Maharashtra spearheads NEP 2020 implementation, introducing a multilingual curriculum in public schools. The move marks a significant step in India's education reform, sparking national discussion.
Mumbai, February 25, 2026 — Maharashtra has become the first major Indian state to fully implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's multilingual curriculum in all government schools, a landmark move that is reshaping the educational landscape, according to the Times of India.
The NEP 2020, introduced by the central government, aims to overhaul India’s education system with a focus on holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary learning. Maharashtra's swift adoption of the policy’s language reforms has placed it at the forefront of national education transformation.
Under the new guidelines, students from grades 1 to 5 will now receive instruction in their mother tongue, Marathi, or regional language, with English and Hindi introduced as secondary languages. The state education department reports that over 60,000 schools have transitioned to the new model since January 2026.
Background: NEP 2020 and Its Vision
The National Education Policy 2020, approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2020, marked the first major overhaul of India’s education system in over three decades. Its objectives include universal access, equity, and the promotion of Indian languages, as outlined by the Ministry of Education.
A key feature of NEP 2020 is the three-language formula, which encourages instruction in the mother tongue or regional language until at least grade 5, and preferably grade 8. The policy also emphasizes experiential and competency-based learning, teacher training, and digital integration.
Implementation in Maharashtra: Key Steps
Maharashtra’s education minister, Varsha Gaikwad, announced in December 2025 that the state would complete the transition to the NEP’s multilingual curriculum by the start of the 2026 academic year. According to The Hindu, teacher training programs and curriculum revisions were expedited to meet this deadline.
The government allocated ₹1,200 crore for infrastructure upgrades, digital classrooms, and the development of new textbooks in Marathi, Urdu, and other regional languages. Over 200,000 teachers participated in online and in-person workshops conducted by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT).
Challenges and Concerns
Despite the ambitious rollout, the transition has not been without challenges. Some educators expressed concerns about the availability of quality teaching materials in regional languages, while parents in urban centers voiced apprehension over reduced English exposure, as reported by Indian Express.
To address these issues, the state has partnered with NGOs and edtech firms to develop digital resources and supplementary materials. The education department is also conducting regular feedback sessions with teachers and parents to monitor implementation and make adjustments.
National Impact: Setting a Precedent
Maharashtra’s proactive approach has drawn attention from other states, many of which are still in the pilot or planning stages of NEP implementation. According to a recent Ministry of Education report, only 11 states have partially adopted the three-language formula so far.
States like Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh have sent delegations to study Maharashtra’s model, with the aim of replicating its teacher training and curriculum development strategies. The central government has lauded Maharashtra’s efforts, calling it a "model for NEP execution" in a statement issued last week.
Expert Analysis: The Road Ahead
Education experts note that while the multilingual approach promotes inclusivity and cognitive development, sustained investment and monitoring are crucial. Dr. Rukmini Banerji of Pratham Foundation emphasized the need for ongoing teacher support and community engagement, as quoted by The Hindu.
The state government has announced plans for annual assessments to track student progress and curriculum effectiveness. Early data from pilot districts indicate improved classroom participation and comprehension among younger students, according to SCERT’s January 2026 report.
What’s Next: Scaling and Evaluation
Maharashtra’s education department will conduct a comprehensive review of the first semester’s outcomes in June 2026. Findings will inform further curriculum refinement and teacher training initiatives, with a focus on bridging urban-rural disparities.
The central government has indicated plans to use Maharashtra’s experience as a template for a nationwide NEP acceleration program, expected to launch later this year. Stakeholders across India are closely watching the state’s progress as the country moves toward realizing the NEP 2020 vision.
Sources
Information in this article was sourced from The Times of India, The Hindu, Indian Express, Ministry of Education reports, and SCERT Maharashtra publications.Sources: Information sourced from The Times of India, The Hindu, Indian Express, Ministry of Education reports, and SCERT Maharashtra publications.