On April 16, 2025, the Maharashtra state school education department unveiled a significant educational reform, mandating that Hindi be taught as a third language for students in classes 1 to 5 across Marathi and English-medium schools. This decision marks a shift from the previous policy, which allowed students to study only two languages.
The introduction of the three-language formula is part of the broader implementation of the new curriculum framework designed in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommendations. This initiative aims to enhance linguistic diversity and improve language skills among students in the state.
The Government Resolution (GR) issued clarifies that schools using other mediums have already been following a three-language formula, as both English and Marathi are compulsory in Maharashtra. However, English and Marathi medium schools were limited to teaching just two languages until now.
The GR also outlines the commencement of the new 5+3+3+4 structure of school education, which is a key recommendation under NEP 2020. This structure consists of a foundational stage comprising the first five years (three years of pre-primary and classes 1 and 2), a preparatory stage for classes 3 to 5, a middle school stage covering classes 6 to 8, and a secondary education stage for classes 9 to 12.
The phased implementation of the new curriculum will begin with Class 1 starting in the academic year 2025-26. The three-language formula will also be implemented in phases, commencing with Class 1 in the upcoming academic year.
Textbooks for the Maharashtra State Board will now be based on the curriculum developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), with necessary modifications to suit Maharashtra’s local context, particularly in social science and language subjects. Class 1 textbooks are currently being published by Balbharati, the state textbook bureau.
Rahul Rekhawar, Director of the State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT), noted that the curriculum content for the first three years of the pre-primary section is already prepared. He added that the implementation will be done in collaboration with the Women and Child Welfare department, which oversees anganwadis. To facilitate this, SCERT plans to conduct teacher training workshops for anganwadi staff to ensure effective implementation of the new curriculum.
In addition to these changes, the Maharashtra State Board schools are set to introduce a Holistic Progress Card (HPC) for students. Rekhawar explained that NCERT has released a model HPC for various stages of school education. Unlike traditional mark-oriented report cards, the HPC will include observations on students' behavior and personality traits, alongside evaluations of their learning outcomes. The introduction of the HPC for Class 1 students is planned for the academic year 2025-26, coinciding with their start of learning the new curriculum.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Supreme Court of India has reinforced the importance of linguistic diversity in the country. Recently, the court dismissed a plea seeking the removal of an Urdu signboard from a municipal council building in Akola, Maharashtra. The plea claimed that the use of Urdu on the signboard violated the Maharashtra Local Authorities (Official Languages) Act, 2022.
Upholding a decision made by the Bombay High Court, the Supreme Court stated that the display of languages other than the official state language is not prohibited by any law in India. The bench, comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and K Vinod Chandran, emphasized the need to embrace the country’s linguistic diversity, saying, "Let us make friends with Urdu and every language." This statement reflects a broader commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all languages in the nation.
Earlier this month, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis weighed in on the ongoing discussions about language promotion in the state. He acknowledged the importance of advocating for the Marathi language but stressed that such efforts must remain within legal boundaries. Fadnavis warned that any unlawful actions taken in the name of promoting Marathi would result in appropriate legal consequences.
As Maharashtra implements these educational reforms and navigates the complexities of language promotion, the state's approach reflects a commitment to fostering inclusivity and respect for linguistic diversity. The introduction of Hindi as a mandatory third language in schools aims to enhance communication skills and cultural understanding among young learners, preparing them for a multicultural society.
Overall, these developments signify a pivotal moment in Maharashtra’s educational landscape, aligning with national policies while addressing local needs and sentiments. The focus on a three-language formula, combined with innovative evaluation methods like the Holistic Progress Card, represents a forward-thinking approach to education in the state.
