Hindi Made Mandatory as Third Language for Primary Classes in Maharashtra Govt Schools

Pune, 17th April 2025: The Maharashtra Education Department has mandated Hindi as a compulsory third language for students in standards I to V in all state government-run Marathi and English medium schools. This move comes as part of the implementation of the State Curriculum Framework (SCF) 2024.

The new policy, announced via an official government notification on Wednesday, revises the existing language structure in early schooling. Until now, schools primarily followed a two-language model in the lower primary grades.

“For Marathi and English medium schools, Hindi will now be introduced as the third language from standard I onward,” the notification stated. “This is in line with the broader goal of multilingual learning under SCF 2024.”

For schools operating in other mediums, the existing three-language format will continue, with students learning their medium of instruction, along with Marathi and English, from standards I to V.

The policy for higher classes — standards VI to X — remains unchanged, with three languages already being part of the curriculum.

An official from the education department explained, “The goal is to strengthen early exposure to multiple languages, helping children become more linguistically versatile from a young age. Introducing Hindi at the foundational level ensures a smoother transition as they progress through higher standards.”

In addition to changes in language instruction, the government will overhaul the overall structure of school education starting from the 2025-26 academic year. The new model will follow the 5+3+3+4 structure, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP).

This framework divides schooling into four stages: the foundational level (kindergarten to class II), preparatory level (classes III to V), middle level (classes VI to VIII), and secondary level (classes IX to XII).

“Terms like primary, secondary, and higher secondary will now be replaced with foundational, preparatory, middle, and secondary levels, reflecting a shift towards a more integrated approach to learning,” the official added.

The reforms are part of a larger effort to modernize the state’s education system and bring it in sync with national academic reforms.