Maharashtra Education Department Reverses Decision on Uniform Exam Schedule and Academic Year Start
Pune, 18th March 2025: In a significant development, the Maharashtra Education Department has retreated from its earlier stance on conducting uniform annual exams across all state board schools from 8th to 25th April and starting the new academic year in April. This decision was met with strong opposition from the Yuva Sena (youth wing of Shiv Sena), which argued that the changes would inconvenience students, parents, and teachers.
The Yuva Sena had demanded a reconsideration of the policy, citing concerns about the impact on students’ health due to the intense heat during April and disruptions to family vacation plans.
The Education Department’s initial plan aimed to streamline the academic calendar, ensuring that all schools follow the same schedule. However, the backlash from stakeholders, including parents and educators, highlighted the practical difficulties and health risks associated with holding exams during the peak summer months.
Following discussions with Yuva Sena representatives, Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh has instructed officials to reconsider the decision, indicating a willingness to engage with stakeholders to find a more acceptable solution, informed Kalpesh Yadav, joint secretary of Yuva Sena.
