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.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Hindi Now Mandatory as Third Language in Classes 1–5 in Maharashtra
New Policy	Hindi made mandatory as third language in Classes 1–5
Mediums Affected	English and Marathi-medium schools
Implementation Start	Academic year 2025–26, starting with Class 1
Language Formula	Three-language formula as per NEP 2020
NEP Education Structure	5+3+3+4 (Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, Secondary)
Textbooks	Based on NCERT, adapted for Maharashtra; Class 1 by Balbharati
Bridge Course	Prepared by SCERT for transitioning students