Hindi Now Mandatory as Third Language in Maharashtra Schools Under NEP Rollout

Maharashtra Government  Makes Hindi Mandatory as Third Language in Schools, Aligning with NEP 2020 marking an Educational Shift!

Anshu Kashid | Pune| April 18, 2025 : In a significant move related with the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Government of Maharashtra has announced that Hindi will be a compulsory third language in Marathi and English medium schools from 1 to 5 standard. This decision will be implemented from the upcoming academic year.

Currently, students in these schools are only taught Marathi and English in their early years. However, the state government’s latest resolution issued on Thursday confirms the inclusion of Hindi to foster multilingual proficiency among students at a young age.

 Key Highlights:
From 2025–26, the new NEP-based curriculum will be rolled out for Class 1.
In 2026–27, it will expand to Classes 2, 3, 4, and 6.
In 2027–28, it will include Classes 5, 9, and 11.
In 2028–29, **Classes 8, 10, and 12 will adopt the policy.

The three-language formula has already been in practice in schools with mediums other than Marathi and English. Hindi, now being formally introduced in early grades for Marathi and English medium schools, is being promoted as a vital tool of national communication.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has emphasized that this step aligns with NEP goals and is essential for students’ linguistic development. While Marathi has already been made mandatory, this inclusion of Hindi aims to equip students with broader communication skills across the country.

Meanwhile, the move has drawn criticism from opposition leaders. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar expressed concerns, stating that it could undermine “Marathi pride.”