The State Council for Education, Research, and Training (SCERT) of the Maharashtra government has proposed major changes to the curriculum for Classes 11 and 12. One significant change is making English a non-compulsory subject, classifying it as a foreign language instead of a required one.
With the new proposed curriculum, students will have more flexibility in choosing their subjects. There will be a total of eight subjects, including two languages, four elective subjects, and two compulsory subjects. Under the new subject scheme for Classes 11 and 12, students can select a total of eight subjects: two languages, environmental and physical education, and four additional subjects of their choice. The reason behind this change is to eliminate the traditional stream-specific paths (Arts, Commerce, Science).
According to the SCF’s language chart, students must choose at least one Indian language. The chart includes 17 Indian languages and nine foreign languages, with English being the primary option among the foreign languages.
This change enables students to explore a wide variety of subjects and languages, encouraging a broader approach to education. Additionally, the draft curriculum highlights the importance of interdisciplinary learning, with particular attention given on topics related to climate change and its effects.
Previously, English was a mandatory subject from Classes 1 to 12. However, the new school education framework draft for Maharashtra, released by SCERT, is now open for feedback from all stakeholders.
The SCERT has called for feedback from stakeholders until June 3, 2024, showing a collaborative effort to shape the educational landscape in Maharashtra. These proposed changes signify a move towards a more flexible and holistic approach to learning, equipping students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
