Soon, Maharashtra's youngest learners will be fluent in three languages. As, the State education department has announced a new rule in its education policy. Starting from the academic year 2025–26, Hindi will become a compulsory third language for students in Standards 1 to 5, as reported by the Times of India. This will be applicable to all Marathi and English medium schools across Maharashtra.
Why This New Rule is Being Introduced
So, what’s the reason behind this change? Currently, Marathi and English medium schools teach only two languages from Standards 1 to 4. Whereas, schools under other mediums follow a three-language policy. The three languages that are included in these schools are usually their medium of instruction, Marathi, and English.
Thus, the new rule is intended to make language learning more consistent across all schools. Which in turn, also gives students a better foundation in multiple languages.
Through this policy, the Maharashtra government is also implementing the State Curriculum Framework (SCF) 2024.
The three-language policy is already in place for Standards 6 to 10 and will remain unchanged.
Let’s also take a look at what else is being introduced in the Maharashtra State education system.
Maharashtra’s Education System Set for Major Changes
Big changes are coming to the school education system in the new academic year. In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a new ‘5+3+3+4’ structure will reshape how students learn from kindergarten to high school.
- The ‘5+3+3+4’ structure includes new terminology and a shift from the previous ‘10+2+3’ system. Instead of the old terms (primary, secondary, higher secondary), the new system groups standards under new labels.
Here’s a preview of what the new terminology and structure actually is:
| New Education Structure in Maharashtra’s Education System | ||
| Levels | Age of Students | Standards |
| Foundational Level | 3–8 years |
Kindergarten 1–3, and Standards 1 and 2 |
| Preparatory Level | 8–11 years | Standards 3–5 |
| Middle Level | 11–14 years | Standards 6–8 |
| Secondary Level | 14–18 years | Standards 9–12 |
- The syllabus for Government schools with Marathi, English, and Hindi will be a mix of NCERT and State Board syllabus. This new syllabus will start with Standard 1 in 2025–26. The timetable and evaluation methods prepared by the SCERT will be followed by all schools in Maharashtra.
As Maharashtra introduces Hindi as a compulsory third language for students in the new academic year, it's time for parents and educators to ensure young learners are equipped with the right resources. Our Hindi Sulekh Book series are designed to help children master the basics of Hindi alphabets, Barakhadi, and Sanyukt Akshar.
At Target Learning Ventures, we strongly believe that quality education is the cornerstone for a brighter future for every student. And these recent reforms introduced in the Maharashtra education system show promise to be a significant step in this direction.
Source
The Times of India, 17 April, 2025: Hindi, besides Marathi & English, now must in Maharashtra school Standards 1-V
Kindly note that any and all information is subject to change as per the Maharashtra State Board, Ministry of Education, and Government of India.
What other improvements do you think Maharashtra's education system needs? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
Also read
Maharashtra to Adopt Online FYJC Centralised Admission Process from Academic Year 2025–26
Maharashtra Board Opens July-August 2025 Registration for New SSC and HSC Candidates
