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As part of its NEP 2020 rollout from the 2025-26 academic year, Maharashtra has made Hindi a compulsory third language for students in Classes 1 to 5.
Maharashtra has made Hindi compulsory for students in Classes 1 to 5 in both Marathi and English medium schools, in line with the three-language policy under NEP 2020. (Representative/File Photo)
The Maharashtra government has announced a phase-wise implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, beginning in the academic year 2025-26. A key highlight of the plan is the introduction of Hindi as a compulsory third language for students from Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools.
Currently, these schools follow a two-language system. The change aligns them with other medium schools in the state, which already follow the three-language formula — English and Marathi being compulsory along with the medium of instruction. To support this transition, the government aims to train 80% of teachers in new pedagogical techniques and digital tools by 2025.
The new curriculum will be introduced gradually, beginning with Class 1 in 2025-26 and expanding to higher classes each year until full implementation by 2028-29. The revised curriculum will follow the 5+3+3+4 structure recommended in NEP 2020 — covering four stages of schooling: foundational (pre-primary to Class 2), preparatory (Classes 3–5), middle (Classes 6–8), and secondary (Classes 9–12).
Textbooks will be based on the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) framework, customised to reflect Maharashtra’s local context. For the upcoming academic year, Class 1 textbooks are being prepared by Balbharati, the state’s textbook bureau.
The policy also focuses on decentralised curriculum development, involving the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and Balbharati. Implementation will be monitored by various bodies, including a State Steering Committee chaired by the Minister of School Education.
