Maharashtra’s draft curriculum framework drops third language for Classes 3 to 10

The State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has released a draft curriculum for school education, wherein only two languages are included for all Classes from 3 to 10. The decision has sparked concerns, which comes after the withdrawal of Hindi as a third language in primary classes of Maharashtra.

According to The Indian Express reports, it includes two languages for the preparatory stage – Classes 3 to 5 – and middle school – Classes 6 to 8 – and secondary school from Classes 9 to 10. SCERT has also invited suggestions from stakeholders for the draft curriculum framework for Classes 3 to 10, before the last date, August 27.

Regarding the missing 3rd language from Classes 3 to 10, SCERT has also released a note along with the draft, stating that a committee has been appointed under the chairmanship of Narendra Jadhav. The existing system will continue with the decisions of the state’s government.

Previously, the state government decided to withdraw GRs on the implementation of the third language policy and the introduction of Hindi language in schools from Classes 1 to 5.

3rd Language Policy: Concerns among teachers

Mahendra Ganpule, from the Maharashtra School Principals’ Association said: “The note insists that until then existing practice will continue. But the draft is for the upcoming structure for these classes as per the NEP recommendations. But this missing mention of language three, which has always been part of the curriculum for higher classes, definitely leaves room for confusion,” as per the official IE reports.

The coordinator of the Shikshan Vikas Manch, a consortium of teachers and educationists from Maharashtra, Madhav Suryawanshi, said: “Owing to this confusion and for other discussions, the consortium is going to hold an online session for teachers across state to get more clarity by resolving doubts with experts.”

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New subject for Classes 6 to 10

According to the IE reports, the SCERT draft is prepared based on the state curriculum framework prepared in 2024, as recommended by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The list entails names of 20 subjects for all classes from 3 to 10, with the addition of new subjects such as vocational education, apart from conventional subjects. Notably, the subject Environmental Studies for Classes 3 to 5 will be replaced with ‘The World Around Us (TWAU), as per media reports.