State Board Schools in Maharashtra to Introduce NCERT-Pattern Textbooks from 2025; Dada Bhuse
State Board Schools in Maharashtra to Introduce NCERT-Pattern Textbooks from 2025; Dada Bhuse
Pune: State board schools in Maharashtra will adopt significant curriculum changes starting in the academic year 2025-26. School Education Minister Dada Bhuse announced on Friday in Pune that students of Std I will begin using NCERT-pattern textbooks from this period.
The move comes in response to increasing parental demand for a curriculum similar to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Std II students will follow suit in the 2026-27 academic year, Bhuse added.
While adopting the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) framework, the new textbooks will retain Maharashtra’s cultural essence and state-specific content. State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Director Rahul Rekhawar confirmed that the Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research (Balbharati) is currently developing the materials. He added that the textbooks would be printed and distributed by April 1, marking the beginning of the new academic year.
“Over the years, there has been a growing inclination among parents towards the CBSE curriculum. While aligning with the NCERT framework, we will ensure equal emphasis on Maharashtra’s history and culture,” said Bhuse. He further stated that starting from the 2025-26 academic year, SCERT would prioritize future steps, including adjustments to the curriculum.
To ensure a smooth transition, teachers will undergo year-long training to align with the changes. Additionally, the curriculum will incorporate subjects like agriculture, sports, and arts more effectively, and discussions are underway to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) as a subject for higher classes, Bhuse said.
Phase 2 of Teacher Recruitment to Begin on January 20
The state education department has already recruited around 19,000 teachers in the first phase through the Pavitra Portal. Currently, processes such as sanctioning positions and verifying student enrollments are underway.
The second phase of recruitment, scheduled to begin on January 20, will see the hiring of 10,000 teachers. Advertisements for these positions will soon be published on the same portal, Bhuse announced.
