The new structure aims to modernise the education system and align it with the vision of providing quality, inclusive, and affordable education to all, officials said
The NEP introduces a transformative ‘5+3+3+4’ school education structure, replacing the traditional 10+2 system. Representational Pic/File/iStock
In a significant move to transform the educational landscape, the Maharashtra government, through a Government Resolution (GR) dated April 16, 2025, has officially announced the phased implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Beginning with the academic year 2025–26, the state will gradually introduce a new curriculum aligned with NEP’s progressive 5+3+3+4 structure, replacing the long-standing 10+2+3 model.
"Education for all, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability are the five foundational pillars of this policy," the resolution states, underlining its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), targeted for achievement by 2030.
As per the GR issued by the state education department, Class 1 will adopt the revised curriculum in 2025-26. This will be followed by Classes 2, 3, 4, and 6 in 2026-27, Classes 5, 7, 9, and 11 in 2027-28, and finally, Classes 8, 10, and 12 in 2028-29. The foundational stages - Balvatika 1, 2, and 3 - will be implemented in coordination with the Department of Women and Child Development, under a separate directive.
Approved by the Union Cabinet on July 29, 2020, NEP 2020 replaces policies last revised in 1968 and 1986, heralding a paradigm shift in India’s approach to education. Maharashtra now joins 23 other states in adopting the NCERT-developed textbooks and curriculum, which will be localised to reflect the state's cultural and educational context.
The new academic structure classifies learners into four developmental stages: the Foundational Stage (ages 3-8), comprising Balvatika and Classes 1-2; the Preparatory Stage (ages 8-11), covering Classes 3–5; the Middle Stage (ages 11-14), including Classes 6 - 8; and the Secondary Stage (ages 14-18), encompassing Classes 9 -12. These terms will officially replace the existing designations of primary, secondary, and higher secondary in the state’s educational lexicon.
To support this transition, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Maharashtra, has already developed revised State Curriculum Frameworks (SCFs) for both foundational and school education stages. These have been approved by the State Steering Committee chaired by the Minister of School Education.
The new curriculum is designed to promote experiential and joyful learning, reduce rote content, and focus on core competencies such as literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and values-based education. Under the updated language policy, Hindi will be introduced as the third language in Marathi and English medium schools from Classes 1 to 5. Students in other medium schools will study their medium language along with Marathi and English from Class 1 onward.
To aid students transitioning into the new curriculum, bridge courses (Setu Abhyas) will be developed for all relevant classes. Textbooks will be made available in all required languages and distributed by Balbharati, the state textbook bureau. Renowned educators and subject matter experts will contribute to textbook and content creation, ensuring alignment with both learning outcomes and NEP standards.
“Assessment practices are also set to evolve. SCERT will release guidelines based on the Holistic Progress Card (HPC) model, ensuring that evaluation goes beyond academics to include emotional and social development. Class schedules, teaching periods, and school calendars will also be realigned to reflect the new structure,” said a senior official from SCERT.
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