Maharashtra Makes Hindi a Mandatory Language for Classes 1–5 Under NEP 2020 Rollout
The updated curriculum will align with NCERT standards while incorporating Maharashtra-specific content in key subjects.
As part of implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Maharashtra has made Hindi a compulsory third language for students in Classes 1 to 5 in both Marathi and English-medium schools.
Until now, students from Classes 1 to 4 were only required to study Marathi and English. However, a new Government Resolution (GR) issued by the State School Education Department on April 16, 2025, outlines a phase-wise plan to adopt the updated curriculum based on NEP recommendations.
The GR states that all schools across the state, except Marathi and English-medium institutions, are already following the three-language formula. Now, Hindi will also be introduced as a required subject from Grade 1 in the coming academic year, gradually extending up to Grade 5.
The NEP’s 5+3+3+4 model will be adopted throughout the school system. This structure includes a foundational stage (three years of pre-primary plus Grades 1 and 2), a preparatory stage (Grades 3 to 5), middle school (Grades 6 to 8), and secondary education (Grades 9 to 12).
The curriculum will be designed in accordance with the guidelines of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), while integrating Maharashtra’s regional context in subjects such as History, Geography, and languages.
According to the GR, the education framework from early learning to higher education is built on five core principles: inclusiveness, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability.