Maharashtra will implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 from the 2025-26 academic year, a key change includes making Hindi a compulsory third language in Marathi and English medium schools. This decision will first apply to Class 1 students in the 2025-26 academic year. The implementation will extend to all grades by the 2028-29 academic year. Previously, only two languages were taught in these schools. Other medium schools in Maharashtra already follow the three-language formula.
This move aligns with the new 5+3+3+4 educational structure, Maharashtra Hindi compulsory third language under NEP 2020. This structure replaces the old 10+2+3 system. The new system divides school education into four stages:
- Foundational stage: 3 years of pre-primary and Classes 1 and 2
- Preparatory stage: Classes 3 to 5
- Middle stage: Classes 6 to 8
- Secondary stage: Classes 9 to 12
The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and Balbharati will develop the localized curriculum. SCERT has also created a bridge course for students transitioning to the new curriculum. The government aims to train 80 percent of teachers in new teaching methods and digital tools by 2025.
Deputy Secretary Tushar Mahajan’s government notification states that NEP 2020 has five pillars: Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability. This aligns the policy with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for achievement by 2030. Furthermore, Maharashtra State Board textbooks will now be based on the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) curriculum.
Also Read: Children’s Education Allowance 2025
