Maharashtra Makes Hindi Compulsory in Classes 1 to 5 with Marathi and English
Maharashtra Makes Hindi Compulsory in Classes 1 to 5 with Marathi and English
Starting with the 2025–26 academic session, all Marathi and English-medium schools in Maharashtra will implement Hindi as a third language for students in Classes 1 to 5. This new mandate aligns with the three-language formula recommended in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, marking a shift from the current two-language system in these schools.
The Maharashtra School Education Department issued a Government Resolution (GR) on Wednesday confirming that the revised curriculum will be rolled out in phases. Schools already following the three-language policy—those with mediums other than Marathi and English—typically teach English, Marathi, and the medium language. However, Marathi and English-medium schools will now follow suit by incorporating Hindi into the curriculum.
The GR also details the adoption of NEP’s 5+3+3+4 educational structure. This includes a foundational stage (pre-primary to Class 2), a preparatory stage (Classes 3 to 5), middle school (Classes 6 to 8), and secondary education (Classes 9 to 12). The implementation will begin with Class 1 in 2025.
To support this transition, Balbharati, the state’s textbook bureau, is revising Class 1 textbooks based on NCERT guidelines, with localized modifications in language and social sciences. Additionally, bridge courses will be introduced to help students adjust to the new curriculum.
Rahul Rekhawar, Director of SCERT Maharashtra, stated that the preschool syllabus has already been finalized. SCERT will coordinate with the Women and Child Welfare Department for anganwadi-level training and curriculum rollout.
As part of the NEP reforms, schools will also launch the Holistic Progress Card (HPC) from 2025, offering a comprehensive evaluation system. The HPC will not only focus on academic performance but also cover personality development, behavior, and extracurricular skills.
This extensive curriculum overhaul aims to improve language learning, align with national standards, and provide holistic education from the foundational stage onwards.
