The Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research, popularly known as Balbharati, has released an official circular regarding textbook changes for the academic year 2026–27. The circular outlines newly published textbooks, continuation of existing books, optional subjects, and compulsory learning materials for students across various standards.
Policy Changes
The circular has been issued in accordance with multiple Government Resolutions related to curriculum revisions and educational reforms. These changes are linked to the implementation of the National Education Policy and the updated academic structure planned for schools across Maharashtra.
The bureau stated that all registered booksellers, educational institutions, and concerned authorities should take note of the updated textbook information for the upcoming academic year.
New Textbooks
As per the latest Government Resolution, new textbooks based on the revised curriculum will be introduced for Standards 2, 3, 4, and 6 during the academic year 2026–27. These textbooks have been prepared according to the framework developed under the National Education Policy.
Balbharati has clarified that the prices of these newly published textbooks will be announced separately. An annexure containing details of the books has also been attached with the circular.
Final Year
The circular further mentioned that the academic year beginning in June 2026 will be the final year for the existing textbooks of Standards 5, 7, 9, and 11. Schools and institutions have therefore been advised to purchase these textbooks only according to actual requirements.
This step has been taken as these standards are expected to receive revised textbooks in the following academic cycle under the new curriculum framework.
Marathi Learning
Balbharati has also announced compulsory Marathi language textbooks for students studying in different mediums of instruction. Students from the English medium in Standards 2, 3, 4, and 6 will receive the Marathi textbook titled “Shiku Marathi Anandane”.
Students studying in Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, Kannada, Sindhi, Telugu, Tamil, and Bengali medium schools will be provided with another compulsory Marathi language textbook titled “Karu Maitri Marathi Shi”.
Optional Books
For Standard 6 students, several optional textbooks based on the old curriculum will continue to be available in reprinted form. These include Hindi Sulabhbharati, Hindi Sugambharati, Sugambharati (Kannada Combined), Tarufe Urdu, Sindhubharati Are/Dev, Telugu Saralbharati, and Gujarati Sahitya Parichay.
The bureau clarified that these books are optional and are being made available as reprints from the previous curriculum structure.
Existing Stock
The circular also addressed the integrated and regular textbooks used in Standards 5, 7, and 8. According to Balbharati, both versions contain the same syllabus content and follow the same evaluation scheme.
The bureau further stated that both types of textbooks are based on the current curriculum and that the remaining stock available in warehouses will continue to be sold.
Practical Records
Another important point highlighted in the circular relates to practical record books for students from Standards 9 to 12. As per earlier Government Resolutions and corrigenda, students studying in these classes must use practical notebooks prepared by Balbharati.
The use of Balbharati-prepared practical record books has been made compulsory in accordance with the prescribed syllabus and evaluation system.
Study Material
Balbharati also informed schools and students about its specially prepared “Swadhyay Pustika” study practice books. These books have been created by education experts and experienced teachers from Maharashtra for students studying in Standards 8 to 12 in Marathi and English medium schools.
The bureau described these books as high-quality and subject-focused learning materials designed to support students in their studies.
Discount Offer
To encourage wider usage of the study practice books, Balbharati has announced a 40 per cent discount on their printed price. Students have been encouraged to make use of these materials for academic support and subject practice.
The bureau believes that these practice books will help students strengthen their understanding of different subjects while following the prescribed curriculum.
Official Notice
The circular was issued by Anuradha Oak, Director of the Textbook Bureau, Pune. It was officially released on 7 May 2026 from the Balbharati office located on Senapati Bapat Road in Pune.
The announcement serves as an important update for schools, booksellers, students, and parents preparing for the 2026–27 academic year across Maharashtra.
Important Links:
Maharashtra Government Tightens Enforcement of Compulsory Marathi Teaching in Schools
Maharashtra Government Issues Strict Notice on Student Safety in Schools
