The Maharashtra government has shared its detailed plan to implement the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 starting from the 2025-26 academic year. This policy will bring several changes to the school education system across the state.

One of the key changes is that Hindi will be made a compulsory third language for students studying in Marathi and English medium schools from Classes 1 to 5. This means, along with their regular subjects, students will now also have to learn Hindi.

The new education system will be introduced in phases. It will begin with Class 1 in 2025-26 and gradually extend to all classes up to Class 12 by the 2028-29 academic year. This step-by-step approach is aimed at helping schools and students smoothly adjust to the changes over time.

As part of the new language policy, Hindi will be made a compulsory third language for young students in the early grades. To help make this change easier, the Maharashtra government plans to train 80% of teachers in modern teaching methods and digital tools by 2025. This training will help teachers use better ways to teach and support students as the new system is put in place.

Maharashtra will follow the new 5+3+3+4 education structure under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, replacing the old 10+2+3 system. This updated format breaks school education into four stages-foundational, preparatory, middle, and secondary, focusing on age-appropriate learning. The new curriculum will be designed within the state by SCERT and Balbharati to ensure it suits local needs. 

The state education department's Deputy Secretary, Tushar Mahajan, said this policy is being rolled out gradually. He also said the policy is based on five core principles: Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability. It aims to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the year 2030.

The notification released reads, the Maharashtra government has set up multiple committees to ensure the step-by-step implementation of the new education policy. One of these is a State Steering Committee, which is headed by the Minister of School Education.

 

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