Hindi Now Mandatory as Third Language in Classes 1–5 in Maharashtra

In a significant reform under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Maharashtra state school education department has announced a phase-wise implementation of a new curriculum framework. Beginning from the academic year 2025–26, Hindi will be made a mandatory third language for students in Classes 1 to 5 in English and Marathi-medium schools. This marks a shift from the existing two-language format and aligns with NEP’s three-language formula, aiming to foster multilingual proficiency and national integration.

Key Highlights of the Announcement

Mandatory Hindi (3rd Language)

• Hindi will now be compulsory as a third language for students in Classes 1 to 5.
• Applies to Marathi and English-medium schools in Maharashtra.

Three-Language Formula

• Already in place in other medium schools (e.g., Urdu, Gujarati), which include English, Marathi, and their medium language.
• Marathi and English-medium schools previously only taught two languages.

Curriculum Implementation Timeline

• Implementation will begin phase-wise from Class 1 in the academic year 2025–26.
• Aligned with NEP 2020’s recommended 5+3+3+4 education structure.

New Education Structure (NEP 2020)

• Foundational Stage: Pre-primary (3 years) + Classes 1–2
• Preparatory Stage: Classes 3–5
• Middle Stage: Classes 6–8
• Secondary Stage: Classes 9–12

Textbook Changes

• New textbooks to be developed by NCERT with Maharashtra-specific adaptations, especially in Social Science and Languages.
• Balbharati is publishing Class 1 textbooks accordingly.

Statement by SCERT

• Director Rahul Rekhawar confirmed preparedness of pre-primary curriculum and emphasized training and coordination for successful rollout.