary grants if students secured less than 60% in their subjects.  

Following a dip in the pass percentage in the 2025 SSLC examinations, the Department of School Education and Literacy had issued the circular so as to make teachers more accountable for the performance of the students.  

Pointing out that the ‘60%’ figure had been arrived at arbitrarily, BJP MLC S V Sankanur said, “If you simply promote students till class nine, and expect them to perform well in SSLC examinations, how is that possible? Teachers cannot be held responsible for poor performance.”

Assuring the Council that he had already discussed the issue with officials in the department, Madhu said, “The circular will be withdrawn.” 

Madhu’s assurance to the House comes close on the heels of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah calling for action against Deputy Directors of Public Instruction for poor performance in the SSLC examinations in their respective districts.