Maharashtra Government Revises Language Policy: Hindi Default Third Language, Allows Opt-Out with Conditions
Mumbai, June 18, 2025 – In a major update to the state’s education policy, the Maharashtra government has issued a new Government Resolution (GR) dated June 17, 2025, revising the language curriculum for schools. The revised policy designates Hindi as the default third language for students in Marathi and English medium schools from Class 1 to Class 5, while introducing flexibility for students to opt for another Indian language under specific conditions.
Key Changes in the Language Policy
1. Hindi as Default Third Language
As per the State Curriculum Framework – School Education 2024, Hindi will now be the standard third language in Marathi and English medium schools for primary classes (1 to 5). However, the government has introduced an opt-out provision for students who wish to study an alternative Indian language instead of Hindi.
2. Conditions for Choosing Another Language
- A minimum of 20 students per class must opt for an alternative Indian language.
- If the required number of students choose a different language, the school will appoint a dedicated teacher for it.
- If fewer than 20 students opt for another language, it will be taught online.
3. Compulsory Inclusion of Marathi
Regardless of the medium of instruction, Marathi will remain a compulsory language in all schools across Maharashtra.
4. Language Policy for Non-Marathi & Non-English Medium Schools
For schools with other mediums (e.g., Urdu, Gujarati), students from Class 1 to 5 will study:
- The medium language (e.g., Urdu/Gujarati),
- Marathi, and
- English as the three mandatory languages.
For Classes 6 to 10, the language policy will follow the existing State Curriculum Framework.
Implementation & Next Steps
The Commissioner of Education, Maharashtra, has been directed to immediately execute the necessary planning for this policy shift. The GR has been digitally signed and is available on the official Maharashtra government website (www.maharashtra.gov.in) under document reference number: 202506172233593421, or click here to access the government resolution in this regard.
Why This Matters
This revision aims to standardize language education while providing flexibility to accommodate linguistic diversity. By allowing students to choose an alternative Indian language, the policy ensures inclusivity while maintaining the importance of Hindi and Marathi in the state’s academic framework.
Parents and schools are advised to review the official notification and prepare for the upcoming academic changes accordingly.
