Hindi mandatory as third language for classes 1–5 as Maharashtra approves National Education Policy 2020 rollout

Maharashtra makes Hindi as mandatory third language

The Maharashtra government has announced that Hindi would now be made a compulsory third language subject for students of classes 1 to 5. This decision comes as part of the phased implementation of the National Education Policy 2020.

According to the Government Resolution, the students in Marathi and English medium schools will need to learn Hindi from Class 1. For schools with other mediums, Marathi and English will be mandatory subjects and language of instruction would become the third language.

New NEP 2020 roll-out to bring changes in education sector

The NEP is reportedly going to be rolled out in four phases. It will start from Class 1 to 5 in 2025-26. According to a report by Hindustan Times, State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and Balbharati will develop the updated cirriculum, textbooks and supplementary materials. The NEP roll-out will also enforce changes in school timetables and examination polices.

What changes will take place?

Reports have stated that the evaluation process would also see a makeover. The evaluation system would now follow a more holistic model and a system including 'Holistic Progress Card' would be put in place. This system reportedly aims at reducing academic stress while promoting experiential and logical learning.

The change in the curriculum will mark the start of the '5+3+3+4' structure for school education, instead on the ongoing '10+2+3'. The new structure will divide schooling into four stages - the first five years (3 years of pre-primary and Classes 1 and 2) will be the foundational stage, Classes 3 to 5 will be the preparatory stage, Classes 6 to 8 will constitute the middle school stage, and the final four years (Classes 9 to 12) will be secondary education.

The new system will change the way students are assessed and will likely focus on a more holistic rating system of the implementation of the students' learning.