The Maharashtra government has officially approved the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with a significant change that makes Hindi a compulsory third language for students in Classes 1 to 5 across Marathi and English-medium schools.
This new language requirement will replace the existing two-language system and will be rolled out in phases beginning in the 2025–26 academic year, with full implementation targeted by the 2028–29 school year. The gradual introduction aims to provide sufficient time for adaptation by both schools and students.
To support this transition, the state government plans to train 80 per cent of its teaching workforce in modern pedagogical methods and digital tools by 2025. This large-scale training initiative is intended to equip educators with the skills necessary to deliver high-quality instruction under the new system.
The investment in professional development is seen as a crucial step to ensure the smooth execution of the NEP and to mitigate any challenges that may arise during its implementation.
The NEP 2020 also introduces a complete overhaul of the traditional 10+2+3 education structure, replacing it with a more holistic 5+3+3+4 format.
This new structure is designed to better cater to the developmental needs of students across four key stages: foundational, preparatory, middle, and secondary education. The restructuring spans the entire educational spectrum from early childhood to higher education.
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Curriculum development under this new model will be spearheaded by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) in collaboration with Balbharati. The framework emphasises the importance of tailoring learning experiences to each stage of student growth, ensuring a more seamless and effective progression through the educational system.
According to Tushar Mahajan, Deputy Secretary of the state education department, the policy is rooted in five core pillars: Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability. He noted that the NEP aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 and is being gradually implemented across the state with these long-term goals in mind.
The broader objective of these reforms is to enhance the accessibility and quality of education throughout Maharashtra. By aligning the state’s education system with the national framework and global development goals, the government aims to build a more inclusive and accountable educational environment.
The phased rollout ensures that all stakeholders—students, teachers, and institutions—are prepared to adapt to and benefit from the new policy. In doing so, Maharashtra anticipates a significant improvement in its educational outcomes and overall standards in the coming years.
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