Maharashtra Makes Hindi Mandatory as Third Language in Schools Under New Education Policy

Introduction: A Major Language Policy Shift in Maharashtra Schools

In a key policy shift aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Maharashtra government has made Hindi a mandatory third language in all schools affiliated with the state board. This directive, which takes effect from Classes 1 to 5, will apply to both Marathi-medium and English-medium schools across the state.

The announcement was formalized through a Government Resolution (GR) issued by the School Education and Sports Department on June 18, 2025. The move aims to foster multilingual competence among young learners and ensure a uniform language policy under the updated state curriculum.

Structure of the New Language Policy

Under the revised structure:

• Marathi remains the first language in all schools.
• English or Hindi will serve as the second language, depending on the medium of instruction.
• Hindi will be compulsory as a third language, regardless of the school’s medium.
   

This policy affects all schools that follow the Maharashtra State Board curriculum, making it a comprehensive shift for the state’s education system.

Implementation Timeline: From Class 1 to 5

The policy applies to Classes 1 through 5, making Hindi instruction compulsory from the early foundational years of education. By targeting younger students, the government aims to strengthen basic multilingual proficiency before they transition to higher classes, where language complexity increases.

Although the GR doesn’t specify an implementation phase-in year-by-year, schools are expected to begin integration immediately, in alignment with the 2025-26 academic session.

Rationale: Alignment with National Education Policy 2020

The decision is rooted in the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes early exposure to multiple languages to enhance cognitive development and cultural awareness.

NEP 2020 advocates for the three-language formula, recommending that students learn two native Indian languages and one international or national language. Maharashtra’s adaptation follows this framework closely, with Marathi, Hindi, and English forming the core linguistic base.

By aligning with the NEP’s goals, Maharashtra positions itself as a state committed to education reform and national integration, while also promoting the functional utility of Hindi across diverse regions.

Medium-Specific Language Rules Explained

To clarify how the new policy will operate based on a school’s medium of instruction:

• In Marathi-medium schools:
   
  • First language: Marathi
  • Second language: English
  • Third language: Hindi (mandatory)
     
• In English-medium schools:
   
  • First language: Marathi
  • Second language: English
  • Third language: Hindi (mandatory)
     

This ensures that all students, regardless of their school’s primary language, gain proficiency in Hindi, in addition to the regional language (Marathi) and a global language (English).

Provisions for Additional Languages

For students interested in learning languages beyond the mandatory three, the policy provides a flexible provision:

If a school receives requests from at least 20 students interested in studying an additional language, it may initiate a separate class for that language.

This opens up possibilities for learning Sanskrit, Urdu, French, German, or regional languages such as Gujarati, Kannada, or Telugu, depending on the student's interest and the school's resources.

The inclusion ensures that language diversity is preserved and that students are not restricted in their linguistic aspirations beyond the mandated curriculum.

Impact on Schools: Curriculum and Staffing Adjustments

Schools will need to make significant curriculum adjustments, especially those that previously offered Hindi only as an elective or not at all. Key areas of change include:

• Hiring qualified Hindi teachers for primary grades
• Updating textbooks and learning materials
• Revising timetables to accommodate an additional language period
• Training existing faculty to manage multilingual classrooms
   

For many English-medium institutions, which may have prioritized English and Marathi, the inclusion of Hindi as a mandatory language will require operational restructuring before the academic year begins.

Cultural and Educational Significance

This decision reflects broader cultural and educational goals. Hindi, being one of the most spoken languages in India, holds national significance. Introducing it early can help:

• Improve communication skills across states
• Enhance national mobility for students
• Promote cultural understanding beyond regional boundaries
   

Moreover, the cognitive benefits of multilingualism are well documented—children who learn multiple languages at a young age tend to demonstrate better memory, critical thinking, and creativity.

Concerns and Considerations

While the policy aims for inclusivity and linguistic strength, concerns may arise among educators and parents, particularly in non-Hindi-speaking regions of Maharashtra, where local dialects or regional languages are more prevalent. School administrations will need to:

• Communicate policy changes clearly to parents
• Offer academic support to students who may struggle with a third language
• Ensure that language inclusion does not affect performance in other subjects
   

The GR does not currently address whether students transferring in from other boards or states will receive transitional support, an area that may need clarification as implementation begins.

Conclusion: A Multilingual Future for Maharashtra’s Students

The Maharashtra government’s move to make Hindi a mandatory third language is a bold step in reforming the state’s education system, in line with the vision of NEP 2020. With careful implementation, adequate teacher support, and parental engagement, the policy has the potential to enhance linguistic skills, foster national unity, and prepare students for a more interconnected India.

As classrooms evolve to embrace multilingual education, students in Maharashtra will be better equipped for cultural diversity, academic mobility, and future career opportunities across state and national boundaries.