Maharashtra makes Hindi a compulsory third language for classes 1 to 5

Hindi will be made a compulsory third language subject for students from Classes 1 to 5 in Maharashtra, starting this academic year. The Maharashtra government announced the decision as part of the phased implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 at the school level.

The government resolution (GR) said students in Marathi- and English-medium schools will be required to learn Hindi from Class 1 onwards. It said in schools with other mediums of instruction, Marathi and English will become compulsory subjects and the language of instruction will be the third language.

Reports quoting the GR said the NEP will be rolled out in four phases, beginning with Class 1 in 2025–26. The new structure replaces the existing 10+2+3 model with a 5+3+3+4 model, dividing schooling into four stages: Foundation (ages 3 to 8), Preparatory (Classes 3 to 5), Pre-Secondary (Classes 6 to 8), and Secondary (Classes 9 to 12).

The updated curriculum, textbooks, and supplementary materials will be developed by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and Balbharati, the Hindustan Times reported. Teacher training programs, revised school timetables, and updated examination policies will be put in place.

Rahul Rekhawar, Director of SCERT, told Indian Express, “The curriculum content for the first three years of pre-primary section is already prepared. It has to be implemented in association with the Women and Child Welfare department which regulates anganwadis. SCERT is going to hold teacher training workshops for anganwadis to effectively implement the new curriculum for pre-primary.”

The SCERT has also prepared bridge courses for classes in which students will transition directly from the old to the new curriculum.

Also, Maharashtra State Board schools will now have Holistic Progress Card (HPC) for students.