Maharashtra has introduced a major change in its school education policy, making Hindi a compulsory subject for all students up to Class 10. The state government has stated that this step aligns with the national language policy and aims to build stronger linguistic skills among students. Along with language changes, the policy includes new rules on teacher training, vocational exposure, assessments and school infrastructure requirements.
A change in language rules can impact classroom teaching, textbook decisions, school staffing and even student comfort, especially in non-Hindi speaking districts. At the same time, the new policy brings other reforms that will shape how young learners grow in digital literacy, vocational skills and practical knowledge. Understanding these changes helps parents support their children, and helps teachers prepare for new expectations instead of being surprised later.
Hindi Made Compulsory Till Class 10
Under the revised policy, Hindi will be a mandatory subject from Class 1 to Class 10 in all schools across Maharashtra. This applies to state board schools as well as private and aided institutions. Schools that currently offer Hindi only as an optional language will have to revise their curriculum.
Why the State Took This Decision
- To align with the national education framework encouraging three-language learning
- To ensure students are not disadvantaged in competitive exams that use Hindi
- To promote linguistic familiarity for interstate communication
This decision is likely to affect regions such as Konkan, Western Maharashtra and Marathi-medium schools where students prefer Marathi and English, and Hindi has limited usage at home. Teachers and parents will need clear communication and proper support material to adapt smoothly.
New Focus on Vocational Skills and Early Career Exposure
Another key highlight of the policy is the introduction of vocational learning from Class 6 onward. Students will get exposure to fields like agriculture, basic electronics, retail assistance, digital office skills, tourism, design or local crafts.
How Schools Will Implement This
- Workshops and short courses conducted at school or in nearby industry centres
- Students must take at least one vocational module each year
- Skill-based credits will be counted for promotion
This shift aims to build employment awareness early and reduce the pressure on pure academic performance.
Teacher Training and Certification Changes
The policy introduces stricter norms for teacher recruitment and training.
Key Rules
- All teachers must complete periodic certification courses to stay updated
- School management must provide at least two teacher-training sessions per year
- Digital literacy will be mandatory for teachers handling higher classes
This could enhance teaching quality, especially in remote areas, but it also requires investment and time. Schools may need subsidies or additional support to meet these standards.
Assessment and Exam Reforms
The policy stresses competency-based testing rather than rote memorisation.
Major Changes
- Continuous assessment will carry more weight in final results
- Practical application questions will be included even for language subjects
- Board exams may introduce more analytical and comprehension-based questions
These reforms encourage learning by understanding rather than memorising for marks.
