The Maharashtra government has mandated Hindi as the default third language for students in Classes 1 to 5 across Marathi and English medium schools in a significant change to its school language policy. However, the rule allows flexibility, students may opt for another Indian language if a minimum of 20 students in a class choose to do so. This update comes under the 2024 State Curriculum Framework for School Education and was announced through a new Government Resolution (GR) issued by the School Education and Sports Department.

While Hindi will be the standard option, the policy seeks to respect Maharashtra’s linguistic diversity. If 20 students in a class express interest in a different Indian language, the school is required to arrange a teacher. In cases where a teacher isn't available, online instruction will be provided. The directive balances the Centre’s promotion of Hindi with the state’s commitment to multilingual education. Meanwhile, Marathi will remain a compulsory subject across all schools, regardless of the medium of instruction.

For non-Marathi, non-English medium schools, the three languages to be taught from Classes 1 to 5 will be: the school’s primary language, Marathi, and English. From Class 6 onwards, the language structure will align with the broader 2024 curriculum framework. The Commissioner of Education in Pune has been instructed to oversee immediate implementation, with the GR already dispatched to district collectors, education officers, and municipal bodies. The move is likely to spark political discussion, with leaders such as Raj Thackeray expected to comment on the state’s language policy shift in the coming days.