Under the new curriculum framework introduced in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Maharashtra School Education Department has declared Hindi a compulsory third language for students from classes 1 to 5 in both Marathi- and English-medium schools.
Until now, students in these mediums were required to study only Marathi and English as compulsory languages from classes 1 to 4. However, a recent Government Resolution (GR), issued on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, outlines a revised curriculum structure in alignment with NEP 2020 and introduces Hindi as an obligatory subject in the early primary years.
“All schools in the State, except Marathi- and English-medium, follow the three-language formula, with a plan in place that the Hindi language will be compulsory from classes 1 to 5, starting from Grade 1 in the upcoming academic year,” the GR states.
In accordance with the NEP’s proposed 5+3+3+4 academic structure, Maharashtra will begin integrating this model across all school levels, from the foundational years through to secondary education. The foundational stage includes three years of preschool along with Grades 1 and 2. This is followed by the Preparatory stage (Grades 3 to 5), Middle school (Grades 6 to 8), and finally, Secondary Education (Grades 9 to 12).
The NEP has faced criticism from several states due to its controversial policies, including concerns over language imposition and implementation challenges.
