New Curriculum Draft for Maharashtra Schools Prioritises Skills, Not Rote Learning
Pune, 30th July 2025: In a major shift from traditional classroom practices, the Maharashtra State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has released the draft of the new State Curriculum Framework (SCF), aimed at revamping how students are taught and assessed in government schools.
The proposed framework places a stronger focus on skill-based and holistic learning rather than memorisation. Traditional report cards will make way for 360-degree progress assessments, streamlined syllabi, and project-based learning models.
New Model for Learning and Evaluation
“The assessment system now seeks to track a child’s critical thinking and personal growth alongside academic performance,” said SCERT Director Rahul Rekhawar. “We’ve attempted to strike a balance between formative (ongoing) and summative (final) evaluations to give a more complete picture of student development.”
According to Rekhawar, this draft is one of the most thorough revisions the state has undertaken in years. “We’ve ensured that various stakeholders—teachers, experts, and administrators—were involved in shaping the framework. But we must also invest in continuous teacher training and monitoring to see this vision succeed,” he added.
Challenges in Implementation
While the new curriculum marks a progressive step, educators have raised concerns about the groundwork needed to implement it effectively. Adapting to interdisciplinary teaching and providing personalised feedback in large, diverse classrooms could pose significant challenges.
Multilingual, Stress-Free Learning Environment
The draft also encourages the use of mother tongues and regional languages, especially in the foundational years. Multilingual instruction is expected to help students understand subjects better while reducing academic stress. The framework outlines subject-specific and grade-wise content reductions to make learning more manageable.
Bridging the Gap Between Curriculum and Competitive Exams
Mukund Kirdat, a member of the AAP Parents’ Union, pointed out a disconnection between the school curriculum and competitive entrance exams. “Students often abandon college classes in favour of coaching centres due to this gap. Meanwhile, students in the arts and commerce streams are left out of the exam-focused system altogether,” he said.
Kirdat urged reforms in entrance exam formats, stating, “The objective, multiple-choice structure should be reworked to test comprehension and application of knowledge. Only then can we reduce the dependence on private coaching.”
Way Forward
The draft curriculum envisions teachers as facilitators rather than mere transmitters of information, calling for improvements in pedagogy and classroom management techniques. SCERT officials have invited feedback from educators and stakeholders before the framework is finalised.
