Maharashtra Shifts Academic Calendar: Schools to Start in April from 2026-27
Maharashtra Shifts Academic Calendar: Schools to Start in April from 2026-27 ( Representative Image )
In a significant overhaul of the state’s education system, the Maharashtra government has decided to start the new academic year for state board schools in April, instead of the traditional June 15 start date. This change, proposed by a state-appointed steering committee, is part of the revised State Curriculum Framework for School Education (SCF-SE) and will be implemented from the 2026-27 academic year.
The new academic calendar will align with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) calendar, with the academic year beginning on April 1 and ending on March 31. Summer holidays for state board schools will be scheduled from May 1 to June 14.
Rahul Rekhawar, Director of the State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT) while speaking with the media, stated that the revised curriculum will replicate textbooks developed by the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT), with Maharashtra-specific contextualization. “For subjects like mathematics, science, and psychology, NCERT textbooks can be used as is. However, textbooks for subjects like social science and languages will be reworked with local references and examples,” Rekhawar explained.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions from educators and experts. While some welcome the change, citing the benefits of aligning with national standards, others have expressed concerns over logistical challenges and the potential impact on school operations.
Mahendra Ganpule, spokesperson for the Maharashtra School Principals’ Association, said to the media, “We continue to oppose the proposed academic calendar that aligns with the CBSE board. Starting the academic year in April could pose significant challenges, especially in regions like Marathwada and Vidarbha.”
Despite opposition, the state government is determined to implement the new academic calendar. A senior education officer said, “The arrangement of concluding the academic year on March 31 and starting it on April 1 is expected to provide students with more time for studies.”
The revised SCF-SE aims to enhance the holistic development of students, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The new system will focus on fostering creativity, particularly in mathematics and science, and offer greater flexibility for students to select subjects based on their interests.
