Maharashtra makes Hindi mandatory for Classes 1-5 as it rolls out NEP
The state has made Hindi mandatory in Classes 1–5 alongside Marathi and English, even as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urges everyone to speak Marathi
In a bid to implement the three-language formula of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Maharashtra is making a significant shift in early education.
Starting from the academic year 2025–26, Hindi will be a compulsory subject for students of Classes 1 to 5, alongside Marathi and English.
This move comes as part of the state’s phased rollout of the NEP 2020.
Though the NEP does not require Hindi to be the third language, the state has chosen to introduce it across all mediums of instruction for classes 1 to 5, including Marathi and English medium schools.
Also read: Flawed NEP: A child has to hear the language in practical life to learn it
Marathi first, says Fadnavis
The decision aligns with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ remarks on Thursday (April 17) that speaking Marathi will be mandatory in the state, underscoring the government’s move to make the language compulsory as part of the implementation of the new education policy.
Addressing reporters at a public event, Fadnavis emphasised the importance of NEP 2020, stating, "As per the policy, we are attempting that everyone should know Marathi as well as the language of the country."
He emphasised that the policy promotes the adoption of a single common communicable language throughout India, and noted that the Maharashtra government has already initiated measures to promote the widespread use of Marathi.
Also Read: Kerala embraces 3-language formula, but politically resists Hindi imposition
Marathi agitation
Fadnavis' remarks come in the context of continuing debates and discussions around language policies in several states, particularly concerning the role of regional languages.
In Maharashtra, incidents of vandalism and harassment targeting non-Marathi speakers have been reported, with some allegedly supported by political groups.
Earlier, Fadnavis had stated that promoting the Marathi language is not objectionable, but such efforts must always adhere to legal boundaries.
Watch here: Why does South, except TN, have no problem with Hindi? | Talking Sense with Srini
NEP’s 5+3+3+4 shift
The rollout also also signifies the transition from the existing 10+2 education structure to the NEP-recommended 5+3+3+4 model, marking a significant shift in the organisation and delivery of school education across the state.
Students from Classes 1 to 5 will now learn all three languages—Marathi, English, and Hindi—irrespective of their medium of instruction.
Starting from Class 6, language education will follow the State Curriculum Framework, aligned with the guidelines of the national education policy.
Breaking down the 5+3+3+4 structure
Foundational Stage: Age 3–8 (includes pre-primary + Classes 1–2)
Preparatory Stage: Age 8–11 (Classes 3–5)
Middle Stage: Age 11–14 (Classes 6–8)
Secondary Stage: Age 14–18 (Classes 9–12)
These new terms—foundational, preparatory, middle, and secondary—will replace the current classifications of “primary”, “secondary”, and “higher secondary”.
Implementation begins with Class 1 in 2025 and will extend to all classes by 2029.
Curriculum overhaul underway
The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) is leading curriculum reforms, in sync with NCERT’s national guidelines.
Textbooks are being revised to reflect Maharashtra’s culture and multilingual priorities while remaining aligned with national standards.
To assist students and teachers to adapt to the new system, bridge courses and teacher training programs are in the pipeline.
Assessments will also be restructured to capture holistic student development, and content volume will be decreased to promote conceptual clarity and encourage critical thinking.
Also read: NEP 2020: Absorb ancient Indian knowledge, but view it critically