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Tamil Nadu Debunks Viral Rumors on Tamil Exam Exemption for Class 10

The Tamil Nadu government has firmly rejected viral social media rumors claiming students are exempt from writing the Tamil paper in Class 10 public examinations. Officials labeled the reports as completely false, clarifying that Tamil remains a compulsory subject. The confusion stemmed from a temporary, court-directed exemption granted only to specific linguistic minority schools for the 2023-24 academic year, which has now ended. Authorities have urged the public to rely solely on official announcements to avoid unnecessary panic among students and parents.

Key Points: Tamil Nadu Denies Rumors of Tamil Paper Exemption for Class 10

  • Viral social media rumors debunked
  • Tamil remains compulsory for Class 10 exams
  • Temporary exemption was for specific minority schools
  • Government warns against misinformation
  • Official announcements are the only reliable source
2 min read

TN govt dismisses social media rumours on Tamil paper exemption

TN govt dismisses false social media claims that Tamil language paper is optional for Class 10 exams. Officials confirm Tamil remains compulsory.

"completely false - Tamil Nadu Officials"

Chennai, Feb 11

The Tamil Nadu government has categorically rejected viral claims circulating on social media that students appearing for the Class 10 public examinations have been exempted from writing the Tamil language paper.

Officials described the reports as "completely false" and urged the public not to be misled by unverified messages.

Over the past week, posts shared widely on WhatsApp and X alleged that the state had decided not to make Tamil compulsory in the SSLC examinations.

The messages further claimed that students from linguistic minority communities would be allowed to write the examinations in their respective mother tongues instead of Tamil.

The claims quickly spread across the state, creating confusion and anxiety among students, parents and teachers.

The issue also took on a political dimension. Some leaders, including Naam Tamilar Katchi chief coordinator Seeman, criticised what they believed was a dilution of Tamil's status in the school curriculum.

The rumours sparked a debate about the state's long-standing commitment to protecting Tamil language education.

However, Tamil Nadu Fact Check (TN Fact Check), the state government's official information verification agency, stepped in to clarify the matter and dismiss the viral claims.

In an official statement, the agency said that no such policy decision has been taken and that Tamil remains a compulsory subject in the Class 10 public examinations.

Authorities also provided context to explain how the misunderstanding arose.

Between 2020 and 2023, students studying in recognised linguistic minority schools were temporarily exempted from writing the Tamil paper following directions from the Madras High Court.

The exemption was granted only to specific schools that had formally sought relief.

Based on these requests, the concession was extended only for the 2023-24 academic year.

Officials stressed that this relaxation was temporary and not a permanent rule.

Importantly, no exemption was granted in 2025.

The government reiterated that Tamil continues to be mandatory under existing regulations and warned against spreading misinformation that could cause unnecessary panic among students.

Parents and students have been advised to rely solely on official announcements from the School Education Department for accurate information regarding the examinations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Seeman
While I'm relieved the rumour is false, this incident shows how sensitive the issue of Tamil language is. Any hint of dilution causes immediate uproar, and rightly so. The government must be extra vigilant in protecting our mother tongue's status in education. 💬
R
Rohit P
Social media is becoming a menace. People create and spread fake news just for likes and shares. The TN Fact Check team did a good job, but we also need stricter laws against those who start such rumours that disrupt children's education.
A
Ananya R
The article mentions the temporary exemption for linguistic minority schools. I think that was a fair and compassionate decision by the High Court. We must protect Tamil, but also support students from other language backgrounds during their transition. Balance is key.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while the clarification is welcome, the fact that such a rumour gained so much traction points to a deeper lack of trust in official communication channels. Maybe the Education Department needs a more proactive social media strategy to reach parents directly.
K
Kavya N
My sister is writing her SSLC exams this year. The last few days were so confusing! Tamil is our pride and a compulsory subject. I'm glad it's staying that way. Students, just focus on your studies and ignore the noise. All the best! 👍

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