Starting from the 2025–26 academic year, Maharashtra has officially rolled out the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introducing major reforms in school education. Among the most notable changes is the introduction of Hindi as a compulsory third language for students in Classes 1 to 5 across both Marathi and English-medium schools.
This move aligns with NEP 2020’s three-language formula, which aims to foster multilingualism and national unity. Previously, students in these schools studied only two languages.
Language Structure Across Schools
For schools operating in mediums other than Marathi and English, the three languages from Classes 1 to 5 will include:
- The medium of instruction
- Marathi
- English
For Marathi and English-medium schools, Hindi will now be added as a third compulsory language during the foundational years.
NEP Framework and Curriculum Changes
On Wednesday, the State School Education Department announced the phased implementation of NEP 2020’s school curriculum framework. A Government Resolution (GR) clarified that while non-Marathi/English medium schools were already following the three-language format, English and Marathi medium schools are now required to adopt it by including Hindi.
The rollout also includes the adoption of NEP’s 5+3+3+4 school structure:
- Foundational Stage: 3 years of pre-primary + Classes 1–2
- Preparatory Stage: Classes 3–5
- Middle Stage: Classes 6–8
- Secondary Stage: Classes 9–12
Curriculum Development and Implementation
The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and Balbharati will spearhead the creation of revised curricula, textbooks, and supplementary materials. They will also develop a transitional ‘Setu Syllabus’ to support schools and students during the shift. NCERT textbooks will be customized where necessary to meet the new framework.
Emphasis on Holistic and Conceptual Learning
The updated curriculum prioritizes:
- Foundational literacy and numeracy
- Integrated learning across subjects
- Conceptual clarity over rote learning
- Critical thinking and creativity
Assessments will be redesigned to reflect comprehensive student development, with the introduction of a Holistic Progress Card (HPC) evaluating both academic performance and non-academic growth.
