LLB Entrance Exam in Malayalam? Keralam Approves Bilingual Format From Next Year

Students seeking admission to law courses in Keralam will have the option of taking the LLB entrance examination in Malayalam or English from the next academic year, following the state government's approval of a bilingual examination format. The initiative aims to make the law admission process more accessible to students who are more comfortable with Malayalam.

The decision was taken following a directive from Higher Education Minister Roji M John, taking into account the demands raised by students and the state's policy of promoting the mother tongue. According to an official statement, the government has approved the introduction of question papers in both Malayalam and English for the LLB entrance examination.

The proposal gained momentum after Malayalam Aikya Vedi, a state-based organisation, submitted a representation to the government requesting that entrance examination question papers be made available in Malayalam. The demand highlighted the need to provide candidates with the opportunity to understand examination questions in their preferred language, particularly for students whose academic backgrounds have primarily involved Malayalam as the medium of instruction.

To implement the arrangement effectively, the government is considering measures to ensure that the Malayalam translation of examination questions remains accurate and reliable. A panel comprising legal experts may be constituted to oversee the translation process and help maintain the intended meaning of questions relating to legal concepts and terminology. The authorities are also considering the use of modern software systems to tackle technical difficulties associated with translating and preparing examination papers in two languages.

The government has also outlined a mechanism to resolve any ambiguity that may arise between the Malayalam and English versions of a question. The examination prospectus will clearly state that the English version will be considered authoritative if any discrepancy or uncertainty is identified in the Malayalam translation.